The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office is warning about a rise in scams involving Bitcoin ATMs.

Scammers are coercing victims into withdrawing large sums of cash and depositing it into Bitcoin ATMs, or BTMs, Attorney General Dave Sunday said. The scammers then instruct victims to send a QR code, giving the criminals access to the funds.

"Scammers will try to alarm, scare, and persuade you to take sudden action — before you are able to stop and realize you are being scammed," Sunday said in a news release.

The scams often begin with unsolicited calls, texts, emails, social media messages or computer pop-ups. Scammers may use personal information to gain the victim's trust, such as knowledge of their bank.

Sunday offered the following advice:

• Never click links or respond to unexpected calls, texts, emails or pop-ups. Contact the company or agency directly using contact information from their official website.
• Slow down. Scammers pressure victims to act quickly. Consult with a trusted person before taking action.
• Never withdraw cash in response to an unexpected request.
• Real businesses and government agencies do not request payment via Bitcoin, gift cards or wire transfers.
• Urge banks to implement additional fraud prevention measures.

"Real law enforcement and real bank personnel would never rush you," Sunday said.

Consumers who believe they have been targeted can contact the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection online, by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov, or by calling 1-800-441-2555.