What can we do?
When discussing cryptocurrency scams and crypto ATMs, it’s a question I hear all the time.
No one acting in good faith needs a crypto ATM for legitimate purposes. The fees are astronomically high. Why would any consumer pay 30–50% usage fees when they can complete the same transactions elsewhere at a fraction of the cost? It doesn’t make sense.
*** If anyone tells you to send money via a crypto ATM, it's probably a scam. ***
How do we protect our citizens from these crypto ATMs - especially the most vulnerable: seniors, who are disproportionately targeted and harmed by fraud?
First, what NOT to do: don’t unplug, pry open, or tamper with these machines - you will get sued. That’s a fact.
I get it - the money is in there. Your victim’s money. It’s frustrating, but I promise you, the lawsuit will be much worse.
The federal government won’t act. There’s been talk, but it’s lip service that never sees a vote.
Some states have tried, but too many measures are just licensing fees or taxes - a revenue play that does nothing for consumer protection. A few states actually get it right and require real protections - transaction limits, clear on‑machine warnings, and better cooperation with law enforcement. But those are the exception, not the rule.
Waiting on the federal government or your state to tighten the rules means more victims.
The answer? Regulate at the city level. Local governments can move faster and tailor rules to real‑world harms.
My recommendation: an outright ban.
Ban the machines and you’ll see an immediate drop in these crimes in your city.
Is this possible? Yes - and it’s already being done.
Look at Spokane, Washington. Their City Council voted to ban crypto ATMs after extensive testimony about fraud and consumer harm. That’s a community choosing to protect its residents.
Read more here:
https://t.co/3xZRdpYsEa
If your community has crypto‑ATMs, this is your solution. Organize, bring the data, brief your council, and pass targeted, enforceable protections — especially to safeguard our seniors. If this makes sense to you, please share this post and help other cities empower their councils to act. Local action works.
#Cryptocurrency #Fraud #Scams #CryptoATM #CryptoScams #FraudPrevention #ElderFraud #Mayor
We are offering a special 3-hour Presentation Skills Workshop on July 20 in Cape Elizabeth, Maine for $25 for anyone interesting in learning how to be a better speaker. From understanding your audience to effectively using tools like PowerPoint, this course is packed with practical tips to make you more effective.
Register at https://t.co/qoflh3C0Fu
#publicspeaking #presentationskills
Bringing this back for #NationalFentanylAwarenessDay Brian Townsend's (@Eagle6Training) 1 minute summary of the fentanyl crisis.
What started as a "light hearted take on myths of LE" got serious at around 8:35 - and #IsItJustMe? was too important to cut:
https://t.co/eywWzNAkaN
I will be a speaker and panelist for the Prescription Misuse/Fentanyl Awareness Town Hall in Joplin, MO on May 4th from 6-8pm.
I hope to see you there!
#joplinmo#fentanyl#opioidcrisis
This program is taught by two retired DEA Special Agents with decades of experience and covers resiliency, communication, leadership, psychological safety, decision making, critical thinking, and adaptability.
Learn more or register at
https://t.co/sI3U0t1Ign
March was a busy month for me with seven opioid/fentanyl presentations. I was at the Kansas Narcotics Officers Association annual conference; York County Community College in Wells, Maine; Kansas City (Missouri) PD Regional Police Academy; Fairfax County (Virginia) Fire & Rescue Department; and Alexandria (Virginia) Sheriff's Office.
I have now presented this program in six states to hundreds of people that have hopefully taken the knowledge and conversation much further.
My next scheduled event is May 4th in Joplin, Missouri. I will be a speaker and panelist for a prescription misuse & fentanyl awareness town hall that evening.
If your agency or organization is interested in a comprehensive presentation on opioids/fentanyl, let me know. There is no cost.
The outline and additional information can be found at https://t.co/tsLcyPGGj7
Although this flyer/training date is specifically for law enforcement, we offer the same type of training for everyone. We are all being asked to do more with less and many people are burning out. Let's talk about resiliency and moving from surviving to thriving and the importance of leadership and psychological safety.
Contact us for more information!
https://t.co/NHlBetrbT9
Retired DEA Special Agent Brian Townsend will be providing a Opioids & Fentanyl presentation on Friday, March 17 from 9am-12 at the York County Community College in Wells, ME.
This is free and open to the public.
Learn more & register here -
https://t.co/pZhUnQRGT8
#fentanyl
Leadership matters. Learn to avoid crisis through effective communication, adaptability, critical thinking, and decision making.
Learn more - https://t.co/JLaR8CsDf7
#mainepolice#leadership