State officials and consumer advocates are urging individuals in Maine who have lost money in bitcoin-related scams to act quickly, as the opportunity for refunds will end on April 1. AARP Maine, alongside the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection, has highlighted that eligible consumers can recover losses through a $1.9 million settlement resulting from a two-year investigation into bitcoin kiosk activities within the state.
The agreement, facilitated by the bureau and the Maine Attorney General’s Office, pertains to a bitcoin kiosk operator who has committed to reimbursing consumers affected by fraudulent transactions at specific kiosks.
“Scammers often pressure people to act quickly and secretly, and bitcoin kiosks have become a common tool in these schemes,” said Jane Margesson, senior communications director with AARP Maine. “If you or someone you know lost money because of a bitcoin scam, this settlement may provide a rare opportunity to recover those losses — but the deadline to apply is coming up fast.”
Edward Myslik, a principal consumer credit examiner with the bureau, emphasized the importance of not dismissing eligibility. “Mainers who were victimized by these scams should not assume they are ineligible,” Myslik stated. “We encourage anyone who believes they may have been affected to review the information and submit an application as soon as possible.”
Officials have outlined that consumers can apply for refunds from the settlement fund through April 1. Complete details regarding eligibility requirements and the application process can be accessed through the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection.
Individuals with questions are encouraged to reach out to the bureau by phone. Furthermore, resources aimed at preventing scams are available through the AARP Fraud Watch Network. For ongoing coverage of local stories, residents can engage with the NEWS CENTER Maine+ streaming app. Additionally, for the latest updates on breaking news, weather, and traffic alerts, the NEWS CENTER Maine mobile app is a valuable tool.
