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Scammers are the worst. They often prey on the elderly and people who aren’t versed with modern technology, which is just so terrible. Now, an elderly Michigan couple has lost more than a third of a million dollars in an ATM and Bitcoin scam. Here’s how to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

According to WILX (via UpperMichigansSource.com), detectives at the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office reported a Grand Traverse County couple lost $350,000 in terrible fraud case.

“It’s frustrating to lose money, but it’s also when you see people taken advantage of it’s difficult to watch,” Lt. Brandon Brinks told WILX. He stated the couple made multiple withdraws from a variety of banks to transfer money to coin flip, an ATM that works with bitcoin. “We’re getting money sent through Western Union wires and Green Dot cards and Walmart gift cards,” Brinks added. “There’s just there’s no end to the way that people find to have money transferred once you withdraw it from your bank.”

To avoid being scammed, Lieutenant Brinks says you should always phone a business directly from a number listed on their website.

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Anne Erickson's love for music drew her into radio. She started on the airwaves shortly after graduating from MSU. Anne has a passion for rock and metal, and she also fronts the band Upon Wings. Email Anne at erickson@WRIF.com, follow her on Instagram at @EricksonAnne and tweet at her @AnneErickson! Anne covers the Detroit, Philadelphia and Las Vegas markets and beyond.

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