Was in the variety store today, and there was a confused man trying to figure out the bitcoin ATM. Someone on the phone was giving him instructions. ...

He scanned a QR code and started reaching in his pocket. I intervened and asked him if he was paying the "government"

He shushed me and waved his hand as if I would get him in trouble. I quickly pointed to the sticker on the machine that said "CRA or RCMP do not demand payment by bitcoin. You are likely a victim of fraud."

That got him to listen. Meanwhile, the guy on the phone is pushing him to make the deposit. I said "You're being robbed!" He told the guy on the phone to call back.

It took about 10 minutes of me and the clerk to talk him down. He was convinced he was going to be arrested. He was an older Philipino man who hadn't developed an understanding of how our system works. He believed that the Government would just have him arrested.

Phone dude called back. I answered and told him that I explained the fraud, and gave him a few choice phrases. He demanded I Identify myself, and that police were on the way.

Victim was not a wealthy man. Phone guy had been working him for 8 hours. Took a day off the job site to go to the bank. Paid 50 bucks cab fair to get to the bitcoin ATM.

Gave him a ride home. They nearly got him for 2500, which was all the bank would give him. Money for his family in the Phillipines.

He wanted to buy me dinner, pay for gas, and offer his prayers for my family. I accepted the prayers. I relish the disappointment of the fraudster who was mere seconds from a jackpot. /end

Addendum: If you see someone who doesn't seem to belong at the bitcoin machine or buying apple store cards in large quantities - don't be afraid to speak up. They probable need your help. And, you get to ruin a scammer's day.

Pure luck. A minute either way and we would have missed it.