BEVERLY, Mass. (WWLP) - Police in Beverly were able to recover $21,000 for victims of Bitcoin schemes.  Chicopee police saved elderly resident from Bitcoin scheme The Beverly Police Department states that the investigation started late last year when three Beverly residents, ages 80, 8 3 and 90, were tricked into depositing cash into Bitcoin ATMs. Those residents quickly reported the scheme, and police were able to obtain warrants to seize the ATM machines.  The department states that these machines are often emptied daily, so quick reporting of a potential crime is important. They have also seized more than $150,000 that has not yet been ordered returned by courts, in addition to the over $21,000 in funds that was recently ordered returned to victims. “It was absolutely critical that these scams were reported within 24 hours of the time residents were victimized,” said Chief LeLacheur. “Once that cash has been emptied out, there is little police or prosecutors can do to get the cash returned.” The Beverly Police Department provides the following safety tips from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help residents recognize and prevent such schemes: Schemers pretend to be from an organization you know. They might use a real name, like the Social Security Administration, the IRS, or Medicare, or make up a name that sounds official. Some pretend to be from a business you know, like a utility company, a tech company, or even a charity asking for donations. Schemers say there’s a problem or prize. They might say you’re in trouble with the government, that you owe money, that someone in your family had an emergency, or that there’s a virus on your computer. Some schemers say there’s a problem with one of your accounts and that you need to verify some information. Others will lie and say you won money in a lottery or sweepstakes but have to pay a fee to get it. Schemers pressure you to act immediately. They might tell you not to hang up so you can’t check out their story. They might threaten to arrest you, sue you, take away your driver’s or business license, or deport you. They might say your computer is about to be corrupted. Schemers tell you to pay in a specific way. They often insist that you pay by sending money through Bitcoin, a money transfer company or by putting money on a gift card and then giving them the number on the back. Some will send you a check (that will later turn out to be fake), tell you to deposit it, and then send them money. Residents who believe they may have fallen victim to such scheme can contact the Beverly Police Department at 978-922-1212. Local News Headlines Massachusetts audit reveals $2M state benefits fraud, SNAP leads Beverly police recover $21,000 for senior victims of Bitcoin schemes Vehicle for missing New Hampshire woman found in Massachusetts West Side Creamy Cones opening second location in Chicopee WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less