My very first attempt at using a bitcoin atm ultimately turned out to be my very last. Like many, I'm fairly new to the cryptocurrency market, at current, I've only began to delve into the innovative crypto world about 2 months ago. Initially, I would use coinbase and just purchase bitcoins via debit card. But, with the outrageous fees, and cost of sending money, I decided to take a stand. I searched for the nearest bitcoin ATM near me, and decided to set out on my 8 mile journey.
Once arriving to the gas station that hosted the ATM, the entire process took less than 5 mins, entered in my phone number, received a text, and unknowingly departed ways forever with my hard earned money.
So, after the 1 hour window, I checked my wallet with the expectation that my coins had arrived -- Nothing. "It must just be a delay due to high traffic." I professed, certainly I hadn't been ripped off. Another hour comes and goes uneventfully, and I begin to grow concerned. I search for my receipt and manually verify each letter of my bitcoin wallet address, everything checks out. I search blockchain, Nothing, I try calling the 800 number that was shown on the receipt, it turns out it's a text only 800 number (wtf?). Nonetheless I pursue my only viable option at this point.
After sending 4 text periodically I finally receive a text back....
Wonderful, he's been out to dinner. Up until this point I had no idea the ATM in question was a solo operation. Nevertheless, given the circumstances, I could understand. He went on to say that for some reason the que, had bumped me out for that hour and he would be manually sending over the bitcoins now.
Again, two hours go by, nothing, 3, 4, 5 Nothing. By this time it's well into after midnight, so I decide to go to sleep bitcoin-less. The following morning, I still hadn't received anything, so I began to text him once again. After the magic 4th text, I get a response, he says they've been sent to the night prior, and provided me with a blockchain link to verify.
The nightmare then gets worse, after checking the blockchain address, I see that he sent them to the WRONG ADDRESS! I immediately notify him of his error, and I get no response. Again, and again, and then after the 4th text he responds with "You've never used my ATM". At this point I'm in disbelief, I text him photo's of the receipt, the text, and the text response code. About an hour goes by, and he finally returns my text....
At this point, I'm furious, but hopeful, because I just want my bitcoins. Finally, after about 20 mins, I was able to see my nightmare had come to an end, the transaction was finally visible on blockchain, and in my wallet shortly after.
Given the circumstances surrounding my first bitcoin ATM attempt it will be a cold day in hell before I ever attempt to try to use bitcoin again.
Hey, that's not how an ATM is supposed to work! We're very sorry to hear you had such a bad experience with this ATM. Do you mind sharing the operator details and ATM model? (or location, I will be able to lookup model) I'm curious as it must be possible to automate / improve this process. Purchasing cryptocurrencies should be fast and easy on all ATMs. The other way around (crypto to cash) usually is harder and if the operator did not configure the machine in the optimal way, this process can take up to 20 minutes to complete as the machine will need to sell any coins it receives on an exchange before it will dispense cash (in most cases)