iN NUMBERS: British Columbians support banning crypto ATMs over links to crime

Cryptocurrency is a polarizing subject. Some people think it’s a way to democratize the world’s financial system, others think it’s a cesspool for scammers and money launderers, and a lot of people are still confused about what it even is.

The federal government has proposed a ban on ATMs that allow people to convert cash to cryptocurrencies because a lot of scammers use the machines to defraud their victims.

The majority of British Columbians are on board with the ban, especially since the province has already outlawed cryptocurrency mining.

Here are the numbers from a ResearchCo. poll:

• 61: Per cent of British Columbians polled said they don’t know much about Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
• 51: Per cent of British Columbians polled said they have an unfavourable view of cryptocurrency.
• 35: Per cent of British Columbians polled said cryptocurrency has created more street-level crime.
• 58: Per cent of British Columbians polled said they believe cryptocurrency is used to launder money.
• 59: Per cent of British Columbians polled would support a federal ban on Crypto ATMs.
• 69: Cryptocurrency ATMs are in the B.C. Southern Interior, according to Coin ATM Radar.
• 4: Years ago B.C. suspended cryptocurrency mining because it uses a lot of electricity.
• 176: Million dollars. That was the fine handed down to a B.C. incorporated cryptocurrency firm, Xeltox Enterprises, over money-laundering concerns.
• 1: Month ago BC RCMP warned people that scammers impersonating police were seeking cryptocurrency.