The victims were duped in sophisticated scams involving a fake PayPal customer service representative, a Facebook message about a “compromised” account, and an email soliciting payment to get rid of a computer virus, prosecutors said.

Cryptocurrency is digital currency that operates on blockchain networks, a database that stores information, such as the value of a transcaction, in blocks.

The fraud was carried out via crypto-ATMS at convenience stores and gas stations in Danvers, Lynnfield, and New Hampshire, Tucker’s office said.

Cryptocurrency ATMS are kiosks that allow customers to exchange cash for electronic money like Bitcoin. They are often located in convenience stores and resemble bank ATMS.

Because of crypto runs on rapid…