Tasmanian scam victims lost more than $1.5 million through cryptocurrency ATMs in just three months earlier this year.

Tasmania Police uncovered the losses as part of a national crackdown on criminals using the machines to take money from scam victims.

Police say scammers are directing victims of romance, investment and recovery scams to crypto ATMs to deposit cash.

Detective Sergeant Paul Turner said scammers often sent victims to the machines after their bank questioned or blocked a transfer.

“In many cases, scammers directed victims to cryptocurrency ATMs after they encountered resistance or questioning from their financial institution when attempting to transfer funds,” he said.