Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson has a warning for Mississippians.Watson said there is an increase in scams involving Bitcoin ATMs, which are used to buy cryptocurrencies using cash or a debit card. The ATMs are in some convenience stores, malls and other high-traffic areas."Our office has continued to see an uptick in securities-related scams, and we encourage Mississippians to exercise caution when investing hard-earned dollars. With the ever-changing landscape of technology, including cryptocurrency and Bitcoin, we must remain vigilant," Watson said.While Watson didn’t detail the scams, he did offer some advice to avoid being a victim. Never click on links or respond directly to unexpected calls, messages, or computer pop-ups. If you think it could be legitimate, contact the company or agency directly through its official phone number and/or website instead of the link provided. Slow down. Scammers want to rush consumers. Before making hasty decisions, speak with someone you trust or call our office. Never withdraw cash in response to an unexpected call or message. A trusted source will never make that request.Be cautious if someone tells you information is a secret or cannot be shared with anyone. This is always a red flag because scammers use this method to isolate individuals from trusted resources.If someone claims to be a financial broker or advisor, verify his or her status by contacting the Secretary of State's Office or use the online search tool.