WASHINGTON – Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, could soon come under government regulation, according to International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde.

She said the IMF is trying to prevent digital currencies from being used to launder money or finance terrorism.

The currencies mostly operate without regulation and that's been the case since Bitcoin debuted back in 2009. However, governments and central banks are starting to pay attention and they are also are warning investors about potential scams.