- Crypto ATM scams surged in 2025 as criminals exploited speed, fear, and irreversibility
- Older Americans suffered the largest losses as scammers used urgency and impersonation
- States pushed stricter crypto ATM rules, adding limits and delays to curb losses
Cryptocurrency ATM scams expanded across multiple U.S. states in 2025, causing steep financial losses and renewed regulatory pressure. Law enforcement agencies report that criminals increasingly target older Americans through fear-based tactics.
These schemes push victims to move cash quickly through crypto kiosks. Consequently, losses tied to crypto ATM fraud surged nationwide, despite growing public warnings and enforcement efforts.
Related: Missouri Attorney General Probes Bitcoin ATM Firms Over Growing Scam Reports
Federal data shows that crypto ATM scams drained hundreds of millions of dollars from U.S. consumers in 2025. The trend reflects a shift in scam methods rather than new fraud techniques.
Criminals now favor crypto kiosks because transactions move quickly and remain difficult to reverse. Hence, even brief delays often determine whether a victim loses life savings.
Florida Incident Highlights Growing Threat
A recent case in Sunrise, Florida, underscored how fast these scams unfold. Police intervened after family members noticed unusual bank withdrawals.
Officers stopped an elderly resident from sending more than $50,000 through a crypto ATM. The victim believed a fake bank alert demanded urgent action.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, crypto ATM scams caused nearly $250 million in losses during 2024. From January through November 2025, losses rose to $333 million. Significantly, older adults account for most reported cases. Scammers rely on urgency, fear, and authority impersonation to bypass rational decision-making.
Losses Rise Even as Reports Decline
Some cities recorded fewer scam reports but higher financial damage. In Lincoln, Nebraska, reported crypto scams declined slightly in 2025. However, total losses climbed from $3.1 million to $4.4 million. Each victim lost nearly $35,000 on average.
Additionally, Lincoln officials placed warning notices on every crypto ATM. Reports fell sharply in the final months of 2025. Police credited consistent public awareness for the decline. Consequently, officials now view kiosk warnings as an effective prevention tool.
Related: Australia Seeks to Restrict or Ban Crypto ATMs After 85% Scam-Linked Use
Wyoming authorities report similar concerns. Cheyenne residents lost more than $666,000 to crypto ATM scams between 2024 and 2025. Law enforcement suspects actual losses remain higher due to underreporting. Many victims avoid filing complaints due to embarrassment or smaller losses.
States Push for Regulation and Consumer Protection
Several states now pursue tighter oversight of crypto kiosks. Wyoming lawmakers consider a bill that would license machines and limit daily transactions. The proposal would also require disclosures, fee caps, and refund options. Advocates argue that short delays help victims reconsider rushed transfers.
Moreover, Maine reached a $1.9 million settlement with Bitcoin Depot to compensate defrauded consumers. State officials strengthened kiosk oversight laws in 2024 and expanded protections in 2025. These rules cap fees, limit transfers, and improve refund access.
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Source: https://coinedition.com/crypto-atm-scams-surge-across-u-s-as-2025-losses-reach-333-million/
