American consumers lost over $333 million to scams involving Bitcoin ATMs in 2025, according to newly released FBI data-a dramatic increase from the $250 million reported in 2024[[1]]. The anonymity offered by these kiosks has made them a prime target for fraudsters, with authorities noting a “clear and constant rise” in related crimes[[1]]. As investigations and lawsuits targeting ATM operators intensify, regulators are grappling with how to protect consumers while navigating the evolving cryptocurrency market[[2]].
Jakarta –
The FBI has revealed that fraud involving Bitcoin ATMs cost Americans over $333.5 million in 2025, a significant increase fueled by the growing popularity of cryptocurrency.
The surge in losses, which totaled $333.5 million from January to November 2025 alone, marks a dramatic jump from the $250 million reported in 2024 and more than doubles the figures from the previous year, according to data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
With over 45,000 Bitcoin ATMs now operating across the United States, these kiosks allow users to deposit cash and instantly send funds to digital wallets worldwide. This speed and relative anonymity have made them a favored tool for scammers, as tracing and recovering funds after a transaction is exceedingly difficult.
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Amy Nofziger, Director of Victim Support at AARP, stated that requests for payment via cryptocurrency are now the primary method used by criminals. The increasing prevalence of these scams is particularly concerning for elderly individuals, who are often targeted.
Authorities are responding to the growing problem. In September, the Attorney General for Washington D.C. filed a lawsuit against Athena Bitcoin, one of the largest Bitcoin ATM operators in the U.S., alleging the company profited from hidden fees charged to fraud victims. The lawsuit claims that 93% of transactions conducted at Athena machines in the region were linked to scams, with the median age of victims being 71 years old.
Athena Bitcoin has denied the allegations, asserting that it has implemented preventative measures, including clear warnings and consumer education initiatives. However, calls for stricter regulation are gaining momentum. AARP is advocating for limitations on daily deposit amounts at Bitcoin ATMs, and at least 17 states have already introduced new regulations, while several cities are considering outright bans.
The rise in Bitcoin ATM fraud underscores the challenges regulators face in balancing innovation with consumer protection in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape. The substantial financial losses reported by the FBI highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and preventative measures to safeguard vulnerable populations.
(ily/hns)
