Bitcoin ATM Scams Cost Americans $333 Million as Fraud Surges Nationwide

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, fraudsters used bitcoin ATMs to defraud Americans of over $333 million in 2025. 

According to new FBI statistics:

Fraudulent transactions using cryptocurrency kiosks show a “clear and constant rise” that’s “not slowing down.”

This represents a significant increase over prior years as the popularity of cryptocurrencies keeps rising.

The targeted kiosks numbering more than 45,000 in the country allowed fraudsters to remit money to untraceable online wallets thus creating a cycle of crime.  

Weakening the security of Transactions

The observers recognize a methodical style when the criminals pretend to be law enforcement or federal officers and contact the potential victims, cause anxiety by creating a false emergency, and give orders, like withdrawing money at banks, attacking nearby ATMs, or scanning a QR code. 

The top three cybercrimes, by number of complaints reported by victims in 2024, were phishing/spoofing, extortion, and personal data breaches. 

Victims of investment fraud, specifically those involving crypto currency, reported the most losses totaling over $6.5 billion.

93% of the transactions made at the Athena Bitcoin machines in the Washington, D.C. district were associated with fraud, according to a lawsuit filed in September by the Attorney General of the city.  

Demographic Effect and New Trends

According to the statistics, the most at-risk group is made-up of seniors, with an average age of the victims being 71; older people are the most adversely affected in terms of the financial harm. 

On the other hand, the generation of Z is the cohort with the highest victimization speed on the Internet. 

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), in its turn, has urged to introduce the daily deposit limit, whereas over 15 states have issued the regulatory provisions or an outright ban on these equipment.  

Future Directions and Call for Vigilance

Stricter regulation is expected in 2026, including the intensive block tracing technology and federal limits on transaction volumes. 

However, even with such impending steps, it is necessary to remain vigilant, especially since the extent of crimes associated with cryptocurrencies is still increasing every year; being on guard will help people to handle possible defrauding cases.

According to the FBI’s Elder Abuse report;

“cryptocurrency is becoming the preferred payment method for all types of scams,” because digital assets are so difficult to trace.

The best way to protect against scams is to understand how they work and the things scammers say. Knowing these things can help trigger alarms if scammers begin targeting someone.

• Consider any unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages as suspicious. Most businesses and government entities would never contact you urgently for money. Hang up if someone is rushing or pressuring you.
• Additionally, if a caller asks for money in unusual ways, hang up. Most scams require the victim to purchase gift cards or use ATMs, which are harder to trace. Companies almost always have an official website that securely connects to banks to facilitate money transfers.