Crypto ATM fraud losses exceed $388 million in 2025 amid surge in nationwide regulatory bans
Summary
Hide ▲
Show ▼
Criminals exploited cryptocurrency ATMs to defraud U.S. victims of over $388 million in 2025, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Victims—often directed by fraudsters via phone, email, or social media—were instructed to deposit cash at standalone crypto kiosks, which converted funds into attacker-controlled wallets. Losses surged 58% year-over-year, with over 13,400 complaints filed, disproportionately affecting individuals over 50. The scam vector relies on the irreversible nature of crypto transactions and the relative anonymity of kiosks, which often lack robust identity verification. States including Minnesota, Indiana, and Tennessee moved to ban crypto ATMs in response, citing consumer protection and money laundering risks.
Timeline
-
19.05.2026 22:45 1 articles · 23h ago
IC3 reports $388M in crypto ATM fraud losses for 2025 with 58% YoY increase
The FBI’s IC3 disclosed 13,400 complaints in 2025 involving cryptocurrency kiosks, with losses exceeding $388 million. Complaints rose 23% and losses increased 58% compared to 2024. Victims over 50 accounted for the majority of complaints and losses, while Texas, Florida, and California reported the highest aggregated losses.
Show sources
- FBI: Americans lost over $388 million to scams using crypto ATMs in 2025 — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 19.05.2026 22:45
Information Snippets
-
Criminals coerced victims into depositing cash at cryptocurrency ATMs, which then transferred funds to attacker-controlled wallets, resulting in over $388 million in losses in 2025.
First reported: 19.05.2026 22:451 source, 1 articleShow sources
- FBI: Americans lost over $388 million to scams using crypto ATMs in 2025 — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 19.05.2026 22:45
-
The FBI’s IC3 received 13,400 complaints in 2025 involving crypto ATM scams, marking a 23% increase in complaints and a 58% increase in losses compared to 2024.
First reported: 19.05.2026 22:451 source, 1 articleShow sources
- FBI: Americans lost over $388 million to scams using crypto ATMs in 2025 — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 19.05.2026 22:45
-
More than half of the complaints involved individuals over 50, with losses exceeding $302 million among this demographic.
First reported: 19.05.2026 22:451 source, 1 articleShow sources
- FBI: Americans lost over $388 million to scams using crypto ATMs in 2025 — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 19.05.2026 22:45
-
Texas, Florida, and California accounted for over 3,300 complaints and $112 million in reported losses tied to crypto ATM fraud.
First reported: 19.05.2026 22:451 source, 1 articleShow sources
- FBI: Americans lost over $388 million to scams using crypto ATMs in 2025 — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 19.05.2026 22:45
-
States including Minnesota (May 2025), Indiana (March 2025), and Tennessee (April 2025) enacted bans or restrictions on cryptocurrency kiosks in response to fraud and money laundering concerns.
First reported: 19.05.2026 22:451 source, 1 articleShow sources
- FBI: Americans lost over $388 million to scams using crypto ATMs in 2025 — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 19.05.2026 22:45
-
Crypto ATMs are standalone terminals resembling bank ATMs, often located in gas stations and convenience stores, with variable identity verification requirements.
First reported: 19.05.2026 22:451 source, 1 articleShow sources
- FBI: Americans lost over $388 million to scams using crypto ATMs in 2025 — www.bleepingcomputer.com — 19.05.2026 22:45