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PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has launched a new tool for people who believe they’ve been victimized by cryptocurrency ATM scams.
Mayes said the new fraud complaint form is needed because scammers are increasingly targeting consumers by tricking them into depositing money into these machines.
“Fraudsters are increasingly using bitcoin ATMs to victimize Arizonans,” Mayes said in a Monday announcement.
She added that Arizonans lost more than $177 million in savings to such schemes in 2024.
How do cryptocurrency ATM scams work?
These scams are facilitated through crypto ATMs, which look like normal ATMs. Arizona has around 600 of them in gas stations, grocery stores and other locations, according to Mayes.
The purpose of these scams is to pressure victims to deposit cash into a cryptocurrency ATM. Once that money is sent, it goes straight to the scammer and is almost impossible to get back.
Mayes said scammers prefer cryptocurrency because not only is it hard to trace, but it also lacks the protections of other payment methods.
“My message to Arizonans is this: be careful around the physical cryptocurrency ATMs we’re seeing pop up around the state,” Mayes said. “If you’re being directed to use one, there’s a very very high chance you’re being scammed.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported a 99% jump in complaints in 2024. Mayes added that most of the victims are over 60.
Most victims are over 60, she added.
“Arizonans should take every precaution when using cryptocurrency ATMs, and never use them to send money to people they don’t know,” Mayes said.
How victims of cryptocurrency ATM scams can get their money back
Arizona’s HB2387 law may allow first‑time crypto ATM scam victims to receive a refund, but only if specific steps are taken within 30 days.
Victims should keep all ATM receipts, immediately file a report with local law enforcement or the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and provide every piece of evidence available.
They also need to contact the kiosk operator using the support number posted on the machine and share full details of the transaction.
