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The Federal Bureau of Investigation says scammers stole more than $333 million from Americans in 2025 through fraud schemes involving Bitcoin ATMs, marking a sharp increase from previous years.
According to FBI data, losses tied to cryptocurrency kiosk scams rose steadily throughout 2025, continuing a multi-year upward trend. In 2024, reported losses totaled approximately $250 million, more than double the amount recorded the year before. From January through November 2025 alone, losses reached roughly $333.5 million.
Federal officials say scammers commonly impersonate government agencies, financial institutions, or technical support representatives and pressure victims to make immediate payments using cryptocurrency. Victims are often directed to Bitcoin ATMs, where they deposit cash that is quickly transferred to digital wallets and is typically difficult to recover.
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There are more than 45,000 Bitcoin ATMs operating nationwide, according to consumer advocacy groups. The machines allow users to insert cash and transmit funds globally within minutes, a feature authorities say has made them attractive to criminals seeking rapid, irreversible transactions.
The FBI and consumer groups have raised particular concerns about the impact on older Americans, who are frequently targeted in these schemes. Advocacy organizations have urged additional safeguards, including limits on daily deposits and clearer fraud warnings.
Regulators have also taken action at the state and local level. In September, the Washington, D.C., attorney general’s office filed a lawsuit against Athena Bitcoin, alleging the company profited from transactions connected to fraudulent activity. Athena has denied the allegations, stating that it provides fraud warnings and consumer education and does not control user decisions.
At least 17 states have passed laws regulating Bitcoin ATMs in recent years, and some municipalities have moved to restrict or ban the machines altogether.
Federal authorities continue to urge consumers to treat any demand for immediate payment using cryptocurrency as a warning sign and emphasize that legitimate government agencies do not request payments through Bitcoin ATMs.