The FBI has warned that cryptocurrency ATM scams continue to surge across the United States after Americans lost more than $388 million to fraud schemes involving crypto kiosks in 2025.
According to new data released by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), authorities received more than 13,400 complaints linked to cryptocurrency ATM fraud last year. The agency said reported losses increased by roughly 58% compared to 2024, highlighting the growing use of crypto payment systems in financial scams.
Crypto ATMs, also known as cryptocurrency kiosks, allow users to convert cash into digital assets such as Bitcoin. While the machines are designed for legitimate transactions, cybercriminals and fraud groups increasingly use them to collect payments from victims because transfers are difficult to reverse once completed.
The FBI said scammers commonly impersonate government officials, law enforcement agencies, technical support workers, financial institutions, or romantic partners to manipulate victims into sending funds through cryptocurrency kiosks. In many cases, fraudsters pressure targets into acting quickly by claiming there is an urgent legal, financial, or security issue requiring immediate payment.
Victims are typically instructed to withdraw cash from their bank accounts, visit a nearby crypto ATM, and scan a QR code provided by the attacker. Once the cryptocurrency transaction is completed, the funds are transferred directly into wallets controlled by the criminals.
Older Americans were disproportionately affected by the scams. The FBI said individuals over the age of 50 accounted for more than half of all reported losses, totaling approximately $302 million. Investigators noted that elderly victims are often targeted through phone-based impersonation scams and fake customer support operations.
Authorities also warned that crypto ATM fraud schemes have become increasingly organized, with criminals leveraging social engineering tactics to gain trust and maintain prolonged communication with victims before requesting payments.
The FBI urged consumers to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, text messages, or emails demanding payment in cryptocurrency. Officials emphasized that legitimate government agencies and reputable companies do not request payments through crypto ATMs or digital currency transfers.
The warning comes as cryptocurrency-related fraud continues to expand across the broader cybercrime landscape. Federal investigators previously reported that Americans lost billions of dollars to crypto investment scams, phishing operations, and digital asset fraud schemes throughout 2025.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing efforts to identify operators behind large-scale fraud networks while encouraging victims to report incidents through the IC3 reporting platform.