FBI: Americans lost over $388 million to scams using crypto ATMs in 2025

Source: Bleeping Computer

Overview

The FBI reports that Americans lost more than $388 million in 2025 to scams involving cryptocurrency kiosks, also known as crypto ATMs or Bitcoin ATMs.

What are cryptocurrency kiosks?

Cryptocurrency kiosks are physical, standalone terminals—often located at gas stations, convenience stores, and other easily accessible venues—that allow users to buy or sell crypto assets with cash or debit cards. Some kiosks require identity verification, while others do not.

Recent legislative action

• Minnesota: Statewide ban on cryptocurrency kiosks (see AARP report).
• Indiana: Ban enacted in March 2025.
• Tennessee: Ban enacted in April 2025.

FBI warning and statistics

In a public‑service announcement released on Friday, the FBI highlighted a nearly 60 % surge in reported losses from crypto ATM scams compared with the previous year.

• 13,400+ complaints received by the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in 2025.
• $388 million in losses, a 23 % increase in complaints and a 58 % increase in losses from 2024.
• More than half of the victims were over 50 years old, accounting for $302 million of the losses.

“In typical IC3 complaints involving cryptocurrency kiosks, criminals give detailed instructions to individuals, including how to withdraw cash from their bank, how to locate a kiosk, and how to deposit and send funds using the kiosk.” – FBI PSA

Geographic impact

• Texas, Florida, and California together filed over 3,300 complaints and reported $112 million in estimated losses.

Protection measures recommended by the FBI

• Do not send money to people you only know online.
• Never scan QR codes or follow payment instructions from unknown individuals.
• Verify phone calls directly with the purported organization before providing any information.
• Do not share personal information over the phone.
• Be wary of anyone claiming to be from the government or law enforcement demanding cryptocurrency payments.
• Stop the transaction if a kiosk operator warns you of fraud.
• Keep receipts for all cryptocurrency transactions.

Broader cyber‑crime context

The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report notes that the agency received over 1 million complaints through the IC3, linked to almost $21 billion in losses from cyber‑enabled crimes such as investment scams, tech‑support fraud, and business‑email compromise.
Read the full report.