Crypto ATM Scams Explode: Texas and Florida Lead Massive Losses in 2025 FBI Report
Big Jump in Crypto Kiosk Fraud Across the United States
People in the United States lost a huge amount of money through cryptocurrency ATMs last year. The total reached 388 million dollars according to fresh data from the FBI. These machines let users swap cash for digital coins but scammers are now using them to steal from victims in clever ways.
What the FBI Found in Its New Report
The FBI looked at complaints sent to its Internet Crime Complaint Center. In 2025 there were more than 13,400 reports about crypto kiosks. That is a 23 percent rise from the year before. The money lost jumped even more, up 58 percent to over 388 million dollars. Most victims were older than 50 and they lost over 302 million dollars combined.
Scammers usually tell victims exactly what to do. They explain how to pull cash from a bank account, find a nearby kiosk, and send the money. The machines sit in everyday places like gas stations, grocery stores, and shopping malls, making them easy to reach.
States Hit Hardest by Crypto ATM Losses
Some states saw far more trouble than others. Texas came out on top with 1,179 complaints and nearly 57 million dollars lost. Florida followed closely with 1,213 reports and 32.7 million dollars in losses. California and Illinois each passed the 20 million dollar mark. Many other states including Arizona, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio also saw losses in the tens of millions.
Why Crypto Kiosks Attract Scammers
These kiosks make it simple to move money quickly without leaving a clear trail. Fraudsters often run fake investment deals, pretend to offer tech support, or create romance tricks. Many of these schemes come from organized groups operating far away. The Treasury Department has already warned that the machines are becoming a favorite tool for these crimes.
States Start to Ban or Limit the Machines
Lawmakers are taking action. Tennessee banned crypto ATMs last month. Indiana stopped them earlier in the year. Minnesota is close to passing a similar law. Other places are also looking at new rules because many transactions at these kiosks turn out to be scams.
Lawsuits Target Major Kiosk Companies
State officials have filed cases against big operators. In Massachusetts, more than 80 percent of customers contacted by investigators had been scammed. Iowa took action against two large providers. Washington D.C. reported that 93 percent of transactions at one company were tied to fraud. These cases show that many machines may not serve regular users as much as they help criminals.
How to Stay Safe from Crypto ATM Scams
- Never send money to someone you do not know well, even if they sound helpful.
- Watch out for urgent requests to use a crypto kiosk.
- Check with family or a trusted person before moving large amounts of cash.
- Remember that real companies rarely ask for payment this way.
Crypto ATMs can seem convenient but the risks are growing fast. Staying alert and asking questions can help protect your money from these rising scams.
