Albuquerque Cracks Down on Crypto Kiosks Amid Scam Concerns

Albuquerque has introduced an ordinance to ban physical cryptocurrency kiosks and cashier-assisted crypto transactions within the city. The measure, approved by the City Council on September 10, 2026, aims to protect consumers from scams that use cash-to-crypto kiosks.

Councilors Stephanie W. Telles of District 1 and Tammy Fiebelkorn of District 7 sponsored the ordinance, citing concerns over the high fees associated with these machines and their appeal to scammers due to immediate transfers and lack of reversal.

According to officials, New Mexico recorded tens of millions of dollars in crypto-related fraud in 2025, with a significant portion affecting older adults. Separately, kiosk-linked losses were estimated at around $2.2 million that year.

The ban targets physical hardware and in-person cashier arrangements that convert cash into virtual currency on the spot, but does not restrict residents from owning, mining, or transferring digital assets through online exchanges and personal wallets.