Crypto ATM Scams Reach All-Time High

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued an advisory warning Americans to be cautious when using cryptocurrency ATMs, citing a significant rise in scams and losses. In 2025, reported crypto-ATM fraud losses reached $388 million, a 58% increase from the previous year.

The CFTC's 'Pause Before You Pay' advisory warns that anyone instructing a person to move money through a cryptocurrency ATM is likely running a scam. The warning comes as FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center data shows a sharp rise in crypto-kiosk fraud complaints, with over 13,460 reports filed in 2025.

Unlike traditional ATMs, cash deposited into crypto-ATMs is converted into various forms of cryptocurrency and sent to a wallet that the sender does not control. The transfer is often irreversible, making it difficult for victims to recover their losses.