Minnesotans Protected from Crypto Scams and Child Grooming

Minnesota has introduced new laws to combat cryptocurrency scams and child grooming. One of the laws bans cryptocurrency kiosks, which have been a source of complaints from consumers. According to Sara Payne, Assistant Commissioner of Enforcement for the Minnesota Department of Commerce, 'From 2023 to 2025, the Department of Commerce alone received about 135 complaints related to crypto scams, totaling nearly $1 million in losses.'

The new law requires companies operating these kiosks to remove them from public places by December 31. In addition to this measure, state-charted banks and credit unions can now apply to provide custody accounts for their customers' cryptocurrency.

Another significant change is the introduction of an anti-child grooming law. This law makes grooming a felony offense and requires education professionals to receive training in identifying and reporting child grooming behavior. State Rep. Peggy Bennett, who sponsored the bipartisan bill, said that 'grooming occurs when a legal adult expresses the desire or intent to engage in sexual conduct with a child; and engages in a deliberate pattern of conduct to methodically develop a false trusting relationship with the child.'