San Antonio, TX — In a unanimous vote, the San Antonio City Council has approved a new ordinance requiring bilingual warning signs at cryptocurrency kiosks, commonly known as Bitcoin ATMs, to curb a dramatic rise in scams that have cost residents nearly $39 million in losses over the past two years.

The measure, passed on Thursday, comes amid alarming data from the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), which reported 660 cryptocurrency-related scam incidents between January 2024 and April 13, 2026. While most cases involved losses under $50,000 — accounting for 88% of reports — four high-profile incidents exceeded $1 million each, highlighting the devastating impact on victims.

Details of the Ordinance

The ordinance mandates that operators of virtual currency kiosks display prominent, color-coded signs in English and Spanish. These signs, to be developed by SAPD in collaboration with Code Enforcement, must use 18-point font and be clearly visible to users standing in front of the machine.

Key warnings include alerts about common scams, such as fraudsters posing as law enforcement, government officials, or tech support personnel who pressure victims to send cryptocurrency. The signs will explicitly instruct users: “If anyone is pressuring you to send money, call 911 immediately.”

Non-compliant businesses face fines ranging from $100 to $500. The ordinance takes effect on July 1, 2026, giving operators time to prepare.

“This is a simple, yet impactful step to prevent residents from irreversibly losing thousands of dollars.”

— District 7 Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito

Targeting Vulnerable Populations

Council members emphasized that scams disproportionately affect seniors and other vulnerable groups. District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo noted in a statement: “Callers claiming to be law enforcement or government agencies have been known to direct victims to transfer cryptocurrency. By requiring warning signs at these kiosks, we are giving people a critical moment to pause, recognize the warning signs of fraud, and avoid devastating financial losses.”

The push for the ordinance gained momentum earlier this year when Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar advocated for it, proposing a model based on a successful sign ordinance in Omaha, Nebraska. Salazar even offered to print the signs at no cost to taxpayers through the Bexar County Jail Print Shop.

Initial discussions in the Council’s Public Safety Committee on April 21 led to expansions, including potential signage at senior centers, malls, parks, and libraries, alongside public awareness campaigns and partnerships with local financial institutions.

Push for Statewide Protections

Beyond local measures, the ordinance declares stronger cryptocurrency consumer protections a top legislative priority for San Antonio during the upcoming Texas state legislative session, starting in January 2027. Lawmakers can begin filing bills as early as November 9, 2026.

City officials are eyeing broader regulations, such as mandatory on-screen fraud warnings at kiosks, transaction limits for first-time users, and temporary holds on transactions to allow intervention by banks or family members before funds are irreversibly transferred.

Broader Context of Crypto Scams

Cryptocurrency scams have exploded nationwide, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting over $1 billion in losses in 2025 alone. In San Antonio, the prevalence of kiosks in convenience stores, gas stations, and other high-traffic areas has made them prime tools for scammers.

SAPD data underscores the urgency: Victims often realize too late that transactions are irreversible, as blockchain technology prevents easy recovery of funds. Common tactics include “grandparent scams,” romance fraud, and investment schemes promising high returns.

Community and Business Response

The ordinance received broad support, with no opposition during the Council vote. Business owners operating kiosks have expressed willingness to comply, viewing the signs as a way to build trust with customers.

“We’re not in the business of enabling fraud,” said one kiosk operator who declined to be named. “Clear warnings protect everyone.”

Consumer advocates praised the move as a proactive step. “San Antonio is leading by example,” said a representative from AARP Texas. “These kiosks are everywhere, and a quick warning could save lives and livelihoods.”

Looking Ahead

As the ordinance rolls out, SAPD plans enforcement through routine checks, with education as the primary goal. The city is also exploring digital alerts and community workshops to amplify the campaign.

For residents, the message is clear: Pause before sending crypto. Verify claims independently, and remember — legitimate agencies never demand immediate cryptocurrency payments.

This initiative positions San Antonio at the forefront of municipal efforts to safeguard citizens in the Wild West of digital currencies.