Lincoln’s New Crypto ATM Warning Stickers Go Live to Combat $12 Million Scam Wave Targeting Seniors
By Staff Reporter
Lincoln, Nebraska – As of December 25, 2025, all approximately 100 cryptocurrency ATMs in Lincoln are now required to display prominent warning stickers aimed at halting a surge in scams that have cost residents over $12 million this year alone.
The ordinance, known as Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 9.70, mandates businesses operating these kiosks – often found in gas stations, convenience stores, and malls – to post the warnings provided by the Lincoln Police Department (LPD). The measure took effect yesterday, marking the deadline for compliance after approval by the City Council on November 17 and signing by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird on November 24.
A Growing Threat to Vulnerable Residents
Cryptocurrency scams have exploded in Lincoln, with officials estimating losses of about $12 million within city limits in 2025, plus an additional $500,000 in surrounding Lancaster County. These frauds disproportionately target older adults, exploiting fear, urgency, and emotional manipulation to trick victims into converting cash to crypto via ATMs.
“These stickers have a big stop sign on them,” explained Lincoln City Council member Tom Beckius. “What we’re hoping is that, at the very least, people will stop and rethink what’s going on. Oftentimes, these scams are emotional in nature. Sometimes they’re very sophisticated, and they always move really, really quickly.”
LPD spokesperson Erika Houchin emphasized the irreversible nature of these losses: “You put your money in that ATM – it’s gone. We’re not going to be able to get it back for you.” The stickers themselves carry a stark message: “STOP: If someone told you to put money in this machine, whether they claim to be a loved one, partner, government, bank, or business, you may be getting scammed. Scammers use fear, secrecy and urgency to trick you into sending cryptocurrency.” They direct users to contact LPD immediately.
Partnerships and Proactive Measures
The City of Lincoln collaborated with LPD and AARP Nebraska to develop the ordinance and distribute the stickers. In mid-December, 20 AARP volunteers delivered information packets and warnings to all crypto ATM locations, completing deliveries by December 19. “AARP Nebraska remains dedicated to partnering with communities statewide to protect older Nebraskans from these scams,” said Todd Stubbendieck, state director for AARP Nebraska. “Our volunteer Fraud Fighters are raising awareness about how scammers exploit cryptocurrency kiosks because once money is sent through a digital wallet, it is nearly impossible to trace or recover.”
LPD Public Information Officer Erika Thomas urged business owners to stay vigilant: “If you see someone, especially someone who’s elderly, with a phone to their ear, maybe looking confused and approaching one of these machines, those are telltale signs that they are likely in the midst of a scam in that moment.” The department has created the acronym “SCAM” to educate the public: Stop, Check, Avoid, and Make a report.
Further bolstering enforcement, LPD’s Technical Investigations Unit – currently one sergeant and four investigators handling crypto cases – will add a dedicated cryptocurrency investigator in January 2026. Lincoln Police Chief Michon Morrow stressed community involvement: “The Lincoln Police Department understands how devastating it is to become a victim of financial fraud. We encourage everyone to have conversations with loved ones about scams so we can all work together to be part of the solution.”
Broader Context and Expansion Efforts
This initiative builds on Nebraska’s statewide push against crypto fraud. AARP Nebraska is partnering with the Grand Island Police Department on similar English and Spanish stickers tailored for that community. Resources, including scam prevention tips, are available on the City of Lincoln’s website and LPD’s scams page.
The kiosks resemble traditional ATMs but facilitate irreversible crypto transactions, making them a prime tool for scammers posing as relatives, government officials, or tech support. Victims are often pressured to act fast, with no chance for reversal once funds enter a digital wallet.
| Area | Estimated Losses |
|---|---|
| Lincoln City | $12 million |
| Lancaster County (outside Lincoln) | $500,000 |
Expert Insights and Future Outlook
City leaders view the stickers as a first line of defense in a multifaceted approach. While not a complete solution, they aim to create pause points for potential victims. Business owners are encouraged to engage patrons directly, fostering a culture of awareness.
As Lincoln implements this ordinance, it sets a model for other cities grappling with crypto fraud. With losses mounting nationwide, local actions like this highlight the importance of education and regulation in protecting communities from digital-age predators.
For more information on avoiding scams, visit the City of Lincoln’s resources or contact LPD. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity immediately to prevent further victimization.
This article is based on reports from KETV, Nebraska Public Media, ATM Marketplace, and official City of Lincoln announcements.