Grand Island Police and AARP Nebraska Unite to Distribute Crypto Fraud Warning Stickers Citywide
By Staff Reporter | Grand Island, Nebraska
In a proactive move to safeguard residents from rising cryptocurrency scams, the Grand Island Police Department (GIPD) partnered with AARP Nebraska on December 19, 2025, to distribute warning stickers and educational materials at local cryptocurrency kiosks across the city.[2][4]
The joint initiative stems from Ordinance #10051, unanimously approved by the Grand Island City Council on November 4, 2025, and signed into effect by Mayor Roger Steele on November 20, 2025. This ordinance amends Chapter 25 of the city code, introducing Article III specifically targeting “Cryptocurrency Machines.” It mandates that all kiosks, ATMs, or Bitcoin Teller Machines (BTMs) display prominent warning signs provided by the GIPD, placed directly on or adjacent to the devices.[1][2]
A Growing Threat Targets Seniors
Cryptocurrency kiosks, which allow users to buy or sell digital currencies like Bitcoin using cash or debit cards, have proliferated nationwide. There are over 45,000 such machines in the U.S., with more than 200 in Nebraska and approximately 30 in Grand Island alone.[1]
Scammers frequently exploit these kiosks in schemes that devastate victims, particularly older adults. GIPD Division Chief Jim Duering highlighted during the council meeting that the average victim age is 62. He recounted a case where a victim was coerced over the phone to withdraw $2,300 in $100 bills and head to a kiosk, only stopping short when realizing the scam.[1] Last year, GIPD received 25 cryptocurrency-related complaints.[1]
Jina Ragland, AARP Nebraska’s associate state director for advocacy and outreach, emphasized the human cost at the November 4 meeting. “Victims experience financial devastation, job losses, and broader economic ripple effects,” she stated, underscoring AARP’s push for consumer education and robust protections.[1]
Ordinance Details and Enforcement
The new ordinance requires “clear, visible, and standardized fraud prevention signs” on every machine within city limits. These must include contact information for kiosk operators and instructions to report fraud to law enforcement. Businesses failing to comply face a $500 daily fine.[1][2]
This local measure builds on state-level efforts, complementing Legislative Bill 609 (LB609), the Controllable Electronic Record Fraud Prevention Act, signed by Governor Pillen and effective September 3, 2025. LB609 enhances oversight of crypto transactions statewide.[5] It aligns with AARP-backed ordinances in other Nebraska cities, such as Omaha’s Ordinance 44007 from late 2024, which mandates kiosk licensure, transaction limits, and fraud refunds.[3]
December 19 Action Day: Stickers and Education
On December 19, GIPD officers and AARP FraudFighter volunteers fanned out to businesses hosting kiosks. At each site, teams delivered warning signage stickers, educational pamphlets, and briefed staff and customers on scam risks. A GIPD officer or business representative affixed the stickers on-site, while AARP volunteers filed post-visit reports shared with police for ongoing monitoring.[2][4]
“As these kiosks become more accessible, this ordinance creates mandatory, proactive measures to protect our citizens,” a GIPD statement noted, positioning the effort as a critical defense against fraud’s “growing threat.”[2]
Broader Context and Stakeholder Support
The ordinance enjoyed broad backing at the city council meeting, including testimonials from AARP, local banking representatives, and GIPD. It empowers Grand Island with localized control amid national kiosk expansion.[1]
AARP Nebraska continues advocating for similar protections in Lincoln, modeling them after successful precedents. “Strong local enforcement adds vital layers of defense for Nebraskans,” the organization states.[3]
Public Response and Next Steps
While specific feedback from December 19’s rollout remains emerging, the initiative has been hailed as a model for community-law enforcement collaboration. GIPD’s dedicated Financial & Cryptocurrency Scams page provides resources, urging vigilance against unsolicited investment pitches or pressure to use kiosks.[2]
Residents are advised to verify transactions, avoid phone-directed crypto purchases, and report suspicions immediately. With fraud costing victims dearly, Grand Island’s dual ordinance-sticker strategy signals a firm local commitment to consumer safety in the digital age.[1][4]
This partnership not only enforces the new rules but educates, aiming to reduce incidents before they occur. As cryptocurrency evolves, such measures underscore Nebraska’s proactive stance against its darker underbelly.