FBI Reveals $333 Million Stolen in Bitcoin ATM Scams During 2025 Amid Surging Crypto Fraud
Scammers exploited Bitcoin ATM kiosks to defraud Americans of more than $333 million in 2025, marking a sharp escalation in cryptocurrency-related fraud, according to the latest FBI data.[1][2] The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported over 12,000 complaints and $333.5 million in losses from January through November alone, a significant jump from $250 million in 2024.[1][3]
Explosive Growth in Crypto ATM Fraud
The rise in Bitcoin ATM scams reflects the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies and the ease with which fraudsters can launder money through these machines. There are now over 45,000 Bitcoin ATMs across the United States, allowing users to insert cash and instantly send it to digital wallets worldwide—a process that takes minutes but is nearly impossible to reverse once completed.[1][4] An FBI spokesperson described the trend as a “clear and constant rise” that shows “no signs of slowing down.”[1][2]
Losses have more than doubled since 2022, when the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recorded $78 million in Bitcoin ATM fraud. This climbed to $114 million in 2023 and nearly $250 million in 2024, culminating in the record $333 million for 2025.[3][4] Over 10,000 victims were targeted last year, with older adults disproportionately affected—the median victim age in one high-profile case was 71.[3]
How the Scams Unfold
Fraudsters typically pose as government officials, bank representatives, or tech support, creating urgency to trick victims into using Bitcoin ATMs. Common tactics include fake alerts about account hacks, lottery winnings, or romantic entanglements that demand immediate crypto payments.[5] “Requesting crypto is now the No. 1 preferred method of criminals,” said Amy Nofziger, AARP’s director of fraud victim support.[1]
In a stark example from South Florida, a man lost $50,000 after receiving a phishing link claiming his bank account was compromised. Posing as “Chase Bank” or even “Donald Trump,” scammers pressured him until police intervened.[5] The FTC notes that median losses from crypto scams reached $5,400 per victim midway through 2024—over 12 times the $447 median for general fraud.[3]
Regulatory Crackdown and Industry Pushback
Authorities are responding aggressively. In September 2025, the Washington, D.C., Attorney General sued Athena Bitcoin, one of the largest Bitcoin ATM operators, alleging it profited from undisclosed fees on scam transactions. The suit claims 93% of the company’s D.C. transactions stemmed from fraud.[1][2] Athena denied the accusations, emphasizing its “strong safeguards against fraud, including transparent instructions, prominent warnings, and consumer education.” A company representative added that it doesn’t control users’ decisions, likening it to banks not being liable for wire transfers.[1][4]
Local governments are also acting. St. Paul, Minnesota, banned the devices outright, while Lincoln, Nebraska, mandates fraud warning signs on ATMs.[2] In one dramatic incident, a sheriff’s office used a power tool to recover $32,000 from a Bitcoin Depot machine after securing a warrant—though the funds must navigate the legal system before returning to the victim, and the company seeks damages for the $14,000 machine.[4]
Expert Warnings and Prevention Tips
Consumer advocates urge vigilance against red flags: unsolicited contacts from banks or government agencies, demands for crypto or wire transfers, and high-pressure tactics playing on emotions.[5] The FTC advises double-checking contact info, slowing down rushed decisions, and verifying claims directly with institutions.
“No legitimate agency or business will ask you to send cryptocurrency or create a sense of urgency to play on your emotions.”[5]
As cryptocurrency adoption grows, so does its appeal to scammers. With losses showing no abatement, experts predict continued challenges unless stricter regulations and public awareness curb the tide. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to the FBI’s IC3 for potential recovery and to aid investigations.
Broader Context of Crypto Scams
Bitcoin ATMs represent just one vector in a larger crypto fraud epidemic. The FBI’s figures underscore how digital assets’ irreversibility makes them ideal for criminals, outpacing traditional scams in both volume and individual impact. While blockchain technology promises financial innovation, its dark side—facilitated by accessible kiosks—continues to exact a heavy toll on unsuspecting Americans.
In 2025’s evolving threat landscape, staying informed remains the best defense. As one law enforcement official put it during a local news report: “Stop. It’s not Chase Bank.”[5]