Americans lost more than $333 million to scams involving bitcoin ATMs in 2025, according to data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as reported by ABC News. The agency said losses linked to crypto kiosks continued to rise throughout the year, describing the trend as a “clear and constant increase” that shows no signs of slowing.
The figures were published as part of the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reporting on crypto-related fraud, which tracks consumer complaints and verified loss estimates across the United States.
Losses continue to rise year over year
FBI data shows that bitcoin ATM fraud losses have increased steadily in recent years. Losses in 2025 exceeded reported totals from 2024, which were already significantly higher than figures recorded in 2023, highlighting the rapid growth of scams tied to cash-to-crypto transactions.
Authorities noted that bitcoin ATM scams often rely on social-engineering tactics, with fraudsters impersonating government agencies, banks, or technical support services to pressure victims into depositing cash and transferring cryptocurrency to wallets controlled by scammers.
Widespread ATM availability raises consumer risk
The FBI said the growing number of crypto ATMs across the United States has contributed to the scale of the problem. Bitcoin kiosks are commonly installed in convenience stores, gas stations, and shopping centers, making them easily accessible to the public.
Once funds are sent through a bitcoin ATM, transactions are typically irreversible, significantly limiting the ability of victims to recover stolen assets.
Authorities urge greater awareness and oversight
Federal and state authorities continue to urge consumers to exercise caution when instructed to use crypto ATMs for payments. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly stated that legitimate government bodies and financial institutions do not request payments through cryptocurrency kiosks.
The FBI said public awareness remains a key focus as regulators and consumer protection agencies assess additional measures to address fraud risks associated with crypto ATMs.
