Bitcoin ATM scams steal $333m from Americans in 2025, FBI says

Cryptonews

2026-01-05 09:06:00

BTC-0,36%

Summary

FBI data show Bitcoin ATM scams in the U.S. jumped to more than $333m in losses between January and November 2025, up from roughly $250m in 2024.
Scammers impersonate officials or banks, pressure victims into feeding cash into Bitcoin ATMs, then route funds to crypto wallets that are extremely hard to recover from.
With over 45,000 Bitcoin ATMs now operating in the U.S., regulators and law enforcement warn that expanding access is creating more openings for fraud and money laundering.

Scammers defrauded Americans of more than $333 million through Bitcoin ATM schemes between January and November 2025, according to data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Crypto scams increase

The figure represents a significant increase from approximately $250 million in losses recorded during 2024, the FBI stated. The agency indicated that cryptocurrency-related scams involving the kiosks are “not slowing down.”

The FBI attributed the growth in fraudulent activity to the expanding number of Bitcoin ATMs and the speed with which funds can be transferred irreversibly. Bitcoin ATMs enable users to insert cash and send cryptocurrency directly to digital wallets.

Scammers frequently exploit the process by instructing victims to deposit money at the machines under false pretenses, according to the FBI. Common tactics include fraudulent claims involving government agencies, financial institutions or urgent payment demands. Once funds are sent, recovery is extremely difficult, law enforcement officials stated.

The FBI noted that the speed and finality of cryptocurrency transactions make Bitcoin ATM scams particularly effective for criminals. More than 45,000 Bitcoin ATMs currently operate across the United States, according to the report.

The growing availability of the machines continues to create new opportunities for fraud as scammers adapt their tactics, the FBI warned. The agency urged the public to remain cautious and avoid sending money through cryptocurrency kiosks in response to unsolicited requests or pressure tactics.

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