TLDR
The FBI warns that Americans have lost over $388 million to scams involving cryptocurrency kiosks (crypto ATMs), making it one of the fastest growing fraud channels targeting everyday consumers. Scammers direct victims to deposit cash into...
How it works
The FBI warns that Americans have lost over $388 million to scams involving cryptocurrency kiosks (crypto ATMs), making it one of the fastest growing fraud channels targeting everyday consumers. Scammers direct victims to deposit cash into...
Red flags
- : Strangers insisting you deposit cash at a crypto ATM to "verify identity" or "secure your account" Any request to withdraw money and buy cryptocurrency for someone else, regardless of the stated reason Urgency or threats (e.g., "Your account will be frozen," "Warrant for your arrest") combined with crypto payment instructions
What to do
- 1: Legitimate institutions will NEVER ask you to move money to a crypto ATM to resolve an issue If you are told to keep the transaction secret from family or bank staff, it is a scam — cease contact immediately Report incidents to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov and notify your crypto ATM operator
Source
bleepingcomputer
Source reviewed by Mythos Forensic Team
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/fbi-americans-lost-over-388-million-to-scams-using-crypto-atms-in-2025/FAQ
Is FBI: Americans lost over $388 million to scams using crypto ATMs in 2025 a real scam pattern?
Yes. Treat the message, call, or payment request as suspicious until you verify it through an official channel.
What are the first warning signs?
: Strangers insisting you deposit cash at a crypto ATM to "verify identity" or "secure your account" Any request to withdraw money and buy cryptocurrency for someone else, regardless of the stated reason Urgency or threats (e.g., "Your account will be frozen," "Warrant for your arrest") combined with crypto payment instructions
What should I do first?
: Legitimate institutions will NEVER ask you to move money to a crypto ATM to resolve an issue If you are told to keep the transaction secret from family or bank staff, it is a scam — cease contact immediately Report incidents to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov and notify your crypto ATM operator
Can LegalAudit check my case?
Yes. Start a free chat and paste the message, link, sender, or payment details for triage.