Americans Lost $333 Million to Bitcoin ATM Scams in 2025, Warns FBI

2026-01-06 01:01:55

Abstract generation in progress

Scammers using Bitcoin ATMs stole over $333 million from Americans between January and November 2025, according to a recent report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Sharp Rise Compared to Last Year This figure marks a significant jump from the roughly $250 million lost to similar schemes in 2024. The FBI notes that scams involving crypto kiosks are “not slowing down” and continue to intensify.

A Perfect Tool for Criminals One of the main factors behind the surge is the speed and irreversibility of transactions carried out via Bitcoin ATMs. These kiosks allow users to deposit cash and instantly convert it into cryptocurrency, sending it directly to digital wallets—something scammers exploit with ease. Fraudsters commonly pose as government agents or banks, pressuring victims to make urgent payments to avoid penalties or legal consequences. Once the money is deposited and transferred via the ATM, it’s nearly impossible to recover, according to the FBI.

More ATMs, More Scams As of now, there are more than 45,000 Bitcoin ATMs installed across the United States. While these machines offer convenience to crypto users, they also present growing opportunities for criminals, who constantly evolve their techniques to appear more convincing and harder to detect.

A Clear Warning to the Public The FBI urges the public to never send cryptocurrency through a kiosk in response to unsolicited requests, threats, or pressure tactics—regardless of whether the caller claims to be from the police, IRS, or a financial institution. Any demand for immediate payment should raise red flags.

Fast transactions, zero recourse – a deadly combo criminals have mastered. Want to stay safe? Never send crypto based on a phone call or email that pressures you. In crypto, once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.

#bitcoin , #Cryptoscam , #FBI , #CryptoFraud , #CryptoNews

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies! Notice: ,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

BTC-1,46%

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.