Bitcoin ATM Scams in 2025: Americans Lose $333 Million
Bitcoin ATM fraud is rising rapidly across the United States, and federal authorities say the problem is far from slowing down.
According to the FBI, Americans lost at least $333 million to Bitcoin ATM scams in 2025, marking another year of significant financial damage linked to cryptocurrency fraud. Law enforcement officials described the trend as a “clear and constant rise”, driven by scammers increasingly using crypto ATMs to steal money from victims.
Bitcoin ATM Scam Losses Continue to Climb
Crypto ATM scams first crossed the $100 million loss threshold in 2023, with reported losses reaching $114 million. That number more than doubled in 2024 to $247 million. While the increase in 2025 was smaller, the FBI says the overall impact remains severe—particularly for older Americans, who are most frequently targeted.
Scammers often pressure victims into depositing cash into Bitcoin ATMs, falsely claiming the funds are needed for emergencies, fines, or account protection. Once the transaction is complete, the money is nearly impossible to recover.
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Authorities Target Crypto ATM Providers
U.S. authorities have begun taking action against cryptocurrency ATM operators, accusing some companies of profiting from scam-related transactions through hidden fees. In one high-profile case, the U.S. Attorney General sued Athena Bitcoin, alleging that 93% of transactions on certain machines were tied to fraud. Court documents revealed the median victim age was 71 years old.
Athena Bitcoin denied wrongdoing, stating it provides warnings, instructions, and customer education to prevent fraud. The company argues it cannot control individual user decisions.
Global Problem, Growing Risks
The issue isn’t limited to the U.S. Australian authorities report similar patterns, saying many crypto ATM users are either scam victims or money mules coerced into depositing cash.
While cryptocurrency has legitimate uses, experts warn that lack of public understanding and rapid ATM expansion have made Bitcoin machines an easy tool for scammers—especially as they become more common nationwide.
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