What is the Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act?

The Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act is a bipartisan US bill designed to reduce fraud involving crypto ATMs. It would introduce transaction limits, mandatory scam warnings, stronger compliance requirements, and refund obligations for certain fraudulent transactions.

Why are US lawmakers targeting crypto ATMs?

Lawmakers are responding to a sharp rise in crypto ATM scams after Americans reportedly lost more than $333 million in 2025. FBI data cited in the bill showed losses increased 33% from the previous year.

What transaction limits would the crypto ATM bill introduce?

The proposal would limit new customers to $2,000 in daily transactions and $10,000 in total deposits during their first 14 days. Existing customers would face a daily transaction cap of $7,500.

How would the Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act affect crypto ATM operators?

Operators would need to implement anti-money laundering programmes, verify customers, report suspicious activity, maintain transaction records, and keep updated records of kiosk locations. They would also have to provide fraud warnings and fee disclosures before transactions are completed.

Why are older Americans a major focus of the legislation?

According to FBI data referenced in the proposal, people aged 60 and older accounted for more than 85% of known-age financial losses from crypto ATM scams. The legislation is specifically aimed at improving protections for senior citizens who are frequently targeted by fraudsters.

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Congress targets crypto ATMs after $333M scam losses

Written by Heidi Cuthbert Published Jun 15, 2026, 5:41 AM

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced legislation aimed at curbing crypto ATM fraud after Americans lost more than $333 million to scams involving the machines in 2025.

Representatives María Elvira Salazar and Sean Casten unveiled the Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act on June 11, proposing new consumer safeguards, transaction limits and transparency requirements for operators across the country.

“The Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act would establish new safeguards to help prevent fraud, strengthen transparency requirements for crypto ATM operators, and provide law enforcement with additional tools to investigate and stop these scams,”

The lawmakers said in the announcement.

The proposal would cap new customer transactions at $2,000 per day and $10,000 during their first 14 days of use, while existing customers would be limited to $7,500 in daily transactions.

Crypto ATM operators would also be required to implement anti-money laundering programmes, conduct customer due diligence, report suspicious activity, maintain transaction records and provide refunds on fraudulent transactions, while issuing prominent scam warnings and fee disclosures before transfers are completed.

The legislation follows FBI data showing reported crypto ATM scam losses increased 33% from the previous year, with individuals aged 60 and older accounting for more than 85% of losses where victim ages were known.

More than 30,000 crypto ATMs currently operate across the United States, and lawmakers said the bill would preserve state authority to introduce additional consumer protections while establishing federal standards designed to combat one of the fastest-growing forms of financial fraud.