Arizona AG warns as crypto ATM scams surge

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has issued a warning over rising crypto ATM scams and launched a new fraud reporting tool as losses mount, particularly among older adults.

Mayes said Arizonans lost more than $177 million to crypto ATM scams in 2024, urging victims to report incidents within 30 days to improve chances of recovering funds.

“My message to Arizonans is this: be careful around the physical cryptocurrency ATMs we're seeing pop up around the state,”

Mayes said.

The warning follows national data from the FBI showing Americans reported $246 million in crypto ATM losses in 2024, with about 43% of victims aged over 60.

Scams typically involve impostors posing as law enforcement or loved ones, pressuring victims to deposit cash into crypto kiosks, according to state officials.

Arizona last year passed legislation regulating crypto ATMs, requiring fraud warnings, live customer support and transaction caps for new and existing users.

Mayes said no legitimate company or government agency will ever request payment via a crypto ATM, urging consumers to verify urgent requests and seek advice before transferring funds.