Arizona Attorney General Issues Warning as Crypto ATM Scams Hit Older Adults
Crypto ATM scams are rapidly increasing in Arizona, especially targeting older adults. In 2024, Arizonans lost over $177 million to these scams, prompting Attorney General Kris Mayes to issue a warning and introduce a complaint form for faster reporting within 30 days to enhance fund recovery chances. Scammers often impersonate authorities, utilities, or distressed relatives, pressuring victims to deposit cash into crypto ATMs, which lack user protections such as accounts or fraud controls. Nationwide, Americans lost $246 million via crypto ATMs in 2024, with 43% of victims over age 60. Arizona enacted regulations in 2025 requiring kiosks to display fraud warnings, offer customer support, and limit daily transactions. Despite such measures, operators have faced penalties, including a $1.9 million settlement by Bitcoin Depot. Experts stress that crypto ATMs’ design makes them easy to exploit and urge stronger safeguards. Officials advise never sending payments at a crypto ATM on another’s instruction and verifying any urgent payment requests independently.
