Bitcoin ATM Scams Steal $333m From Americans In 2025, FBI Says

Scammers defrauded Americans of more than $333 million through Bitcoin ATM schemes between January and November 2025, according to data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The figure represents a significant increase from approximately $250 million in losses recorded during 2024, the FBI stated. The agency indicated that cryptocurrency-related scams involving the kiosks are “not slowing down.”

The FBI attributed the growth in fraudulent activity to the expanding number of Bitcoin ATMs and the speed with which funds can be transferred irreversibly. Bitcoin ATMs enable users to insert cash and send cryptocurrency directly to digital wallets.

Scammers frequently exploit the process by instructing victims to deposit money at the machines under false pretenses, according to the FBI. Common tactics include fraudulent claims involving government agencies, financial institutions or urgent payment demands. Once funds are sent, recovery is extremely difficult, law enforcement officials stated.

The FBI noted that the speed and finality of cryptocurrency transactions make Bitcoin ATM scams particularly effective for criminals. More than 45,000 Bitcoin ATMs currently operate across the United States, according to the report.

The growing availability of the machines continues to create new opportunities for fraud as scammers adapt their tactics, the FBI warned. The agency urged the public to remain cautious and avoid sending money through cryptocurrency kiosks in response to unsolicited requests or pressure tactics.