A new report by blockchain security company CertiK says that scams involving crypto ATMs caused losses of about $333 million in 2025.
Crypto ATMs allow people to convert cash into cryptocurrencies quickly. Most transactions can be completed in just a few minutes.
However, this convenience has also made these machines attractive to scammers.
The report says the United States has about 78% of the world’s 45,000 crypto ATMs. Because they are easy to access, fraud cases have increased.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation received more than 12,000 complaints related to crypto ATM scams between January and November 2025. This is a 33% increase compared with 2024.
Many scams involve criminals pretending to be government officials, technical support staff, or even family members in trouble. They convince victims to deposit money into crypto ATMs.
Older adults are especially vulnerable. About 86% of crypto ATM fraud losses involve elderly victims, and the average victim age in some cases is around 71.
Another challenge is that ATM transactions often appear on the blockchain as coming from the operator’s wallet instead of the victim. This makes it harder for investigators to trace stolen funds.
Experts say stronger awareness and better regulation will be needed to stop these growing scam networks.
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