Scammers Use Bitcoin ATMs To Steal $333,000,000 As FBI Warns Crypto Scams ‘Not Slowing Down
Scammers have taken more than $333 million from Americans in just one year using Bitcoin ATMs, according to new data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and reported by ABC News.
The reported losses in 2025 cover the period from January through November 2025 and represent a sharp increase from roughly $250 million recorded in 2024.
The FBI says crypto-related scams involving these kiosks are “not slowing down.”
The FBI attributes the growth to the expanding number of Bitcoin ATMs and the ease with which funds can be transferred quickly and irreversibly.
Bitcoin ATMs allow users to insert cash and send cryptocurrency directly to digital wallets.
The FBI says scammers frequently exploit this process by instructing victims to deposit money at the machines under false pretenses, including claims involving government agencies, financial institutions or urgent payment demands.
Once funds are sent, law enforcement says recovery is extremely difficult. The FBI notes that the speed and finality of these transactions make Bitcoin ATM scams particularly effective for criminals.
According to the report, more than 45,000 Bitcoin ATMs operate across the United States.
The FBI warns that the growing availability of the machines continues to create new opportunities for fraud as scammers adapt their tactics.
The agency urges the public to remain cautious and avoid sending money through cryptocurrency kiosks in response to unsolicited requests or pressure tactics.
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