In 2025, fraudulent schemes targeting users of Bitcoin automated teller machines (ATMs) have reached unprecedented levels, according to new data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Scammers employed deceptive tactics by impersonating banks or legitimate companies, alerting unsuspecting victims to supposed suspicious activity involving their accounts. These fraudsters then instructed individuals to deposit funds into Bitcoin ATMs as a purported measure to secure their money or resolve the fabricated issues. Unfortunately, the monies deposited were diverted directly into accounts controlled by the criminals.
The dramatic rise in such scams coincides with the increasing prevalence of Bitcoin ATMs in the United States, where over 30,000 devices were operational by 2024. This number represents approximately 81.27% of all Bitcoin ATMs worldwide, reflecting rapid adoption and expanded access to cryptocurrency transactions through physical kiosks.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), over 12,000 complaints relating to Bitcoin ATM fraud were received from January through November 2025 alone. This figure surpasses the number of reports for the same period in the previous year, underscoring both the volume and financial impact of these scams. In total, monetary losses associated with these schemes reached upward of $333.5 million during the nearly 11-month span.
Historical data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) corroborates the severity of Bitcoin ATM fraud, indicating that cryptocurrency-related scams often inflict more substantial financial harm compared to other types of fraudulent activity. The FTC reported $114 million in losses linked to Bitcoin ATM fraud in 2023, a substantial increase from $78 million in 2022. This trend demonstrates more than a doubling of victim losses within a two-year period, signaling escalating risks for consumers increasingly engaging with crypto assets through ATMs.
Authorities have issued clear guidance to individuals contacted by supposed bank or corporate representatives requesting transactions via Bitcoin ATMs. The FTC recommends verifying all phone numbers independently and contacting companies directly to confirm any alerts or requests. Additionally, they caution against rushing into financial transactions precipitated by pressure from alleged officials, as scammers often rely on a sense of urgency to limit victims’ ability to conduct due diligence.
Given the rapid expansion of Bitcoin ATM infrastructure and its associated vulnerabilities, awareness and prudent verification measures remain paramount for users seeking to safeguard their funds. Stakeholders and regulatory bodies continue to monitor the evolving landscape for emerging threats linked to cryptocurrency access points, emphasizing education and vigilance as key mitigation strategies.