Americans Lose Over $333 Million to Crypto ATM Scams in 2025
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 11 2026- Surge in Scam Losses: In the first half of 2025, Americans lost $240 million to crypto ATM scams, doubling the losses from the same period in 2024, indicating a sharp rise in fraudulent activities that severely impact victims financially and psychologically.
- Vulnerable Victim Demographics: Many victims are elderly, with one man losing as much as $900,000, and some victims have tragically taken their own lives after losing their entire savings, highlighting the severe consequences of scams on vulnerable populations.
- Local Government Response: The Spokane City Council passed a ban on crypto ATMs, demonstrating local government commitment to combat scams; although a state-level ban failed, local actions provide a model for other cities to follow.
- Industry Reflection and Challenges: Legal experts argue that the presence of crypto ATMs reveals deeper flaws in the U.S. financial system, as scams persist despite KYC and AML regulations, underscoring the urgent need for more comprehensive regulatory measures to protect consumers.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
