Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued an alert on crypto ATM scams and launched a new fraud complaint form as losses tied to the machines climbed sharply in 2024. State officials said Arizona residents lost more than $177 million to crypto ATM fraud last year, with scams disproportionately affecting older adults. Victims are urged to report incidents within 30 days to improve recovery prospects.
The warning reflects a broader national trend. FBI data shows Americans reported $246 million in crypto ATM-related losses in 2024, with roughly 43% of victims aged 60 or older. Scams typically involve impostors posing as law enforcement, utilities, or family members who pressure victims to deposit cash into crypto kiosks under urgent circumstances.
Arizona has already enacted regulations requiring fraud warnings, transaction caps, and live customer support at crypto ATMs. Officials say enforcement and consumer education remain critical as regulators across the US increase scrutiny of cash-to-crypto infrastructure.
