Scammers using Bitcoin ATMs stole over $333 million from Americans between January and November 2025, according to a recent report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Sharp Rise Compared to Last Year
This figure marks a significant jump from the roughly $250 million lost to similar schemes in 2024. The FBI notes that scams involving crypto kiosks are “not slowing down” and continue to intensify.
A Perfect Tool for Criminals
One of the main factors behind the surge is the speed and irreversibility of transactions carried out via Bitcoin ATMs. These kiosks allow users to deposit cash and instantly convert it into cryptocurrency, sending it directly to digital wallets—something scammers exploit with ease.
Fraudsters commonly pose as government agents or banks, pressuring victims to make urgent payments to avoid penalties or legal consequences. Once the money is deposited and transferred via the ATM, it’s nearly impossible to recover, according to the FBI.
More ATMs, More Scams
As of now, there are more than 45,000 Bitcoin ATMs installed across the United States. While these machines offer convenience to crypto users, they also present growing opportunities for criminals, who constantly evolve their techniques to appear more convincing and harder to detect.
A Clear Warning to the Public
The FBI urges the public to never send cryptocurrency through a kiosk in response to unsolicited requests, threats, or pressure tactics—regardless of whether the caller claims to be from the police, IRS, or a financial institution. Any demand for immediate payment should raise red flags.
Fast transactions, zero recourse – a deadly combo criminals have mastered.
Want to stay safe? Never send crypto based on a phone call or email that pressures you. In crypto, once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.
#bitcoin , #Cryptoscam , #FBI , #CryptoFraud , #CryptoNews
Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Gods Gathering in Crypto Winter: When Faith Becomes the Final Leverage
# From: Vanity Fair
**Compiled by:** Moni, Odaily Planet Daily
"I really can't hold on anymore."
In early February this year, the Signal inbox of a major cryptocurrency market maker was flooded with dozens of messages like this. The crypto market plummeted another 15%—within just a few days, $400 billion in market value vanished into thin air. Over the previous four months, dragged down by Bitcoin, the total cryptocurrency market value crashed nearly 50%, with Ethereum and Solana both declining close to 60%. This collapse erased approximately $2 trillion in value, dragging the industry into a bear market, which the crypto community refers to as a "crypto winter"—a somewhat nerdy metaphor paying homage to that unsettling line from *Game of Thrones*: "Winter is coming."
Project founders were thrown into a panic...
PANews27m ago
Why Bitcoin, Ethereum & XRP Prices Are Dropping—Is This a Bull Trap? - BTC Hunts
The post Why Bitcoin, Ethereum & XRP Prices Are Dropping—Is This a Bull Trap? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The crypto market has entered a corrective phase, with Bitcoin (BTC) price dropping to around $71,500, down nearly 3.33%, while Ethereum (ETH) price has also slipped
BTCHUNTS28m ago
Bitcoin dipped briefly to $70,500 this morning and has now rebounded to around $71,000.
Gate News report: On March 18, according to certain CEX market data, Bitcoin briefly declined to $70,500 this morning (March 19), then rebounded to near the $71,000 level, with the 24-hour decline narrowing to 4.04%.
GateNews1h ago
Trump-Affiliated Company American Bitcoin Holdings Rise to 6899 BTC, Surpassing Galaxy Digital
American Bitcoin, affiliated with the Trump family, announced that its Bitcoin reserves have increased to 6,899 BTC, surpassing Galaxy Digital and becoming the 16th largest corporate Bitcoin holder. Its asset value is approximately $490 million, with Eric Trump calling it one of the fastest-growing Bitcoin reserve companies globally.
GateNews1h ago
