Bitcoin ATM–related fraud has reached an unprecedented level in 2025, with criminals siphoning off more than $333 million, according to a new report released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Data from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) shows a sharp rise in scams involving Bitcoin ATMs, as fraudsters increasingly exploit public trust and the growing availability of these machines. In 2025 alone, over 10,000 victims reported losses linked to Bitcoin ATM fraud, marking a significant increase from previous years.
How the Scam Works
Scammers typically pose as representatives from banks, government agencies, or well-known companies. Victims are warned of alleged suspicious activity on their accounts and are pressured to act quickly. They are then instructed to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM to “secure” their funds or resolve the issue. Instead, the money is instantly transferred to wallets controlled by the scammers—often with little chance of recovery.
Rapid Growth Fuels Abuse
Bitcoin ATMs have expanded rapidly across the United States. By 2024, more than 30,000 machines were operational, accounting for roughly 81% of all Bitcoin ATMs worldwide. While these machines improve access to cryptocurrency, they have also become a preferred tool for fraudsters due to the speed and irreversibility of transactions.
The FBI noted that between January and November 2025, it received over 12,000 complaints, with reported losses exceeding $333.5 million, a steep rise compared with the same period last year.
Losses Rising Year After Year
The scale of damage has grown dramatically:
2022: $78 million in reported losses
2023: $114 million
2025: Over $333 million
In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission warned that cryptocurrency scams often result in far greater financial harm than traditional fraud schemes.
Safety Warnings from Authorities
Both the FBI and FTC urge the public to remain vigilant. Key recommendations include:
Never trusting unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from banks or companies
Verifying phone numbers independently before taking action
Avoiding rushed transactions—pressure and urgency are common scam tactics
As Bitcoin adoption continues to grow, authorities stress that awareness and caution remain the strongest defenses against crypto-related fraud.
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