Bitcoin ATM Scams: FBI Reports $333 Million Stolen in 2025

Bitcoin ATMs are becoming a goldmine for crooks. The FBI just released numbers showing scammers raked in a staggering $333 million from these machines last year, and it's got everyone from retirees to everyday folks on high alert.

What happened is pretty straightforward but sneaky. Scammers often pose as tech support or government officials, calling people and claiming there's an urgent problem with their bank account or taxes. They convince victims to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM, promising it'll fix everything. Once the money's in, it's converted to cryptocurrency and gone forever.

This jumped from about $250 million in losses back in 2024, according to the FBI's latest report out of their Washington headquarters. Most cases hit in big states like California, Texas, and Florida, where these ATMs are everywhere.

Well, it's not just big numbers—real people are getting hurt. A lot of victims are older adults who aren't super familiar with crypto, losing life savings in one go. The FBI says complaints poured in from January through November.

Experts point out that Bitcoin's anonymity makes tracing these scams tough, but law enforcement is stepping up with more warnings and partnerships with ATM companies to add alerts.

It's a reminder to pause and check before acting on a frantic call. If something feels off, hang up and call back using a trusted number—could save you a bundle.

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