Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has issued a warning to residents about a growing wave of cryptocurrency ATM scams, which have targeted thousands of consumers, particularly older adults.
The office also launched a new fraud complaint form, allowing victims to report scams within 30 days. In 2024 alone, Arizonans reportedly lost more than $177 million to fraudulent schemes involving crypto ATMs.
Arizonans should take every precaution when using cryptocurrency ATMs and should never use them to send money to people they don’t know. If you believe you have been a victim of cryptocurrency fraud, file a complaint at https://t.co/bxLR3LOcif.https://t.co/iDnbk0D9d3
— AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes (@AZAGMayes) February 2, 2026
Scammers exploit cryptocurrency ATMs
The scams often begin with an unexpected phone call, email, or text message. Fraudsters pose as law enforcement, banks, utility companies, or even relatives, claiming the victim owes money or that their accounts are compromised. Victims are pressured to withdraw cash and deposit it into crypto ATMs, which then transfers the funds directly to the scammer.
Once sent, the money is nearly impossible to recover. Arizona has roughly 600 crypto ATMs, typically located in gas stations, grocery stores, and retail outlets. The anonymity and irreversibility of cryptocurrency make these ATMs a preferred tool for scammers, with the FBI reporting a 99% increase in related complaints in 2024.
New protections and consumer tips
Arizona has enacted new laws limiting the amount of money that can be sent through crypto ATMs and enabling victims to recover funds if reported promptly. Attorney General Mayes urged caution: never deposit money into a crypto ATM at the request of strangers, verify all claims independently, and contact your bank or law enforcement immediately if pressured to act. Victims should save receipts, file reports with law enforcement, and contact the ATM operator.
“Arizonans should remain vigilant and never rush financial decisions under pressure,”
Mayes said, emphasizing the importance of verifying claims and consulting trusted advisors before making cryptocurrency deposits.
This warning aligns with recent observations that illicit cryptocurrency activity surged to a record $158 billion in 2025, fueled by a 500% explosion in AI-enabled scams and massive sanctions evasion.
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