Congress Proposes Caps, Warnings for Crypto ATMs

Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Sean Casten (D-IL) introduced the Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act on June 11. The bill would set federal transaction limits, require on-screen scam warnings and require operators to keep transaction and kiosk location records.

The proposal follows FBI figures showing Americans reported more than $333 million in losses to crypto ATM scams in 2025. Reported losses rose 33% from the previous year, and in cases where victims’ ages were known, people 60 and older accounted for more than 85% of losses.

The legislation would require operators of roughly 30,000 crypto ATMs in the United States to implement anti-money-laundering programs and perform customer due diligence. Operators would have to report suspicious activity and retain records of transactions and kiosk locations to help law enforcement trace fraud.

New transaction limits in the bill would apply to both new and existing customers. New users would be limited to $2,000 in daily withdrawals and a $10,000 total deposit cap during their first 14 days. Established customers would face a $7,500 daily limit.

The measure would require kiosks to display scam warnings, fraud alerts and consumer disclosures before a transaction is completed. It would require clear fee information and cryptocurrency pricing references tied to market prices. The bill would also require timely refunds for charges tied to fraudulent transactions.

The text describes common schemes in which fraudsters impersonate banks, government agencies or law enforcement and pressure victims to move funds through kiosks. The bill notes many crypto ATMs operate in gas stations, convenience stores and shopping centers, locations where quick, in-person transactions are common.

A statement from the bill’s sponsors said, “The Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act would establish new safeguards to help prevent fraud, strengthen transparency requirements for crypto ATM operators, and provide law enforcement with additional tools to investigate and stop these scams,” and added the measure would help protect seniors from a fast-growing form of financial fraud.

The proposal sets federal transaction standards while preserving state authority to adopt additional consumer protections and fraud safeguards. It seeks to give authorities more information for investigations through required recordkeeping and reporting and to increase transparency for consumers at the point of sale.