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Alabama House Passes House Bill 303, Advancing Critical Protections Against Cryptocurrency Kiosk Fraud

AARP

Published February 25, 2026

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Montgomery, Ala. — The Alabama House of Representatives passed House Bill 303 (HB303) late Tuesday night, marking a significant step toward strengthening consumer protections and combating rapidly growing cryptocurrency kiosk‑related fraud across the state. The legislation—formally titled the Cryptocurrency Kiosk Fraud Prevention Act—is sponsored by Representative Russell Bedsole and is designed to curb misuse of cryptocurrency kiosks, also known as “crypto ATMs,” which have become a common tool for criminals because crypto kiosks in Alabama lack similar fraud protections compared to ATMs used by banks and credit unions.

HB303 Establishes Strong Consumer Safeguards

Under HB303, cryptocurrency kiosk operators will be required to implement a series of fraud‑prevention measures, including:

Clear disclosure of fees, terms, conditions, and exchange rates prior to any transaction.
Mandatory issuance of printed receipts to consumers and digital receipts to the Alabama Securities Commission, to improve transparency and support investigations by law enforcement when necessary.
Refunds for fraud-induced transactions, helping victims recover funds when possible.
U.S.-based, toll‑free consumer support lines and direct communication channels for law enforcement, improving response speed in potential fraud cases.
Visible fraud warnings and transaction limits to prevent significant losses.
Civil and criminal penalties for kiosk operators who violate the bill’s provisions.

A Growing Crisis in Alabama and Nationwide

Crypto kiosk-driven scams have surged in recent years. National FBI data indicates more than 12,000 crypto kiosk fraud complaints and over $333.5 million in losses between January and November 2025.

Alabama has been hit particularly hard. The Alabama Securities Commission reports that Alabamians have already lost millions of dollars to crypto‑kiosk scams, with incidents increasing rapidly.

“Crypto kiosk scams are costing Alabamians their hard-earned savings, and HB 303 is an essential step toward stronger consumer protections,” stated Candi Williams, AARP Alabama State Director. “We urge the Alabama Senate to act quickly to safeguard older adults across our state.”

Senate Urged to Take Immediate Action

With the House’s approval, HB303 now moves to the Alabama Senate, where prompt action is essential. Every delay leaves Alabama residents at continued risk of losing their savings to increasingly aggressive and technologically advanced fraudsters.

The passage of HB303 would place Alabama among the growing number of states taking proactive measures to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks and hold operators accountable. Eighteen states have already enacted similar protections.

Alabama consumers—particularly older adults and vulnerable populations—deserve these safeguards now. The House has acted decisively; it is urgent that the Senate follows suit without delay to ensure these protections become law.

About AARP:

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org, aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.