AARP Massachusetts Calls for a Ban on Cryptocurrency ATMs Amid Growing Scam Threats

AARP Massachusetts previously supported legislation that would have required basic consumer protections, including clear scam warnings, transaction limits, and accountability for kiosk operators. But as scams have continued to rise and losses have mounted, it has become clear that these measures are not enough.

“A ban on crypto ATMs is now the most effective way to stop the ongoing damage,” said Jen Benson, state director of AARP Massachusetts. “Despite our efforts to push for straightforward consumer protections, these machines continue to operate without safeguards, causing people to lose their life savings. It’s clear that more decisive action is needed.”

AARP Massachusetts is not opposed to cryptocurrency itself. The organization supports responsible innovation and policies that protect consumers. But when a product consistently enables fraud and puts residents at risk, action is necessary.

Older adults are being targeted again and again, and the financial and emotional toll can be devastating. AARP Massachusetts believes banning cryptocurrency ATMs is a critical step to protect residents across the Commonwealth and prevent more families from experiencing irreversible financial loss.

Statements of Support

“I was sick and I was scammed.  I was told that I needed to get my money and put it in a machine in a convenience store.  I took out all but $34 from my account,” said Mary Mbugua, Haverhill resident who was the victim of a scam. “These machines are dangerous and we need to get rid of them.”

"Cryptocurrency kiosks are used every day to scam seniors and vulnerable people out of hundreds of millions of dollars," said Senator John J. Cronin (D - Fitchburg). "We need to make sure bad actors can't leverage these devices to rob people of their savings. I am proud to stand with our seniors, consumers, and colleagues in the legislature to stop this fraud once and for all in the Commonwealth." 

"As House Chair of the Emerging Technology Caucus, previously the Blockchain Caucus, I have aimed to provide a forum for members to examine emerging technologies like cryptocurrency as we shape public policy in the Commonwealth," said State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose). "We recognize that new technologies can improve the quality of life for our residents and enhance the delivery of government services, and we will continue our proud tradition of nurturing and investing in our innovative economy. However, the practical reality of cryptocurrency kiosks is that they are being used overwhelmingly by fraudsters and scammers to pilfer the savings of individuals, particularly older adults, and their families. The machines are not serving a legitimate, needed purpose that outweighs the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars each year. I am glad to join Rep. Stanley, Sen. Cronin, the AARP, and our partners in law enforcement in spearheading legislation to protect our residents with a statewide ban.”

"In my role as Waltham city councilor, I helped pass one of the first local crypto kiosk bans in the state last year," said State Representative Thomas M. Stanley (D-Waltham). "I'm proud to partner with AARP MA, law enforcement and my legislative colleagues, Rep. Lipper-Garabedian and Sen. Cronin, on our legislation and look forward to the work ahead on amending the bill to implement a statewide ban. Scammers primarily target older adults whose retirement savings and unfamiliarity with cryptocurrency make them ideal victims for fraudulent transactions utilizing crypto kiosks. A statewide ban on these ATMs ensures no one else will be victimized and lose their hard-earned wages or life savings."

"As the former Chief of Police in Milton and now the State Representative for the 7th Norfolk District, representing Milton and Randolph, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact financial scams have on our communities. Cryptocurrency kiosks have become a growing tool for fraud, with reports indicating that approximately 94 percent of activity associated with these machines involves scams targeting innocent victims, particularly our elderly and most vulnerable residents.” said Rep. Richard G. Wells, Jr (D – Milton). “The need for action is urgent. We have a responsibility to protect our residents from financial exploitation and to ensure that bad actors cannot continue to prey on those who are least equipped to defend themselves. Banning cryptocurrency kiosks in Massachusetts is a necessary step to safeguard our communities and restore a sense of security for all."

“My office has been working on the alarming rise in crypto-ATM kiosk fraud for the past three years and our takeaway is clear: the people of Massachusetts would be safer without these payment portals for scammers," said Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker.

“Day after day, residents across the Commonwealth are losing money in scams involving unregulated cryptocurrency kiosks,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “Placed in easily accessible spots like gas stations and convenience stores, these kiosks are a virtual wild west, allowing criminals to defraud residents of their hard-earned money with very little recourse for victims. I am proud to stand with AARP Massachusetts to call for the passage of legislation banning these kiosks from communities across the Commonwealth, as has already been done in my hometown of Waltham.”

“The City Council and Mayor passed a Cryptocurrency Ordinance on September 8, 2025.   We are very happy to see this on the State level,” said Waltham Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy. “Thank you to Representative Thomas Stanley for his efforts.”

“Massachusetts banks support all measures to protect customers from fraudulent activities and unscrupulous schemes. Based on AARP’s research and feedback from our members, cryptocurrency kiosk scams have disproportionately targeted adults 60 and over resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in reported losses to consumers in 2025.  Further, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 10,950 complaints involving CVC Kiosks in 2024, with reported victim losses of approximately $246.7 million nationwide,” said Kathleen Murphy, President & CEO, Massachusetts Bankers Association. “The Association is laser focused on preventing financial exploitation of vulnerable adults and therefore supports measures to ban the use of cryptocurrency kiosks in the Commonwealth, joining more than 20 states that have moved to address scams via “crypto kiosks.”