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AARP Montana Pushes for Legislation to Protect Consumers from Crypto Kiosk Fraud
As criminals increasingly use cryptocurrency kiosks to target older adults, AARP Montana is laying the groundwork for stronger consumer protections in the 2027 Legislative Session.
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Montanans lost a record-setting $53 million to cybercrime in 2025, according to the FBI, and cryptocurrency-related scams are driving much of the increase. Older adults are among the most frequently targeted victims, often losing thousands, or even their life savings, to sophisticated fraud schemes.
As AARP Montana prepares for the 2027 Legislative Session, strengthening protections against cryptocurrency kiosk fraud will be a key priority.
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"The rapid growth of cryptocurrency kiosk fraud should concern anyone who cares about protecting Montana consumers," said AARP Montana State Director Tim Summers. "Evidence from across the country suggests these machines are involved in a disproportionate share of scam-related losses, particularly among older adults. Montana policymakers should carefully consider whether any benefits these kiosks provide justify the risks they pose to consumers."
What Are Cryptocurrency Kiosks?
Cryptocurrency kiosks, often called "crypto ATMs" or "Bitcoin ATMs," are machines that allow people to buy cryptocurrency using cash. While these machines can be used for legitimate cryptocurrency transactions, they have also become a favorite tool for criminals.
Crypto kiosks however are not the only way to buy or transfer cryptocurrency. Consumers who choose to engage in legitimate cryptocurrency transactions can do so through online platforms using a computer or mobile device, leading many policymakers and consumer advocates to question whether the risks associated with cryptocurrency kiosks outweigh their benefits.
With approximately 400 cryptocurrency kiosks located throughout Montana, older adults are increasingly encountering these machines in convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and other retail locations across the state. Unlike traditional financial institutions, cryptocurrency kiosks often lack the consumer protections and safeguards that help prevent fraud before money is lost.
How are Crypto Kiosk Scams Perpetrated?
The scam typically follows a familiar pattern. A criminal impersonates a government agency, law enforcement officer, technical support representative, financial institution, or even a romantic interest. The victim is told there is an urgent problem requiring immediate action. They are instructed to withdraw cash, visit a cryptocurrency kiosk, and insert the cash into the kiosk to deposit the money to an account provided by the scammer. Once the transaction is completed, the money is transferred to the criminal's digital wallet and is often impossible to recover.
The Growing Threat in Montana
The FBI reports that Americans lost more than $389 million through cryptocurrency kiosk scams in 2025, and experts believe the actual number is significantly higher because fraud is chronically underreported. Adults age 60 and older accounted for the majority of reported losses.
Montana is seeing the same troubling trends.
According to the FBI, losses from cybercrime in Montana jumped from approximately $31.6 million in 2024 to more than $53 million in 2025, with cryptocurrency-related fraud among the primary drivers of the increase. Law enforcement officials have repeatedly warned that investment scams, romance scams, and impersonation scams involving cryptocurrency are increasingly targeting older Montanans.
State officials have also reported a growing number of complaints involving cryptocurrency kiosks, prompting increased public awareness efforts and discussions about stronger consumer protections.
Why AARP Montana Is Paying Attention
AARP Montana is focused on protecting older adults from financial exploitation and helping consumers keep the money they worked hard to earn.
Investigations conducted in several states have found that a remarkably high percentage of cryptocurrency kiosk transactions are linked to fraud. Those findings, combined with the mounting losses reported by older Americans, raise significant concerns about whether existing consumer protections are adequate.
As policymakers across the country examine solutions, states have pursued a range of approaches, including stronger oversight, transaction limits, refund requirements for fraud victims, mandatory warning notices, licensing requirements, and, in some cases, prohibiting cryptocurrency kiosks altogether. More than 35 states have already taken action to address the problem.
Looking Ahead to 2027
While specific legislative proposals have not yet been introduced, AARP Montana will work with lawmakers, consumer advocates, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to explore policy solutions that better protect Montanans from cryptocurrency kiosk fraud.
Join the Fight Against Fraud
To learn more about AARP Montana’s other top state legislative priorities, sign up to receive advocacy updates here aarp.org/MTadvocacy
AARP Montana is committed to helping consumers spot scams before they become victims. To learn more about fraud prevention and cryptocurrency kiosk scams, visit AARP's Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/FraudWatch
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