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Have you ever been told to go to a Bitcoin ATM to “fix” a problem? It might sound unusual. But it’s happening more often than most people realize, and it’s happening right here in New Jersey.
It usually starts with something urgent. A pop‑up on your computer, a phone call, or a text or email message that looks legitimate. Someone claims to be from your bank, a government agency, a tech company, or law enforcement. They tell you your account has been compromised, your identity is at risk, or your money could disappear. Then they walk you through exactly what to do. Go to the bank. Withdraw your cash. Drive to a crypto ATM. Deposit the money so it can be “protected.” In the moment, it feels real. The pressure is strong. And people follow through.
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A New Jersey story that hits close to home
One AARP story comes from Marlene, an 80‑year‑old New Jersey resident.
After seeing a warning message on her computer, she called the number that appeared on the screen and reached someone claiming to be from Apple. He told her that her money was in danger and needed to be secured immediately. The solution, he said, was to withdraw the funds and deposit them into a crypto kiosk.
She trusted the instructions and followed them. By the time she realized what had happened, the money was gone. She lost $9,500, nearly everything in her checking account, and described the emotional toll as something she will never forget.
That’s not a story from somewhere else. That’s someone in our state.
Why these scams are so effective
These scams aren’t just about technology. They’re about pressure and trust. Scammers create urgency and often tell victims not to talk to anyone else. They stay on the phone, guide every step, and keep the situation moving quickly.
The crypto ATM is simply the final step. These machines are now common in places like grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores. They look familiar, but the transaction behind them is very different. Once money is sent through a crypto kiosk, it is extremely difficult to recover.
That’s exactly why scammers use them.
A growing problem across the country
Crypto ATM scams are increasing at a troubling rate. In 2025, the FBI received 13,460 complaints involving crypto kiosks, with $389 million reported stolen.
Older adults are being targeted the most, accounting for 76% of those reported losses.
And those numbers likely only tell part of the story. Many cases go unreported, often because victims feel embarrassed or unsure where to turn.
The part we don’t talk about enough
When people share their experiences, one theme comes up again and again. They don’t just talk about the money. They talk about how it felt. The confusion. The stress. The second‑guessing afterward.
Some people hesitate to tell their families. Others keep it to themselves entirely. It’s exactly the kind of silence scammers depend on. But the truth is simple. These scams are designed to work. They are built to create pressure in the moment and push people to act quickly.
It can happen to anyone. And even if it hasn’t happened to you, there’s a good chance you’ve heard a story like this from someone close to you.
Why your story matters
We can explain how these scams work. We can share statistics. But what really sticks with people are real experiences. When someone hears a story that sounds familiar, they pause. They question. They take a second look before acting.
Your experience, whether you lost money or caught the scam in time, could help someone else do exactly that.
Share your story in your own words
If this has happened to you and you’re willing, we’d like to hear from you. You don’t need to write anything formal. We created a website where you can simply record your story. Just share what happened, what you remember, and what you want others to know about how it impacted you. Please visit https://vocalvideo.com/c/aarpnj-fraud and tell us your story.
It only takes a few minutes, and your voice could help protect someone else in our community.
Not ready to share your story? There’s still a way to help
We understand that not everyone will feel comfortable sharing this kind of experience publicly. Even if it didn’t happen to you personally, you’ve probably heard a story like this from a friend, a neighbor, or someone in your family. If this issue matters to you, there’s another way to make an impact.
States across the country are working on stronger protections around crypto kiosks, including clearer warnings and accountability to reduce fraud. Here in New Jersey, those conversations are happening too.
If you’re concerned about how these scams are affecting people in your community, consider reaching out to your state senator or assembly member. When lawmakers hear directly from residents, it brings real‑world perspective and urgency to the decisions being made.
One last thought
Scammers move fast. They rely on pressure. And they rely on silence. But when people share what they’ve seen and what they’ve experienced, we take away that advantage. And that’s how we protect each other here in New Jersey.
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