Tennessee Bans Cryptocurrency ATMs

As of July 1, 2026, cryptocurrency ATM fraud will be a thing of the past in Tennessee when a new law officially bans the machines from being operated anywhere, statewide.

The law, signed by Governor Bill Lee on April 13, makes operating a cryptocurrency ATM a Class A misdemeanor. 

MEMBERS ONLY

“This law is a great step forward to help protect older Tennesseans against one of today’s most pervasive scams, and a message to fraudsters that Tennessee residents will no longer be their targets for crypto ATM scams,” said AARP Tennessee State President Gerre Currie. “We commend Governor Bill Lee, bill sponsors Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton and Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, and each member of the General Assembly for unanimously supporting a bill that eliminates dangerous cryptocurrency ATMs in the Volunteer State. 

AARP Tennessee worked closely with elected officials and a coalition of groups, including law enforcement in support of the legislation, recognizing its importance in protecting older Tennesseans from crypto ATM scams. 

“I’m proud that Tennessee is now the second state in the country to eliminate these machines responsible for defrauding Tennesseans of millions of dollars,” said AARP Advocacy Director Makayla McCree. “AARP has been leading the way nationally in curbing cryptocurrency-related fraud and protecting consumers,” 

Nationwide, 86% of cryptocurrency ATM scams target adults 60 and older. Murfreesboro Police Department reported nearly $4 million lost in cryptocurrency ATM scams. AARP met with bankers, law enforcement and advocacy groups to support the bill. 

AARP is the nation’s largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. Since its founding in 1958, AARP has been dedicated to helping Americans choose how to live as they age. AARP Tennessee advocates for older adults across the state. To learn more about AARP’s advocacy efforts, visit https://www.aarp.org/advocacy.