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AARP Applauds La Conner for Banning Cryptocurrency Kiosks to Protect Residents
Town joins growing number of Washington communities taking action against fast growing scam threat
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Seattle, WA - AARP Washington today applauded the town of La Conner for banning cryptocurrency kiosks, becoming the latest community in Washington state to take action against a scam threat that has devastated victims and wiped out life savings.
La Conner joins a growing list of cities moving to eliminate these machines, which are increasingly exploited by criminals who pressure victims into sending money that is nearly impossible to recover. Similar bans have been enacted in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Kennewick and Anacortes.
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La Conner Mayor Marna Hanneman praised the action, noting its importance for community safety. “We’re pleased to take this step to protect La Conner residents,” said Mayor Hanneman. “These kiosks have become a tool for scammers, and removing them helps ensure our community is better safeguarded from financial harm.”
Cryptocurrency kiosks - often located in grocery stores and other everyday settings - are commonly used in scams that begin with an urgent phone call. Criminals frequently impersonate law enforcement, court officials, or financial institutions, pressuring victims to act quickly or face arrest or financial loss.
For some, the consequences have been life-changing. La Conner business owner and Anacortes resident Kathleen Felker was targeted in a jury duty scam and directed to deposit thousands of dollars into a crypto kiosk under the threat of arrest—a traumatic experience that left a lasting emotional toll and no way to recover the funds. Since then, Felker has used her experience to fight back and help protect others, sharing her story to raise awareness and warn people about the warning signs of these scams. She also testified before the Anacortes City Council in support of the cryptocurrency kiosk ban they recently enacted, helping build momentum for local action to prevent others from becoming victims.
AARP Fraud Watch Network volunteer and Fraud Specialist Dan Maul says stories like Felker’s are far too common. “I hear every week from people whose lives have been turned upside down by these scams,” said Maul. “In many cases, victims are losing tens of thousands of dollars - sometimes their entire savings—to criminals who use crypto kiosks because the money moves fast and is nearly impossible to trace or recover. It’s unbelievably tragic.”
AARP Washington State Director Marguerite Ro said La Conner’s decision reflects the kind of leadership needed as losses continue to climb.
“This is exactly the kind of action that makes a real difference,” said Ro. “Scammers rely on these kiosks to move money quickly, leaving victims with little recourse. By banning them, La Conner is putting the safety and financial security of its residents first.”
The need for action is clear. In 2025, the FBI received more than 13,000 complaints involving cryptocurrency kiosks, with reported losses nearing $389 million. A disproportionate share of those losses were suffered by older adults.
With state lawmakers yet to enact meaningful protections, local governments are increasingly stepping in. “In the absence of action at the state level, cities like La Conner are doing what’s necessary to protect their communities,” Ro added. “These bans can help prevent scams before they happen and spare families from devastating financial losses.”
Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, but awareness remains one of your best defenses. If you ever suspect something isn’t right—or if you’ve already been targeted—you don’t have to navigate it alone. Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with a trained specialist and get help determining your next steps. The service is free, and you do not need to be an AARP member to call.
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