Attorney General Mayes, Better Business Bureau Warn Arizonans About Crypto ATM Scams Targeting Seniors

PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Joe Ducey with the Better Business Bureau today released a joint public service announcement warning Arizonans about a growing scam in which fraudsters pressure victims — particularly seniors — into sending money through Bitcoin or Crypto ATMs increasingly found in convenience stores and gas stations across the state.

In the PSA, AG Mayes and Ducey explain how the scam typically unfolds: a caller poses as a representative from a bank, government agency, or utility company and claims the victim owes back taxes, has fraud on their account, or faces imminent service shut-off. The caller then insists that the only way to resolve the issue is to immediately deposit cash into a cryptocurrency ATM. Scammers may stay on the phone with their victims throughout the process and send fake confirmation emails to make the scheme appear legitimate.

"No legitimate government agency, bank, or utility company will ever tell you to use a Bitcoin or crypto ATM," said Attorney General Mayes. "These scammers are sophisticated and convincing. But once that money is gone, it's very hard to get back, so we want Arizonans to know their rights and act fast if they've been targeted."

Arizona's Cryptocurrency Kiosk License Fraud Prevention law, which took effect last year, strengthened protections for Arizonans at risk of crypto ATM scams. Under the law, daily transaction limits are capped at $2,000 for new customers and $10,500 for existing customers.

ATMs must now display prominent warning signs that customers are required to acknowledge before proceeding, and kiosk operators are required to issue full refunds — including fees — to new customers who are victims of fraud. Critically, victims must report the incident within 30 days of the transaction and provide a law enforcement report confirming they were fraudulently induced.

"Time is absolutely critical," said Ducey. "If you or a loved one has fallen for this scam, don't wait. Report it immediately so you have the best chance of recovering your money."

AG Mayes and the BBB urge Arizonans to take the following steps if they or someone they know is targeted:

• Hang up immediately. Do not engage with the caller or follow their instructions. A government agency will never ask you to send money via cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift cards.
• Verify independently. Contact the company or agency directly using a phone number you look up yourself — not one provided by the caller. Scammers can spoof caller ID to make calls appear to come from legitimate organizations.
• Save your receipt. If a transaction has already occurred, hold onto the ATM receipt and call the kiosk operator's support number — usually printed on the machine — to report the fraud.
• Report it fast. Victims must file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office or local law enforcement within 30 days to qualify for a refund. Complaints can be filed online at azag.gov.
• Talk to someone you trust. Before making any substantial financial decision involving cryptocurrency, consult a trusted family member or friend first.

Seniors and their loved ones are encouraged to share this information widely. Legitimate businesses and government agencies never demand payment through cryptocurrency, and certainly not through an ATM.

Report Crypto ATM fraud to local law enforcement or to the Attorney General's Office.

Scams can also be reported at bbb.org/scamtracker

Download the PSA.