U.S. Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Sean Casten (D-IL) introduced the Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act on June 11, according to an announcement from Salazar's office. The bipartisan bill would establish consumer protections, transparency rules, and law enforcement tools after Americans lost more than $333 million to crypto ATM scams in 2025. FBI data cited in the announcement showed reported losses rose 33 percent from the previous year, with older Americans carrying most of the financial damage in cases where a victim's age was known — people age 60 and older accounted for more than 85 percent of losses.
Bill Establishes Transaction Limits and Operator Requirements
Crypto ATM operators would be required to implement anti-money laundering programs under the bill. They also would have to conduct customer due diligence, report suspicious activity, and maintain transaction and location records.
New transaction limits would apply to both first-time and existing customers. New customers would face a $2,000 daily limit and a $10,000 total deposit limit during their first 14 days, while existing customers would be limited to $7,500 in daily transactions.
Operators also would need to provide scam warnings, fraud alerts, and consumer disclosures before transactions are completed. The bill would require clear fee and cryptocurrency pricing disclosures, including market price references.
More than 30,000 crypto ATMs operate across the United States in gas stations, convenience stores, and shopping centers. The release said scammers often impersonate banks, government agencies, law enforcement officials, or trusted institutions before pressuring victims to transfer money through the machines.
Legislation Mandates Refunds and Preserves State Authority
The bill would require timely refunds of charges collected on fraudulent transactions. South Florida's large senior population was cited as a reason the issue is especially relevant to Salazar's district.
The bill also would preserve state authority by setting federal transaction standards while allowing states to adopt additional fraud safeguards and consumer protections. Salazar's office stated: "The Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act builds on those efforts by helping protect seniors from one of the fastest-growing forms of financial fraud and safeguarding the savings they spent a lifetime earning."
FAQ
What transaction limits does the Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act establish?
The bill would impose a $2,000 daily limit and a $10,000 total deposit limit during the first 14 days for new customers, while existing customers would be limited to $7,500 in daily transactions.
How much did Americans lose to crypto ATM scams in 2025?
FBI data cited in the announcement showed Americans lost more than $333 million to crypto ATM scams in 2025, representing a 33 percent increase from the previous year, with people age 60 and older accounting for more than 85 percent of known-age losses.
