Free guide
Bitcoin ATM scam: what to do now
No real police officer, government agency or bank will ever tell you to pay through a Bitcoin ATM. If someone did, you're not alone, and there are clear steps to take next.
If it's happening right now
How these scams usually go
Bitcoin ATMs, also called crypto kiosks, turn cash into cryptocurrency. Scammers like them because the money moves fast and is hard to get back. In 2025 the FBI's IC3 received more than 13,400 complaints involving crypto kiosks, with losses over $388 million. More than half came from people over 50.
- “Your bank account was hacked.” A caller says you must move your money to keep it safe.
- “You'll be arrested.” Someone posing as police, a court or a government agency says you owe a fine.
- “Your computer has a virus.” A pop-up or caller claiming to be tech support asks for payment.
- Someone you met online needs money, or wants you to invest.
They often stay on the phone while you're at the machine and send a QR code to scan. That QR code is their wallet.
What to do now
- 1
Stop all contact
Don't answer their calls or messages, and don't send anything more, even if they promise it's the last payment.
- 2
Keep every receipt
Your kiosk receipts usually show the transaction ID, the wallet address the money went to, and the machine's location. The FBI asks for all three. Photograph the receipts too.
- 3
Call your bank
If you withdrew cash for the payment or shared any bank details, call the number on the back of your card. Tell them what happened.
- 4
Tell the kiosk company
Call the company that runs the machine, using the number on your receipt or printed on the machine, and report the scam.
- 5
Report it
File with your local police and with the FBI's IC3. Include the transaction ID, wallet address, kiosk location, and every phone number and name the scammer used.
- 6
Protect your identity
If you gave out your Social Security number or other personal details, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
Watch for the next call
People who lose money are often contacted again by someone claiming they can get it back, sometimes posing as the FBI. The FBI never charges a fee to recover money. Check any offer for red flags.
More free guides
- How to file with the FBI's IC3
- How to file a police report
- How to report a scam to your exchange
- How to find your transaction ID
- Pig butchering: what to do now
- Spotting fake police, FBI and government officials
- What happens after you report
- Check a recovery offer for red flags
- Crypto scam terms, in plain words
Sources
- FBI public service announcement: cryptocurrency kiosk complaint data (May 2026)
- FBI public service announcement: scammers impersonating law enforcement and government officials (September 2026)
- FinCEN: Notice on crypto kiosks used for scam payments (August 2025)
- FTC: How to avoid a government impersonation scam
Last checked against official guidance: November 2026.