CARSON CITY, Nev. (FOX5) — Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is warning residents about a growing scam involving cryptocurrency kiosks found in gas stations and convenience stores.
The machines, commonly called Bitcoin or crypto ATMs, convert cash into digital currency that can be sent to unknown third parties. The transactions cannot be reversed and are nearly untraceable, making it extremely difficult to recover stolen money.
Scammers typically begin with an unsolicited phone call, text, email or pop-up message that creates a sense of fear and urgency, Ford’s office said. The criminals often impersonate someone the victim would trust, such as a relative or representative of a legitimate organization. They claim an emergency exists that can only be resolved by depositing funds into a cryptocurrency kiosk.
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The scammer then provides instructions about how to complete the transaction, which sometimes include a QR code associated with the scammer’s digital wallet.
According to FBI data cited by AARP, cryptocurrency kiosk scams disproportionately impact older adults. In 2025, cryptocurrency kiosks were used in scams that led to more than $389 million in reported losses.
“One of the most important ways to protect yourself from scams is to stay informed — scammers are consistently changing their tactics to fool you in new ways,” Ford said. “If a person asks you to use a cryptocurrency kiosk to transfer money, stop and consider if the interaction feels above board. When in doubt, follow your gut.”
Nevadans who believe they may have been victims of a scam, including one involving cryptocurrency kiosks, can file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General.
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