Are businesses complying with Tennessee Bitcoin ATM ban? Here’s what Murfreesboro police say

What This Story Is About

• Murfreesboro police checked 30 businesses previously known to have Bitcoin ATMs and found all were complying with Tennessee’s new ban.

Why It Matters

• The law took effect July 1 after Murfreesboro police reported victims lost nearly $4.1 million in six months to cryptocurrency kiosk scams, often targeting elderly residents.

What Happens Next

• Police said some disconnected machines remain at businesses while vendors arrange removal. Detectives are urging residents to remain alert for other scam tactics.

Catch Up

• ‘Defrauded dozens of nearly $4M.’ Murfreesboro police warn of Bitcoin scam targeting elderly residents

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WSMV) – Murfreesboro police say all 30 businesses checked by fraud detectives were complying with Tennessee’s new ban on Bitcoin ATMs.

Detectives visited businesses previously known to have cryptocurrency kiosks and delivered a letter from Police Chief Michael Bowen along with a copy of the law. Some machines remain on-site but have been disconnected as vendors work to remove them.

Tennessee’s Bitcoin ATM ban took effect July 1. Murfreesboro police said their investigations helped support the law after local victims lost nearly $4.1 million over six months in cryptocurrency scams.

Tennessee’s Bitcoin ATM ban took effect July 1. Murfreesboro police said their investigations helped support the law after local victims lost nearly $4.1 million over six months in cryptocurrency scams.

Detective Sgt. Tommy Massey said police have seen a sharp decrease in cryptocurrency scam reports since the ban took effect, but warned residents that scammers may find other ways to steal money.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam can contact Murfreesboro Police Criminal Investigations at 615-893-2717.