Thirty-five victims of fraud have received full restitution, Arizona Attorney General Chris Mays announced in an August 12 press release from her office. The office helped these victims recover $171,332 USD for transactions made as a result of the fraud through a state restitution procedure.
The statement contained a direct call to action from Mays for anyone affected by cryptocurrency ATM fraud: "My office is happy to help any victim of cryptocurrency ATM fraud get the restitution they are entitled to under Arizona state law," Attorney General Mays stated, adding:
"Knowing the signs of cryptocurrency ATM fraud can help protect you and your loved ones, but if you become a victim of this fraud, contact my office immediately. We are ready to help."
Arizona's Cryptocurrency Kiosk License Fraud Prevention Act went into effect on September 26, 2025, and requires operators to provide a full refund, including all fees, but only for fraudulently initiated transactions made by customers who have been served by that operator for less than 10 days, according to the law's text. The claimant must notify the company owning the kiosk, as well as law enforcement or the attorney general, within 30 days, and then provide an official report confirming the fraudulent inducement to make the transaction.
Which Victims Are Covered by the Refund Rules?
Under Arizona state law, a "new customer" is a person who has been a customer of a particular kiosk operator for less than 10 days. Only this group is entitled to the mandatory full refund. To be eligible for a refund, one must also contact the operator and either the attorney general or local police within the legally set timeframe. Arizona's cryptocurrency ATM fraud page advises victims to keep receipts, provide evidence, and document contacts with customer support.
According to the FBI, 460 cryptocurrency kiosk-related complaints were reported in Arizona in 2025, with adjusted losses of $14.53 million. Nationally, 13,460 cryptocurrency kiosk-related complaints were filed, with adjusted losses exceeding $388.98 million; over half of the complaints came from people aged 50 and older, with their losses exceeding $302 million. These figures cover cryptocurrency kiosk-related complaints.
This state data aligns with broader 2025 trends, where Americans reported cryptocurrency-related losses of $11.366 billion, with adjusted losses for kiosk-related complaints amounting to about $389 million. People aged 50 and older accounted for more than $302 million of that amount, according to the FBI.
How Arizona's Rules Create Barriers to Cash Movement
Arizona's legislation limits transaction amounts to $2,000 per day for new customers and $10,500 for existing ones, and also mandates displaying confirmations on screen before conducting transactions. Operators are also required to issue receipts, provide 24/7 real-time support, and conduct blockchain screening designed to block wallets already linked to fraud.
Federal legislators are seeking to introduce similar controls that would set nationwide limits, warnings, record-keeping requirements, and refunds of operator fees (but not the principal transaction amount) under the "Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act." This proposal was introduced following losses of over $333 million in 2025 and would preserve states' authority to enforce stricter consumer protections.
Prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of assets linked to five victims whose payments went to a single wallet, as shown in a federal forfeiture case involving about $47,000. The cryptocurrency can still be subject to third-party claims until its forfeiture and potential restitution to victims.
What Warning Signs Should Make You Pause?
Common warning signs include unsolicited contact, demands for cryptocurrency, fictitious account emergencies, and QR codes provided by strangers. Users should verify websites, be wary of promises of guaranteed profits, protect private keys, and report signs of fraud to law enforcement.
People reporting kiosk fraud face the most urgent limitation in Arizona: the state's 30-day window starts ticking from the transaction date. Keeping the receipt and noting the date, time, location, amount, and description of the fraud can help in filing a claim in accordance with the law before this deadline expires.
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