Crypto ATM Scams: Scams may be as old as the telephone, but criminals are now using modern tools—cryptocurrency and Bitcoin ATMs—to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. Instead of asking for wire transfers or gift cards, scammers are increasingly directing people to crypto ATMs, where once the money is sent, it’s nearly impossible to recover.
“These crypto machines are used mostly for two purposes—criminals hiding money and scammers stealing from victims,” says Detective David Dietz of the Fort Myers Police Department’s economic crimes division.
Growing Concern Across Florida and the U.S.
The use of crypto ATMs in scams is rising rapidly not just in Southwest Florida but nationwide. Ten states currently have laws regulating the machines, and eight more are considering similar legislation. Iowa has even sued two major ATM providers—Bitcoin Depot and CoinFlip. Although a bill passed in the U.S. Senate, it has stalled in the House of Representatives.
In Florida, attempts to regulate crypto ATMs have failed twice in the state legislature. As a result, groups like AARP are urging cities and counties to create local ordinances. Fort Myers Police Chief Jason Fields has already brought the issue to the attention of his city council, and Charlotte County officials have spent the past year studying crypto scams.
How the Scam Works
Most scams begin with a phone call from someone pretending to be law enforcement or a government official. Armed with personal information, they sound believable. They claim the victim missed jury duty, ignored a subpoena or has a warrant for their arrest.
To avoid jail, the victim is instructed to pay a “fine” by depositing cryptocurrency into a wallet via a specific ATM. Scammers often add fake instructions, such as taking the receipt to the courthouse or police station, to make the scheme seem legitimate.
Crypto ATMs Are Everywhere—But Hard to Regulate
Since the machines aren’t regulated, it’s hard to know exactly how many are in Southwest Florida. AARP estimates about 2,500 are in Florida overall. In the Fort Myers area alone, there are roughly:
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30 in Fort Myers
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24 in Cape Coral
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17 in Lehigh Acres
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11 in south Fort Myers
Charlotte County has about 28.
They’re commonly found in gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops, malls and even airports. Stores earn hosting fees, making them an attractive business option.
The Financial Toll
Nationwide, crypto ATM scams cost Americans $110 million in 2023 and $66 million in the first half of 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In Florida, approximately 1,740 victims have lost around $33 million since 2020.
Local numbers are rising rapidly:
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Fort Myers: $285,203 lost across 10 cases in 2024
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Charlotte County: Over $1 million lost in the past year
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Cape Coral: 75 scams reported through June
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Lee County Sheriff’s Office: 24 cases in June and July alone, with losses as high as $30,000
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Collier County: 32 scams reported mid-year
Officers believe 30–40% of cases go unreported due to embarrassment.
Older Adults Often Targeted
While victims range in age—Fort Myers’ youngest was 26—the area’s large senior population makes it a target.
“This region is known for retirees, and many have significant savings,” says Charlotte County Corporal Chris Farley.
Failed Legislation and Push for Local Action
Attempts to regulate these machines in Florida stalled in legislative committees. Proposed bills would have required ATM owners to register, post warning signs and verify transactions going to third-party wallets.
AARP supported the bills, arguing that while crypto ATMs have legitimate uses, they are overwhelmingly misused by scammers. The organization is now urging cities to adopt local rules, such as posting warning signs or capping daily deposits.
Can Law Enforcement Help?
Police say their options are limited. Even if they can trace the money to a crypto wallet, scammers are often overseas. They can rarely recover stolen funds—but at least provide closure to victims.
“We’re learning about these scams as quickly as possible,” Farley says. “If we can’t get the money back, we can at least uncover where it went.”
Real Scam Cases in 2024
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A Cape Coral woman was told she’d be arrested unless she paid $11,000 at a Sunoco Bitcoin ATM.
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A Fort Myers victim paid $15,000 after being threatened with jail for missing court.
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One woman, told by a fake U.S. marshal she had a bench warrant, paid $2,600, only to realize at the courthouse she’d been deceived.
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A Cape Coral man lost $70,000 after being tricked into moving money into a Bitcoin wallet to “protect” it.
How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
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No government agency or business will ask for payment via crypto ATM, gift cards or wire transfers.
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Do not respond to payment demands over phone, text or email—hang up and call the organization using a verified number.
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Never give personal information to unknown callers.
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Contact a trusted family member or friend before making financial decisions.
