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Crypto Kiosks: Why Washington Needs New Rules

Washington, Oak Harbor, USASunday, February 15, 2026
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People in Washington’s shopping centers are encountering small, ATM‑like machines that let you buy or sell digital money. These kiosks are not backed by banks and do not follow the same regulatory safeguards that protect regular banking transactions. While convenient, they are a hotbed for scammers who prey on unsuspecting users.


How the Scams Work

A fraud‑prevention specialist has helped victims of tech‑support scams and fake government calls. In these cases, scammers instruct people to deposit cash into a crypto kiosk. Once the digital money is sent, it cannot be retrieved, and victims rarely recover any funds.

Older adults are especially vulnerable because they often trust authority figures and may be unfamiliar with new technology. The FBI reported:

  • Almost 11,000 complaints about crypto kiosks in 2024.
  • Over $246 million lost.
  • 85% of victims were aged 60 or older.

These numbers underscore the urgency of protecting seniors from fraud.


Legislative Response

Washington lawmakers have already passed Senate Bill 5280, which:

  • Sets limits on how much money can be sent or received at crypto kiosks.
  • Requires machines to provide receipts.
  • Mandates clear warnings about scams.

With roughly 1,000 kiosks statewide and many other states adopting similar measures, Washington is poised to strengthen consumer protection.

The bill has cleared the Senate and awaits House consideration. Citizens can help by:

  • Contacting their representatives.
  • Urging support for the new rules.
  • Advocating especially to shield older shoppers from fraud.

Take Action

If you or someone you know uses a crypto kiosk, stay vigilant:

  1. Verify the kiosk’s legitimacy before depositing cash.
  2. Ask for a receipt and keep it safe.
  3. Report suspicious activity to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Together, we can curb this growing threat and safeguard our community’s most vulnerable members.

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