AARP Alabama Supports New Legislation to Address Cryptocurrency Kiosk Fraud

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 28, 2026

CONTACT: Jamie Harding, JHarding@aarp.org, 205-470-1265

AARP Alabama Supports New Legislation to Address Cryptocurrency Kiosk Fraud

New bill calls for important state-level consumer protections

Montgomery, Ala. – AARP Alabama is urging state lawmakers to pass the Cryptocurrency Kiosk Fraud Prevention Act, new legislation that will help combat fraudulent activity involving cryptocurrency kiosks, also known as “crypto ATMs” or “virtual currency kiosks.” House Bill 303, sponsored by Representative Russell Bedsole of House District 49, will help protect people from losing their money to scammers.

Cryptocurrency kiosks look like bank ATMs and allow people to conduct legitimate cryptocurrency transactions. However, they are also being used to carry out fraudulent activity. Scams involving crypto kiosks are on the rise. According to FBI data, people filed over 12,000 crypto kiosk fraud complaints and reported over $333.5 million in monetary losses between January and November 2025. A recent survey by the Alabama Securities Commission showed Alabamians have already lost millions of dollars to crypto kiosk-related scams, and the incidences are growing rapidly. To date, 18 states have taken legislative or regulatory action to address crypto kiosk fraud.

“Older Alabamians shouldn’t have to worry about criminals stealing the savings they worked so hard to save for retirement,” said Candi Williams, state director of AARP Alabama. “By passing House Bill 303, Alabama can help lead the way in preventing criminals from using crypto kiosks to defraud our neighbors and family members. That’s something all legislators should be able to get behind. We encourage all Alabamians to contact their legislators and voice their support for House Bill 303.”

House Bill 303 will address crypto kiosk fraud and protect Americans’ pocketbooks by:

· Providing a mechanism for refunding lost money where possible
· Preventing crypto kiosks from operating in banks and credit unions
· Displaying terms and conditions clearly before a transaction, including any fees charged and the exchange rate
· Posting visible notices on the kiosks that tell people what to do if they suspect fraudulent activity
· Giving receipts with relevant transactional information to the customer in case law enforcement needs to investigate fraudulent activity
· Setting daily and monthly transaction limits to prevent significant financial losses
· Requiring live, United States-based, toll-free consumer service as well as a direct line for law enforcement at all times.

“Cryptocurrency kiosks are still relatively new, and we don’t have measures in place to ensure people are using them safely and as intended. Unfortunately, without these consumer protections in place, criminals have been able to steal millions of dollars through crypto kiosks—and will continue to do so unless we take action,” said Representative Bedsole. This includes provisions that will deter criminals, protect Alabamians from fraud, and benefit the cryptocurrency companies who operate these machines and the businesses that have them onsite.”

AARP is joined by a broad range of partners, including the Alabama Securities Commission, in urging lawmakers to support House Bill 303 in 2026.

AARP Fraud Watch Network^TM is a free resource that equips consumers with up-to-date knowledge to spot and avoid scams, and connects those targeted by scams with our fraud helpline specialists who provide support and guidance on what to do next. Anyone can call the helpline at 877-908-3360. AARP Fraud Watch Network also offers free, facilitated peer discussion groups that seek to provide emotional support for those experiencing fraud; and advocates at the federal, state, and local levels to enact policy changes that protect consumers and enforce laws.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.