AARP Eye Center
Fraudsters continue to employ familiar scam tactics—such as romance scams, investment schemes, and government impersonations—but are now increasingly soliciting payments through cryptocurrency kiosks.
Nebraska Legislative Bill 609 (LB609), endorsed by AARP Nebraska, aims to implement consumer protections and license requirements for cryptocurrency kiosks—also known as digital currency ATMs. Unlike traditional financial institutions, these kiosks are largely unregulated at the state level, making them prime targets for criminal activity.
Cryptocurrency kiosks can be found nearly anywhere that you frequent, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations, bars, and restaurants. They look like a bank ATM, but they allow people to conduct cryptocurrency transactions, such as sending money through a digital wallet. Once the money is gone, it's very hard to track back and recoup.
LB609's Proposed Consumer Protections:
- Licensing of State Operators: Ensures only vetted operators manage these kiosks.
- Daily Transaction Limits: Protects consumers from large-scale theft.
- Fraud Warning Notices: Increases awareness about potential scams.
- Transaction Receipts: Provides traceability to assist law enforcement with criminal investigations.
- Fee Caps: Prevents excessive charges.
In 2023 alone, the FBI received over 5,500 complaints involving cryptocurrency kiosks, with reported losses amounting to over $189 million. Alarmingly, more than 65% of these losses were incurred by individuals aged 60 and above. Overall, the FBI reported $5.6 billion in crypto-fraud losses in the same year.
Nebraskans themselves reported 239 digital currency scam complaints in 2023, totaling approximately $14.6 million in losses. The actual losses are likely higher, as many victims are hesitant to report scams due to embarrassment.
Your voice matters! Make sure your State Senators hear you loud and clear—let's put an end to cryptocurrency kiosk fraud in our Cornhusker state!
Not sure if you've been a victim of fraud? Call 877-908-3360 to speak with a specialist at the AARP Fraud Watch NetworkTM Helpline.
Romance and Pig-Butchering Scams
Bad actors build a trusting relationship with their victims over time, often through social media or dating apps. They lure individuals into cryptocurrency investment schemes, promising high returns, or ask for money through gift cards or cryptocurrency to help a "tough" situation. Once the individual invests a substantial amount or has no money left to give, the scammer cuts off all contact leaving the individual with significant financial loss.
Government Imposter Scams
Beware of fraudulent communications from bad actors posing as representatives of the IRS, Social Security Administration, or other government agencies. These malicious individuals may contact you via phone, text, email, or postal mail, falsely claiming that there is an issue with your Social Security number, an unpaid fine, failure to appear for jury duty, etc. and threaten arrest or legal action. They then propose a resolution by asking you to make an immediate payment, often through cryptocurrency or gift cards.
In the News
NE Lawmakers Look at Tougher Regulation of "Crypto Kiosks" (Public News Service, 2/3/25)
Nebraska Legislation Targets Cryptocurrency Kiosk Fraud with New Consumer Safeguards (AARP Nebraska, 1/30/25)
Nebraska Legislature to Consider Bill Regulating Cryptocurrency Kiosks (Kiosk Marketplace, 1/31/25)
About AARP Nebraska
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