Protecting Consumers from Cryptocurrency Kiosk Scams

Cryptocurrency kiosks are popping up in retail stores across Omaha, Nebraska, and around the U.S., often right next to traditional ATMs. But unlike ATMs, these machines have become tools for scammers, especially targeting older adults. That’s why AARP and AARP Nebraska have made fighting cryptocurrency kiosk fraud a top priority.

Local Action

Omaha’s Groundbreaking Ordinance
In late 2024, the Omaha City Council passed Ordinance 44007, requiring all businesses operating cryptocurrency kiosks to post clear warning signs about potential fraud risks. The ordinance also made it a crime to fail to post these notices. This was a major win for consumer protection, thanks to the leadership of Omaha City Councilmember Aimee Melton, who introduced the ordinance, and advocacy from AARP Nebraska.

“We wanted to make sure people knew what they were getting into before they used these machines,” said AARP Nebraska State Director Todd Stubbendieck.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office reported an 80% reduction in financial losses from cryptocurrency-related scams when comparing data from 2024 to figures through the end of September 2025.

AARP Nebraska Fraud Fighters
After the Omaha ordinance passed, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with AARP Nebraska to launch the “Fraud Fighters.” This group of trained AARP volunteers visited stores across Omaha to:

• Ensure warning signs were properly posted
• Educate retailers about the ordinance
• Raise awareness about cryptocurrency scams targeting older adults

One local business owner, Ronnie S., shared with the Fraud Fighters that he saw a scam foiled in his store before the ordinance passed. He’s now planning to remove the kiosk altogether.

Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson noted, “Reports of people being scammed at ATM crypto kiosks has dropped 20% in Douglas County, and we owe a lot of that to AARP Nebraska.”

The AARP Nebraska Fraud Fighters met with their respective Omaha City Council members to discuss the ordinance’s impact and share what they learned from their visits. These conversations are helping shape future fraud prevention strategies and build stronger community protections.

Statewide Momentum

AARP Nebraska also supported LB609, a state bill sponsored by Senator Eliot Bostar (District 29) which passed in March 2025 and:

• Requires cryptocurrency kiosk licensure under the Money Transmitters Act
• Sets daily transaction limits
• Guarantees refunds for new customers who fall victim to fraud

Now, AARP Nebraska is working with city leaders in Lincoln and Grand Island to pass local ordinances modeled after Omaha’s. These efforts will reinforce local enforcement and add another layer of protection for Nebraskans.

Join the Fight Against Fraud

The AARP Fraud Watch Network™ is a free resource to all, providing fraud prevention tools and tips to help you protect your hard-earned money from fraudulent schemes. AARP Nebraska advocates at the local, state, and federal level to improve consumer protections and enforce the law. Learn more and stay informed at aarp.org/NebraskaScamAlerts. Together, we can stop scams before they start.