Join Free AARP Scam Jams in Madison & Green Bay

AARP wants Wisconsinites to be aware of the possible dangers of using cryptocurrency kiosks that are popping up all over the state, and will host two free Scam Jams in Madison and Green Bay this fall to raise awareness of this and other attempts to scam folks out of their hard-earned cash.

Cryptocurrency kiosks, often called Bitcoin ATMs or “BTMs,” enable users to engage in various cryptocurrency-related transactions that often prove to be fraudulent. BTMs have been placed in hundreds of gas stations, convenience stores, and even shopping malls across Wisconsin.

Earlier this year the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions provided guidance to BTM operators which clarifies how the agency intends to apply Wisconsin’s Money Transmission law to BTMs. Some of the guidance includes limiting transactions to $2,000 per customer per day, posting a warning on the front of the BTM, and maintaining anti-fraud policies.
 
“This is a good first step towards curbing this type of fraud,” says AARP Wisconsin senior program specialist Courtney Anclam. “Because crypto kiosks are still relatively new and largely unregulated, they lack sufficient consumer fraud protections. As a result, criminals have stolen millions of dollars from Wisconsinites through BTM-related scams, and older residents are frequently the targets of these scams.”

“If someone asks you to send money to them via a crypto ATM, it’s almost certainly a scam. We all need to remain aware and vigilant because this type of fraud is already here and it's infecting our communities,” Anclam said.

AARP Wisconsin plans to work with a wide range of stakeholders to push for legislation that would support and enhance DFI’s guidance, providing more consumer protections in Wisconsin. From 2023 to 2024, the FBI saw a 99% increase in the number of complaints related to BTMs and a 31% increase in financial losses.

In an effort to inform Wisconsinites about crypto kiosks and other scams, AARP WI is hosting two Scam Jams this fall. Both events are free, but registration is required. Here are the details:

Madison Scam Jam

Tuesday, September 30.
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Goodman Community Center
Merrill Lynch Room
Madison, WI 53704
Register: https://events.aarp.org/MadisonScamJam_2025
Register by phone: 877-926-8300

Green Bay Scam Jam

Thursday, October 16
1:00 – 4:00 pm
UW-Green Bay
University Union – Phoenix Rooms ABC
2430 Campus Ct
Green Bay, WI 54311
Register: https://events.aarp.org/GreenBayScamJam_2025
Register by phone: 877-926-8300