U.S. Crypto ATM Scam Surge: Circle K Bitcoin ATM Fraud Costs Victims Over $330M in 2025 as Scam Networks Exploit Convenience Store Machines

United States — A sweeping rise in crypto ATM scams at Circle K convenience stores and Bitcoin Depot kiosks has led to more than $330 million in reported losses nationwide this year, fueling criticism from consumer advocates and law enforcement about the rapid expansion of unregulated cryptocurrency ATMs and the harm they pose to everyday Americans.

Investigative reporting shows that fraudsters are increasingly leveraging crypto ATMs inside Circle K stores and other retail locations to defraud victims, often convincing them to convert their savings into cryptocurrency under false pretenses — only to see the funds disappear into anonymous digital wallets beyond recovery.

Convenience Store Crypto ATM Fraud Targets Vulnerable Customers

Crypto ATMs — machines that allow users to convert cash into Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies — have proliferated across the United States, with tens of thousands of devices installed in gas stations, grocery stores, and Circle K convenience stores. Many of these kiosks are operated by companies like Bitcoin Depot, which reports partnerships with hundreds of Circle K locations.

Scammers commonly initiate their schemes with impersonation calls or fake warnings alleging financial jeopardy, government actions, or hacked accounts. They then direct victims to deposit large sums into crypto ATMs to “protect” or “secure” their money — a tactic that exploits the anonymous and irreversible nature of cryptocurrency transactions.

In one high-profile case, a retiree was persuaded to drive to a Circle K in Indiana and deposit thousands of dollars into a Bitcoin Depot ATM after receiving threatening phone calls claiming his accounts were compromised. By the time he realized he had been scammed, all of his funds were gone, and the ATM operator had collected transaction fees as well.

Massive Financial Losses Linked to Crypto ATM Scam Activity

Data show that fraud complaints involving crypto ATMs surged dramatically in 2025, reflecting a marked escalation over previous years, with scam losses reported in the hundreds of millions.

Victims across the country — including seniors and other vulnerable individuals — have reported losing sizable portions of their life savings after being coerced into using crypto ATMs under false pretenses. Federal agencies such as the FBI and FTC have highlighted the growing risk of crypto-related scams, noting that these crimes can be difficult to investigate and prosecute due to the pseudonymous nature of cryptocurrency transfers.

Concerns Over Retail Partnerships With Crypto ATM Operators

Circle K’s partnership with Bitcoin Depot — one of the largest collaborations between a retail chain and a crypto ATM operator in North America — has generated controversy. Although the company earns revenue from hosting the machines, employees and law enforcement sources say store staff are often ill-equipped to detect or prevent scam activity.

Some Circle K workers have reported witnessing scam victims in their stores and have urged corporate leadership to do more to educate customers and protect them from fraud. Despite increasing complaints, Circle K extended its agreement with Bitcoin Depot into 2026, a decision critics say prioritizes profit over consumer safeguards.

Company and Industry Responses to Scam Criticism

Bitcoin Depot and similar crypto ATM companies maintain that they have systems in place to deter fraud, including compliance monitoring, in-machine warnings, and partnerships with law enforcement. They argue that most crypto ATM users transact legitimately, and that consumer education is essential to reducing fraud.

Circle K has told media outlets that while crypto ATM machines are operated by third parties, the company trains employees to recognize signs of scam activity and informs them about potential fraud. Still, store clerks are not responsible for supervising customer transactions at the kiosks.

Regulatory and Consumer Protection Outlook

The surge in crypto ATM-related fraud has also drawn regulatory attention, with states like Arizona adopting measures such as transaction limits and mandatory refund policies for victims and consumer watchdogs urging national oversight to protect the public.

Law enforcement agencies continue warning the public that legitimate government agencies and financial institutions will never ask people to deposit cash into crypto ATMs to resolve an issue, and that anyone receiving such instructions should treat them as scams.

As crypto ATM usage grows, so do concerns that fraudsters will continue exploiting these machines to deceive unsuspecting Americans, making education, reporting, and protective measures all the more vital in preventing further financial loss.