Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has released a survey to track the experiences of residents using cryptocurrency automated teller machines (ATMs) across the state. Ellison has urged all residents of Minnesota to attempt and complete the survey, which he says will only take a short minute of their time.
The survey seeks knowledge about the habits of users concerning crypto ATMs, including the kind of machines they like to use, the company’s machines they’ve used frequently, who introduced them to using a crypto ATM, and if they have lost funds as a result of transacting on the machines. The survey was also emailed directly to users who have used crypto ATMs operated by one of the nation’s leading providers.
Minnesota residents urged to complete assessment
In a news release, Ellison mentioned that the survey became necessary because scammers and fraudsters are constantly developing new tools and tactics to steal money from hardworking residents of Minnesota. He added that it is essential for him and the law enforcement in the state to keep pace with the criminals. Ellison also added that crypto ATMs have become the go-to method for scammers, as they use them to extort money from their victims.
In addition, Ellison mentioned that the increased rate at which these criminals have been targeting Minnesotans has been deeply concerning. He also encouraged all residents of Minnesota who have used a crypto ATM to complete the survey. Ellison added that the results of the survey will provide him with what he needs to be able to fight scammers and protect the funds of hardworking Minnesotans. The AG noted that if residents are genuinely interested in purchasing crypto, they should follow better methods.
The release of this survey comes after a scam alert issued by Ellison on December 19, where he warned consumers about the risks of using crypto ATMs. In the statement, the Minnesota AG warned that the criminals have been deploying new techniques and methods, noting that the rate of success in new cases has been climbing. The crypto ATM scam warning and this survey are all part of the larger investigation Ellison’s Consumer Protection Division has been carrying out on crypto ATMs.
Crypto ATM scams on the rise
While scams have been quiet in the last few months, crypto ATM scams have been increasingly used to carry out scams because transactions made on the machines are difficult and sometimes impossible to trace. As such, crypto ATMs have become one of the best methods that scammers use to steal money from their victims. According to the FBI, about $246.7 million was lost in fraud involving crypto ATMs in 2024.
The same stance was echoed by Brian Schwalb, the attorney general of Washington, D.C., who filed a lawsuit against Athena Bitcoin, a major crypto ATM operator, alleging that more than 93% of the deposits on the company’s crypto ATMs were due to a scam. Schwalb noted that Bitcoin ATMs are tools used by scammers and criminals to con hardworking residents of the United States out of their funds.
In his lawsuit against Athena, Schwalb alleged that the company charges “undisclosed fees on deposits that it knows are often the result of scams, and for failing to implement adequate anti-fraud measures.” Meanwhile, Athena Bitcoin released a statement calling the allegations ridiculous. The company said it is prepared to contest the charges brought forward against its practices in court.
In its statement, Athena Bitcoin said the company employs the best safety measures to protect the financial interests of its users. It also added that its kiosks use multiple safeguards, highlighting the warnings, daily transaction limits, and five separate verification screens that can help stop coerced transactions.
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