Senator Proposes Bill to Curb Crypto ATM Fraud and Protect Users
According to Senator Dick Durbin, crypto ATMs are increasingly being used in fraudulent schemes, often targeting vulnerable individuals. Durbin introduced the “Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act” to address this issue on February 25, 2025. The proposed legislation aims to regulate these machines by enforcing spending limits and refund policies to protect consumers.
Key Developments
New rules limiting purchases to $2,000 within 24 hours will restrict user-led financial losses. People wishing to withdraw $10,000 must wait more than two weeks before making their transactions. A direct communication system becomes mandatory for all users who perform transactions exceeding $500. These users also maintain the right to a full refund when they report their complaint within thirty days.
According to FTC data, Durbin showed that losses due to fraudulent crypto ATMs reached $114 million in 2023. His main argument was that these scams specifically target older people because they produce severe monetary losses. According to this legislation, customers obtaining cryptocurrency transactions through crypto ATMs will automatically receive a reimbursement for their transaction fees.
The proposed legislation aims to introduce national guidelines for regulating the unregulated sector of crypto ATMs to stop fraud activities. Durbin pointed out that the United States currently has more than 30,000 cryptocurrency ATMs, although several lack proper monitoring. Under the bill’s framework, precautionary measures for preventing scams and measures for accountability will be established.
Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act and Its Provisions
New legislation will create limitations for crypto ATM operations, aiming to prevent fraudulent activity. New account holders can only execute $2000 worth of transactions in their first 24 hours of use to prevent fast action-based money transfers. The procedure targets dubious payment coercion schemes, during which victims are pushed to transfer large amounts of money right away.
The system requires users who want to withdraw over $10,000 to wait two weeks before execution to provide additional consideration time. This measure allows victims to obtain additional waiting time to spot fraudulent activity. All transaction amounts above $500 need direct communication with the sender, through which the system verifies both their authenticity and their real purpose.
Customers will benefit from mandatory fee refunds when purchasing cryptocurrencies through these machines. A complete reimbursement becomes available to victims who file reports about their fraudulent transactions with law enforcement during their first thirty days. These safeguards collectively work to reduce financial risks associated with crypto ATMs.
The Growing Threat of Crypto ATM Fraud
Cryptocurrency ATM scam cases have increased because attackers employ coercive methods to trick their targets. Criminals impose manipulations that induce users to execute fund transfers, as reported by the FTC. Many victims, including elderly persons, fall prey to scammers who effectively deceive them into sending money under the pretense of helping law enforcement or family members.
The increasing accessibility of crypto ATMs has made it easier for scammers to execute fraudulent transactions. Due to their hidden operational characteristics, the machines enable fraudsters to transfer criminal money without regulation. Disguised by digital anonymity, cybercriminals find ways to trick people while taking large, fast payments.
According to regulators, the prevention of crypto ATM fraud needs to be a top priority for protecting consumer funds. The proposed legislation places needed boundaries on digital payments yet intends to preserve their operational accessibility. The proposal intends to reduce illegal actions by restricting excessive cash withdrawals and verifying protocols.
Technological Solutions for Detecting Fraud
Current regulatory bodies and industry specialists use modern technological solutions to recognize fraudulent activities across real-time operations. Advanced evaluation systems based on blockchain technology enable authorities to detect abnormal transaction patterns, which helps them detect fraudulent activities. Such tools deliver vital information, which helps police agencies conduct investigations of fraud instances.
Machine learning algorithms analyze transaction history and identify high-risk transfers. Financial institutions and crypto ATM providers should implement these technologies to reinforce their fraud prevention methods. Real-time monitoring systems can detect scams as they happen to prevent permanent fund loss.
Enhanced identity verification measures will further strengthen security at crypto ATMs. Biometric security measures with multiple verification checkpoints will increase the challenge of unauthorized financial activities. The enhancements support the bill’s objective to safeguard customers from financial mistreatment.
The Role of Public Awareness in Preventing Scams
The effectiveness of crypto ATM scams decreases when the public receives proper education. Most digital asset transaction victims fall prey to scams because they lack an adequate understanding of digital asset transactions. Campaigns that raise public awareness enable people to spot typical scam methods, thereby protecting them from falling prey.
Regulatory authorities and advocacy groups stress the importance of offering specific educational programs for defenseless demographic groups. Workshops alongside informational platforms can deliver practical information about scams, including identification and reporting. Educating consumers about financial choices will make them capable of making good economic decisions.
Preventing crypto-related fraud demands the training that law enforcement needs to address this distinctive threat. Law enforcement officers who work with digital currency transactions are in short supply because most lack the necessary training about this volatile financial system. Enhancing police training nationwide will lead to better fraud prevention strategies and response capabilities.
Conclusion
The Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act proposes essential safeguards to regulate crypto ATM operations and reduce fraudulent transactions. By enforcing spending limits, refund policies, and verification protocols, the bill aims to enhance consumer protection. While regulatory measures are necessary, public awareness and technological advancements will also significantly prevent scams.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act?
The bill aims to regulate crypto ATMs by implementing spending limits, refund policies, and verification requirements to prevent fraud.
How does the bill protect consumers from scams?
It enforces spending caps, mandates direct communication for large transactions, and provides refund options for victims reporting fraud.
Why are seniors often targeted in crypto ATM scams?
Scammers exploit seniors’ unfamiliarity with cryptocurrency and use intimidation tactics to pressure them into making fraudulent transactions.
What role does technology play in preventing fraud at crypto ATMs?
Blockchain analytics, machine learning, and identity verification help detect suspicious transactions and enhance security measures.
How can consumers protect themselves from crypto ATM fraud?
Individuals should verify transaction requests, avoid urgent payment demands, and immediately report suspected scams to law enforcement.
Glossary
Crypto ATM– A crypto ATM, also known as a Bitcoin ATM (BTM), is a machine that allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies using cash or debit cards.
Fraudulent Transactions – Unauthorized or deceptive financial activities that result in financial losses for victims.
Blockchain Analytics – A tool that tracks and monitors cryptocurrency transactions for suspicious activity.
Identity Verification – Confirming a user’s identity to prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions.
Consumer Protection – Regulations designed to safeguard individuals from deceptive or unfair financial practices.
Reference:
X
NBC News
Decrypt
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Bitcoin’s Fall : A temporary Setback Or The Start Of A Bear Market ?
The crypto scene has just experienced a new episode of turbulence: Bitcoin fell to $83,400 on February 26, 2025, its lowest level since November 2024. This sudden correction led to over a billion dollars in liquidations in the derivatives market. Such a situation has shaken investors’ confidence. Behind this decline, a convergence of macroeconomic and financial factors weighed on the asset, at the very moment when the strength of Bitcoin ETFs and the influence of Strategy on the market are being questioned.
The sudden drop of Bitcoin to $83,400 marked a major turning point for financial markets. In just three days, the crypto lost nearly $13,000. However, the asset has seen a rebound. The current price of Bitcoin stands at $86,300. Indeed, this loss triggered a massive liquidation of leveraged long positions, according to data from CoinGlass. This brutal correction notably affected the most exposed traders, amplifying the downward spiral and the intensification of volatility in the market .
Several factors contributed to this collapse. The main cause lies in fears of a global recession, prompting investors to shy away from risky assets. At the same time, American protectionist policies, notably new taxes on imports from Canada and Mexico announced by Donald Trump, have increased tensions in the markets. This unstable economic context has heightened the appeal of U.S. government bonds at the expense of volatile assets like Bitcoin. Even gold, historically a safe haven, fell by 2.2 % in just two days, a clear signal of the nervous climate settling over the financial markets.
Beyond the macroeconomic context, other factors have contributed to weakening Bitcoin’s bullish momentum. Strategy, often seen as a driving force behind BTC’s rise, now faces challenges regarding its strategy. Consequently, its action dropped by 19.4 % in one week, raising doubts about its ability to maintain its massive BTC purchases. Its ambition to raise $42 billion over three years to continue accumulating Bitcoin appears increasingly uncertain, fueling investors’ mistrust.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin ETFs, which were supposed to stabilize the market, are experiencing net outflows of $1.1 billion in just one day (February 24), demonstrating a lack of conviction among institutional investors in the face of the current volatility. This situation is further aggravated by the imminent expiration of Bitcoin options on February 28, amounting to $6.9 billion. With a majority of buy positions (call options) well above the current price, sellers (bears) now have a distinct advantage to maintain downward pressure and prevent any significant rebound.
The fall of Bitcoin to $83,400 illustrates the current fragility of the market in the face of macroeconomic turbulence and internal dynamics within the sector. Between massive outflows from ETFs , uncertainties surrounding Strategy, and pressure on BTC options, the signals sent by investors reflect a lack of conviction regarding the asset’s resilience in the short term. While a technical rebound cannot be ruled out, the market must first regain stability and liquidity to avoid further shocks. As volatility intensifies, the central question remains the same: can Bitcoin still play its role as a safe haven, or has it reverted to being purely a speculative asset in the hands of the most aggressive traders?
Meson Finance Enables USDC.e Cross-Chain Transfers on Sonic Labs
Today, Meson Finance has partnered with Sonic to provide people with $USDC.e. Sonic is one of the most efficient EVM Layer 1, supporting Ethereum-based smart contracts and dApps, while Meson Finance allows clients to move USDC, USDT, and other stablecoins between different blockchains. Meson Finance’s partnership with Sonic Labs will now enable seamless USDC.e cross-chain transfers, enhancing stablecoin accessibility across 60+ blockchains with lower costs.
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Meson Bridges with Sonic Labs for USDC.e Availability
USDC.e is a bridged version of USDC, designed for blockchains that do not natively support USDC. It is an externally backed version of the stablecoin, which instead of existing natively, exist on a chain via a bridge. Meson and Sonic Lab’s bridging facilitated the promotion of USDC.e. It helped the world be enabling USDC and USDT, seamlessly swapped cross-chained across 60 different blockchains directly, including Arbitrum, Base, BNB, and Sonic.
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It is specifically designed to stablecoins to ensure highest efficiency and lower costs while moving these. It has provided its excellent services by making cross-chain swaps easier between more than 20 stablecoins on 14+ EVMs & non-EVMs chains and layer2’s. Whereas Sonic is Defi redefined technology and play its part in EVM blockchain with highest speed, excellent incentive and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
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Pundit Explains Why Ripple’s XRP Price Hasn’t Exploded Yet Despite Positive News
XRP has continued to struggle in recent weeks, with its decline accelerating on Monday, Feb. 24, as the price tumbled nearly 15%.
Notably, since December 3, the third-largest cryptocurrency has been range-bound between $2.80 and $2.00. This continued weakness persists despite a series of major developments expected to boost its price.
Beyond Ripple’s victory in the SEC lawsuit in May 2024, which confirmed XRP is not a security, positive news such as Ripple’s new partnerships and progress on XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have gained momentum.
For instance, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently acknowledged filings for multiple XRP ETFs, including Grayscale’s XRP ETF and potential offerings from Canary Capital, WisdomTree, and CoinShares. Additionally, discussions about XRP’s possible inclusion in a U.S. strategic reserve have further fueled optimism within the community.
Recently, popular crypto analyst GA Spark weighed in on the situation, outlining several reasons why XRP has yet to respond to these catalysts.
According to Spark, the broader market’s influence cannot be understated. “If Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major assets aren’t rallying, XRP often struggles to gain momentum, “ he tweeted.
Notably, Bitcoin’s dominance continues to dictate the movement of altcoins, and with macroeconomic factors such as high interest rates and inflation concerns affecting the financial markets, institutional liquidity remains limited. As a result, XRP, despite its unique utility, moves in correlation with broader market trends.
The pundit also argued that regulatory uncertainty remains a significant barrier. According to him, while Ripple won a crucial battle against the SEC last year, the case is not fully resolved, and institutions remain cautious. Many U.S. exchanges still limit XRP adoption, and some platforms avoid listing it altogether due to lingering concerns. He emphasized that full regulatory clarity, including potential approval of XRP ETFs, could be the catalyst needed to spark significant institutional investment.
Supply and liquidity dynamics also play a role. The analyst noted that Ripple’s controlled escrow releases increase available supply, “which can slow down price appreciation.”
Additionally, XRP is fundamentally a utility-driven asset, meaning its adoption in financial systems is progressing but not yet fully priced in. The pundit noted that, unlike more speculative crypto assets, XRP’s real-world use cases, such as On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) for cross-border payments, are still in the early stages of mass adoption, adding that over time, increasing transaction volumes may reflect in XRP’s price.
Another theory points to potential market manipulation. “There is speculation that whales and institutions are deliberately keeping XRP’s price suppressed while they accumulate at lower levels,” he noted.
According to him, this suppression allows them to buy more XRP at favorable prices. It maintains stability until a major catalyst, such as regulatory clarity or ETF approvals, triggers a major price breakout.
At press time, XRP was trading at $2.20, reflecting a 9.9% drop over the past 24 hours.