Minnesota Bans Cryptocurrency ATMs After Wave of Million-Dollar Scams

Minnesota bans crypto ATMs

Fraud losses exceed one million dollars

Mandatory removal of machines

Minnesota will enforce a ban on cryptocurrency ATMs starting August 1, 2026.

The measure responds to an increase in scams connected to these devices.

Operators will be required to remove publicly accessible machines before the end of the year.

Minnesota Orders Cryptocurrency ATM Ban Due to Rising Fraud

Minnesota Cryptocurrency ATM Ban After Wave of Million-Dollar Scams – Photo Shutterstock

The decision was confirmed by Fox News, according to the available report.

The regulation requires the complete removal of cryptocurrency ATMs.

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The law will take effect on August 1, 2026.

Operators will have until the end of the year to dismantle the equipment.

Fraud Losses and State Response

Minnesota Cryptocurrency ATM Ban After Wave of Million-Dollar Scams – Photo Shutterstock

Losses from this type of fraud exceeded $1 million over three years, according to Infobae.

State authorities have chosen to strengthen control measures.

The decision comes after previous prevention strategies failed to stop the scams.

These strategies included mandatory warning messages displayed on screens for users.

Transaction amount limits were also introduced.

However, scammers adapted to these controls.

Victims continued to be pressured into making transfers.

The pressure often continued without giving people enough time to think about their decisions.

How Do Cryptocurrency ATM Scams Work?

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Cryptocurrency ATMs convert cash into digital assets almost instantly.

This function can be useful for legitimate users who need fast transactions.

However, scammers also took advantage of these machines to carry out fraud.

The method relies on turning fear and urgency into immediate payments.

Criminals contact victims while pretending there is an emergency or legal problem.

Under these threats, people withdraw cash while following instructions given over the phone.

The scammer guides the victim step by step through the process.

The money is then inserted into the ATM and converted into cryptocurrency.

Finally, the funds are transferred to a digital wallet controlled by the scammer.

This process leaves victims with very few options for recovering or tracking their money.