- AARP Washington wants crypto ATMs banned statewide and plans to introduce a bill.
- Washington residents reported 391 kiosk complaints and over $8 million in losses to the FBI in 2025.
- 70% of residents aged 50 and older back a local ban, and 68% support a statewide ban.
AARP Washington called for a statewide ban on crypto ATMs, citing rising fraud against older residents.
Washington residents reported 391 crypto kiosk complaints and more than $8 million in losses to the FBI in 2025. The group plans to introduce a bill in 2027 after a new survey showed broad support for removing the machines.
Why AARP Wants Washington to Ban Crypto ATMs Statewide
The campaign follows a failed attempt to regulate crypto ATMs. Senate Bill 5280 would have capped daily kiosk deposits at $2,000, limited fees, and required fraud warnings and paper receipts.
The bill passed the Senate 37-12 on January 21, 2026, but stalled in the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee in February.
Spokane and other Washington cities have already banned crypto ATMs. AARP argues that local bans leave gaps, since scammers can send victims to a kiosk in a neighboring town. Indiana became the first state to enact a full ban on March 9, 2026.
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How Crypto ATM Scams Target Older Users and Drain Their Savings
Most kiosk scams follow the same script. A caller poses as a bank officer, government agent, or police officer and claims the victim’s savings are at risk.
The victim is told to withdraw cash, visit a nearby kiosk, and scan a QR code linked to the scammer’s wallet. Once the transaction confirms on the blockchain, the funds are nearly impossible to recover.
FBI data shows people aged 60 and older accounted for 76% of crypto kiosk losses in 2025 where the victim’s age was known. Nationally, the bureau logged more than 13,400 complaints and over $388 million in losses.
AARP’s survey found 87% of Washington residents aged 50 and older know little or nothing about the kiosks. Only 26% said they would feel confident about how to report a scam.
AARP Survey Finds 70% Support Banning Crypto ATMs Locally
The poll of 1,019 residents aged 50 and older ran from July 14 to August 1, 2026. Seven in 10 respondents back a ban in their local area, while 68% support a statewide ban.
About 90% want lawmakers to pass fraud protections, and 66% say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who backs them.
Support for specific safeguards ran higher. Visible fraud-assistance notices and paper receipts each drew 91% support, refunds for proven fraud drew 88%, and daily transaction limits drew 83%.
The 2027 legislative session will decide whether Washington follows Indiana with a full ban on crypto ATMs or adopts limits, refunds, and licensing rules similar to those in SB 5280.
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Related: Wisconsin Crypto ATM Law Targets Scams, But Is It Enough?
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