Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has launched a survey to gather experiences from residents who have used cryptocurrency ATMs, amid rising scam concerns. The initiative follows a recent scam alert and is part of a broader investigation into these machines. Ellison urges users to participate to help combat fraud.
On December 23, 2025, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison released a public survey seeking input from Minnesotans on their interactions with cryptocurrency ATMs. Available at www.ag.state.mn.us/Survey/Bitcoin-ATM, the short questionnaire asks users about the company operating the ATM they used, whether someone directed them to it, if they lost money in the transaction, and related details. A version was also emailed to consumers who have used ATMs from a leading national provider.
This survey builds on a scam alert issued by Ellison's office on December 19, warning of increased fraud reports involving crypto ATMs. It forms part of an ongoing probe by the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division into these devices. While cryptocurrency ATMs are not inherently scams, they are increasingly exploited by fraudsters because transactions through them are difficult, if not impossible, to trace.
"Scammers and fraudsters are constantly developing new tools and tactics to steal money from hardworking Minnesotans, and it is essential for us to keep pace with them," Ellison stated in a news release. "Crypto ATMs have become one of the go-to methods that scammers use to extract money from their targets, which is deeply concerning to me. I encourage all Minnesotans who have used a crypto ATM to fill out our survey so that I have the information I need to fight scammers and protect your pocketbooks. And in general, I recommend you steer clear of crypto ATMs. Even if you have a genuine interest in purchasing cryptocurrency, there are better ways to do so."
The FBI estimates that $246.7 million was lost to frauds involving cryptocurrency ATMs in 2024. In a related development, the attorney general of Washington D.C. recently sued Athena Bitcoin, alleging that 93% of deposits to its ATMs stemmed from scams.
Minnesotans who have suffered financial losses from such scams are advised to report incidents to local law enforcement and the Minnesota Department of Commerce, in addition to completing the survey or filing a complaint with Ellison's office.
