November 5, 2026
119 – Crypto ATMS: Payment Portals for Scammers
Host: Herb Weisbaum
Guest(s):
- Clark Flynt-Barr - Government Affairs Director at AARP
- Corey Frayer - Director of Investment Protection at the Consumer Federation of America
Cryptocurrency is now the preferred payment method for fraudsters. Using high-pressure scare tactics, criminals convince victims to go to a local supermarket, convenience store, or gas station and convert their cash into crypto. The transactions are instant and irreversible. Scams involving these ATMs have surged dramatically in recent years: The FBI received more than 13,000 complaints about crypto ATMs in 2025, with reported losses hitting $389 million.
In this episode: The ways fraudsters trick people into sending them money using Crypto ATMs, what’s being done to stop these crimes, and how you can protect yourself. You’ll also meet a woman who lost more than $17,000 this way.
Related Consumerpedia episodes:
Cryptocurrency: Coins, Cons, & Chaos
Cyberthieves Weaponize AI to Perfect Online Scams
Not a Checkbook member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings.