Vermont Bans Crypto Kiosks

After its residents experienced growing losses from cryptocurrency kiosk fraud, Vermont became the first state in New England—and the fourth in the United States—to ban the machines.

Crypto kiosks, also known as crypto ATMs, look like regular ATMs and are commonly found in supermarkets, gas stations and other businesses. The machines, which convert cash into a virtual currency such as Bitcoin that is extremely hard to track, are an increasingly popular tool for criminals committing fraud.

In 2025, crypto kiosks accounted for more than $389 million in stolen funds across the United States, with those 60 and older making up most of those victims, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. The true cost is likely higher, officials say, because many scams are never reported.

“As time has gone on, the sheer amount of scam and fraud perpetrated through these machines has only grown,” says Colin Hilliard, associate state director for advocacy and outreach at AARP Vermont.

AARP Vermont advocated for the law, which took effect July 1. This is the third year in a row state lawmakers addressed issues with crypto kiosks. Lawmakers put a moratorium on new machines in 2024, and they enacted refund protections for scam victims in 2025.