FinCEN Warns Financial Institutions of Crypto Kiosk Scams

The U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued a notice urging financial institutions to watch for suspicious activity tied to crypto kiosks.d

These convertible virtual currency (CVC) kiosks, which allow users to access and transact in cryptocurrency, offer consumers a simple way to buy crypto, the money laundering watchdog said. Yet, FinCEN said these are being exploited by criminals to engage in fraud, cybercrime and drug trafficking.

The agency pointed to a growing number of scams involving payments made through these machines, including fake tech support, customer service impersonation and bank-related scams, some of which disproportionately affect older adults.

“Criminals are relentless in their efforts to steal money from victims, and they’ve learned to exploit innovative technologies like CVC kiosks,” said FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki in a statement.

The notice points out that risks are exacerbated by institutions failing to meet their obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act.

FinCEN has for years been tracking illicit uses involving crypto. Last year, it released a report saying bitcoin became a popular means of payment related to smuggling and exploitation of people. It has also analyzed crypto transactions potentially tied to Hamas.