- A U.S. lawmaker wants crypto ATMs in federal buildings to support digital finance access.
- The plan faces backlash as crypto ATM fraud rose sharply in 2024, hurting many seniors.
- Other countries and U.S. states are cracking down on crypto ATMs to stop scams and abuse.
A proposal from Texas Congressman Lance Gooden has sparked attention in Washington and beyond, raising questions about the future of cryptocurrency access in federal facilities. Gooden has formally asked the General Services Administration (GSA) to consider installing crypto ATMs in government-owned buildings, suggesting it would send a clear message that the U.S. is adopting financial innovation securely and responsibly.
In a letter to Stephen Ehikian, the GSA’s acting administrator, Gooden framed the request as a step toward modernizing public access to digital finance. The GSA oversees federal buildings and has allowed traditional ATMs in select facilities. Gooden said expanding that service to include cryptocurrency ATMs would better meet a “diverse and growing consumer base” and keep pace with the changing financial landscape.
Proposal Aligns With Trump’s Blockchain Push
Gooden tied his proposal to broader political messaging, stating that crypto ATM access is consistent with President Donald Trump’s call to make the United States a global leader in blockchain and cryptocurrency. Trump has recently intensified his public support for the digital asset industry, particularly emphasizing the role of meme coins and crypto innovation in his economic vision.
Although Gooden does not serve on committees directly handling digital asset legislation, he has a history supporting crypto-related policies. As a freshman member of Congress in 2019, he co-authored legislation proposing that managed stablecoins fall under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Most recently, he co-sponsored a bill condemning the formation of a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC). Stand With Crypto, a crypto advocacy group, has given him an “A” rating for his co-sponsorship of 19 crypto industry-aligned pieces of legislation.
Nevertheless, the proposal appears as crypto ATM abuse and related fraud grow. Last year, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) recorded a 99% increase in crypto ATM fraud complaint cases, with 10,902 total complaints filed in 2024. While victims reported $246.7 million in losses, more than $107 million of these were incurred by seniors.
Furthermore, law enforcement agencies have explained that scammers usually have victims using crypto ATMs because they are anonymous, irreversible without user consent, and have no real-time oversight. These machines are associated with frauds such as fake tech support calls, government impersonation cons, false investment offerings, and extortion.
Global and Domestic Regulatory Moves
However, to add to this sentiment, several countries have already moved to restrict or ban crypto ATMs. The United Kingdom has banned them entirely, and the authorities of France, Germany, and Australia are pursuing enforcement actions against unregistered operators.
The United States has not been left behind; some states have acted. Some cities in Minnesota have restricted the machines, while Nebraska has passed a law restricting transaction fees to 18% and limiting daily transactions. Additionally, federal legislators issued a new law, the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act, to address the rising number of complaints. The proposed bill includes requirements for warning of fraud, limitations on new users, a FinCEN-registered protocol requirement, and provisions for refunds due to a scam.
