Texas Leads U.S. in Crypto-Kiosk Losses With $56.8M Reported to the FBI

FOX 44 reported that Texans lost $56.8 million through cryptocurrency kiosk scams in 2025, the highest total recorded by any U.S. state. With roughly 1,200 victims filing complaints, Texas became the country’s largest crypto-kiosk loss center, nearly doubling the amount reported in second-place Florida.

The machines convert cash into cryptocurrency and send it rapidly to a wallet address. Fraudsters commonly impersonate police officers, court officials or government agencies, then pressure victims to deposit money while staying on the phone. Once transferred, the speed and wallet-layering process sharply reduce recovery prospects for victims and investigators.

Texas lawmakers are examining whether stricter oversight is enough or whether the state should prohibit crypto kiosks entirely. Earlier proposals included operator registration, risk disclosures, transaction limits and temporary holds for first-time users. The next test is whether $56.8 million in reported losses turns legislative scrutiny into enforceable consumer safeguards.

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