The Spokane City Council unanimously voted to ban crypto ATMs, proposed by Council member Paul Dillon, to protect residents from scams. This move addresses the increasing fraud incidents associated with these kiosks, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods.
The city has witnessed a significant increase in fraud cases linked to crypto kiosks, with many victims losing thousands of USD. Detective Tim Schwering noted that funds dispensed often end up overseas, contributing to criminal activities.
According to recent FBI reports, complaints regarding crypto ATM scams have surged, with losses exceeding 246 million USD in 2024—a 31% increase year-over-year. This places additional urgency on the city’s measures to combat these financial threats.
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