BEACON HILL – In a united front against predatory financial fraud, all 14 sheriffs across Massachusetts are calling on state lawmakers to completely ban cryptocurrency kiosks statewide.
In a formal letter sent to Senate President Karen Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association announced its strong endorsement of Amendment 374 to S3178, a measure filed by Senator John Cronin that would outlaw the physical kiosks Commonwealth-wide.
Local law enforcement leaders, including Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott, warn that crypto ATMs, often found in convenience stores and gas stations, have become a dangerous mechanism for fraudulent schemes. Scammers spoof official phone numbers and instruct unsuspecting residents to transfer cash at these machines under the threat of fake fines, outstanding warrants, or missed jury duty.
The numbers behind the scam operations highlight a growing public safety threat across the state. According to AARP Massachusetts estimates, Bay State residents lose roughly $7 million every year to crypto kiosk fraud, a staggering average of $19,000 every single day.
A recent landmark lawsuit filed by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s office revealed that over 80% of customers who deposited $10,000 or more at a major operator’s kiosks between August 2023 and January 2025 were using them in connection with scam transactions.
In Norfolk County alone, imposter scams claiming to represent the Sheriff’s Office duped victims out of more than $135,000 in 2025. Law enforcement stresses that the true toll is likely much higher, as many victims remain too embarrassed to come forward.
“As law enforcement executives, these numbers, and the stories of the people behind them, tell us clearly that the time to pass a statewide ban is now,” the Sheriffs wrote in their joint statement.
As of now, these ATMs are still widely available to the public and scammers will continue to prey on our neighbors. In the meantime, law enforcement officials urge residents to stay vigilant and share critical warnings with vulnerable family members and neighbors. They remind Norwood residents no legitimate representative from a Sheriff’s Office, local police department, or government agency will ever call demanding payment in the form of cryptocurrency or gift cards.
If you receive a suspicious call demanding money, hang up immediately. Do not call back the number provided in the voicemail; contact your local police department or Sheriff’s Office directly using a verified phone number. -RD
