New Arizona law helps Bitcoin ATM scam victim recover funds

A Mesa senior lost thousands to a scammer, but a new state law is helping her get some money back

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:55pm

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A 68-year-old Mesa, Arizona resident named Heidy lost thousands of dollars after falling victim to a Bitcoin ATM scam. However, thanks to a new Arizona law that took effect in September 2025, Heidy is now working with the state Attorney General's office to recover some of the money she lost.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of cryptocurrency-related fraud, particularly involving Bitcoin ATMs. In 2024 alone, Arizonans lost over $177 million to fraudulent schemes involving crypto ATMs. The new law provides a pathway for victims like Heidy to try to recoup their losses, which is important as these scams continue to proliferate.

The details

Heidy's ordeal began with an email that appeared to be from Norton security, claiming she owed $399. When she called the number provided, the scammer convinced her to withdraw cash from multiple bank locations and deposit it into Bitcoin ATMs, as well as meet in person to hand over more cash. In total, Heidy lost thousands of dollars. However, thanks to Arizona's new Cryptocurrency Kiosk License Fraud Prevention Law, Heidy is now working with the state Attorney General's office to recover some of her money from the Bitcoin companies involved.

  • In September 2025, Arizona's new Cryptocurrency Kiosk License Fraud Prevention Law took effect.
  • In 2024, Arizonans lost over $177 million to fraudulent schemes involving cryptocurrency ATMs.

The players

Heidy

A 68-year-old Mesa, Arizona resident who fell victim to a Bitcoin ATM scam and lost thousands of dollars.

Kris Mayes

The Arizona Attorney General, who says the new law is just the beginning of holding Bitcoin ATM operators accountable for these types of scams.

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What they’re saying

“I can barely talk about it. I am afraid of opening emails. I'm afraid of unknown calls. It's going to take time to heal.”

— Heidy

“If you believe that you have been scammed, and that scam went through a Bitcoin ATM machine, you have 30 days to ask for your money back.”

— Kris Mayes, Arizona Attorney General

“I think there's a level of culpability and responsibility on the part of the Bitcoin ATM owners for these scams. They know it's going on. You know, it's not like they don't see it. They're seeing it and just turning a blind eye to it.”

— Kris Mayes, Arizona Attorney General

What’s next

Attorney General Mayes says the state will be looking at ways to hold Bitcoin ATM operators more accountable for criminal activity on their platforms in the future.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of cryptocurrency-related fraud, particularly involving Bitcoin ATMs, and how new laws can provide victims a pathway to try to recover their losses. However, more work is needed to hold the operators of these ATMs responsible and prevent these scams from continuing to proliferate.