San Antonio City Council Seeks Crypto Fraud Prevention Ordinance

Proposed law would require warning signs at cryptocurrency ATMs to combat scams targeting residents

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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San Antonio city council members are calling for a special meeting to consider a new ordinance that would require any person or business operating a cryptocurrency Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Bitcoin Teller Machine (BTM) to post signage warning users of potential scams. The proposed ordinance comes in response to a steep rise in scammers posing as government officials and tricking victims into sending large sums of money through these crypto ATMs.

Why it matters

Cryptocurrency-related fraud has become a growing problem in San Antonio, with victims typically losing between $23,000 to $25,000 per transaction according to local law enforcement data. The proposed ordinance aims to protect residents, especially older adults, from these financial scams by requiring clear warning signs at crypto ATMs and BTMs.

The details

The Digital Asset Fraud Prevention Ordinance would mandate that any person or business operating a functioning crypto ATM or BTM post signage alerting users to the risk of potential scams. This comes after reports of scammers posing as government officials and tricking victims into sending large sums of money through these machines, often under the guise of paying a fake fine to avoid arrest.

  • In 2020, the total amount tied to this type of crime in Bexar County was nearly $10,000.
  • By 2025, the total amount had risen sharply to well over $300,000.

The players

Teri Castillo

San Antonio City Council member representing District 5.

Marina Alderete Gavito

San Antonio City Council member representing District 7.

Marc Whyte

San Antonio City Council member representing District 10.

Javier Salazar

Bexar County Sheriff.

Aaron Hanson

Douglas County Sheriff in Omaha, Nebraska.

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What they’re saying

“There has been a steep rise in scammers posing as government employees and using fake warrants to lead victims to retail establishments where there are crypto ATMs or Bitcoin Teller Machines (BTMs). These ploys make victims think they must pay a government fine to avoid arrest when they are actually being tricked into purchasing bitcoin.”

— Teri Castillo, San Antonio City Council member (foxsanantonio.com)

“Scammers are using technology against residents in our city and county on a daily basis. I'm looking forward to working with our City Council to provide a solution that will allow us to prevent anyone else from falling victim to these criminals.”

— Javier Salazar, Bexar County Sheriff (foxsanantonio.com)

“My number one goal is public safety. Simple, clear warnings at ATMs are essential to protecting San Antonio residents from financial scams.”

— Marc Whyte, San Antonio City Council member (foxsanantonio.com)

“Too many San Antonians, especially older adults, have fallen victim to Bitcoin ATM scams, often from scammers maliciously posing as law enforcement. Requiring clear signage will warn users of these tactics and help protect their savings.”

— Marina Alderete Gavito, San Antonio City Council member (foxsanantonio.com)

What’s next

The San Antonio City Council will hold a special meeting to consider adopting the Digital Asset Fraud Prevention Ordinance, which would require warning signs at cryptocurrency ATMs and BTMs.

The takeaway

This proposed ordinance highlights the growing problem of cryptocurrency-related fraud in San Antonio, where scammers have cost victims tens of thousands of dollars by posing as government officials. The city is taking proactive steps to protect residents, especially vulnerable populations like older adults, by requiring clear warning signage at crypto ATMs and BTMs.