AARP Indiana applauds new law protecting Hoosiers from crypto kiosk scams

INDIANA – AARP Indiana expressed its support today for Governor Mike Braun’s signing of House Enrolled Act 1116 (HEA 1116), landmark legislation designed to protect Hoosiers from cryptocurrency kiosk scams.

Cryptocurrency kiosks, also known as “crypto ATMs,” can be found in supermarkets, convenience stores, and gas stations. Today, there are more than 45,000 crypto ATMs nationwide, with nearly 900 located across the state. Increasingly, criminals have been using the machines to quickly extract money from their victims, who disproportionately are older adults.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 2025 Annual Report, fraudsters used virtual currency kiosks to steal more than $333 million in 2025 alone. These financial losses are mounting, and many incidents go unreported.

HEA 1116 bans the operation of these machines in Indiana, representing a major step forward in consumer protection.

Ambre Marr, AARP Indiana Legislative Director

“Indiana families deserve strong protections from fraud, especially as criminals adapt their tactics to new technologies,” said Ambre Marr, AARP Indiana Legislative Director. “When it comes to these kiosks, Indiana now has the strongest protections in the country. We greatly appreciate the work of Rep. Wendy McNamara, Sen. Scott Baldwin, and the rest of the Indiana General Assembly for their commitment to making it harder for scammers to take advantage of Hoosiers, and we want to thank Governor Braun for signing the bill into law.

“This legislation also wouldn’t have been possible without the local work of Sergeant Detective Nathan VanCleave of the Evansville Police Department and the Evansville City Council. The 2025 ordinance that the city passed played a key role in building momentum for this statewide law.”

To learn more about AARP Indiana’s work across the state, visit aarp.org/IN, and for more information about AARP Fraud Watch Network, visit aarp.org/fraudwatch.