Washington lawmakers are facing a clear test of priorities as Senate Bill 5280 hangs in the balance. This bipartisan bill would add basic consumer protections to crypto kiosks — machines that scammers increasingly use to drain life savings, especially from older adults.
Scammers direct victims to withdraw large sums of cash and feed it into crypto kiosks, where the money disappears with virtually no chance of recovery. These machines may have legitimate uses, but the companies that operate them have failed to install meaningful safeguards while collecting high fees.
The harm is real and well documented. In 2024 alone, the FBI received nearly 11,000 complaints involving crypto kiosks, with losses totaling $246.7 million. Adults age 60 and older accounted for a staggering 85 percent of that amount.
Senate Bill 5280 would not ban crypto kiosks. It would simply add reasonable guardrails — daily transaction limits, fee caps, clear scam warnings, and receipts.
Washington should not retreat because a profitable industry resists oversight. Lawmakers must stand up for consumers and pass SB 5280 before more families pay the price.
Heidi Wong is Associate State Director of Outreach and Community Engagement at AARP Washington
