Spokane has made history as the first city in Washington state to completely ban cryptocurrency kiosks, following a unanimous vote by the city council on Monday. The decision comes after a sharp increase in scams targeting vulnerable residents, particularly seniors and low-income families who have lost millions through fraudulent schemes involving these machines.
The ban affects roughly 50 crypto ATMs scattered throughout the city at convenience stores, gas stations, and major retailers, including Safeway and Walgreens. Operators now have 60 days to remove their equipment or face civil penalties and potential loss of business licenses.
A Growing Problem in Low-Income Areas
Council member Paul Dillon, who proposed the measure, pointed out that these machines often appear in corner stores located in poorer neighborhoods. The pattern has become increasingly clear to local officials, and that is that crypto kiosks have transformed into what Dillon calls “pipelines for scammers” who prey on unsuspecting victims.
The timing of this ban aligns with broader trends in cryptocurrency adoption, as investors continue to explore new crypto coins 2025 offerings while authorities work to separate legitimate investment opportunities from fraudulent schemes. This situation underscores why investors need to stick with established exchanges and trusted platforms when buying cryptocurrency, rather than using unregulated kiosks that offer little consumer protection…