Security

AARP calls on Massachusetts to ban crypto ATMs

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April 13, 2026

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The Massachusetts branch of the AARP has called for a total ban on crypto ATMs in the state. It is joined by several lawmakers who claim rising scams pose a clear danger to citizens, according to a report by WCVB.

The AARP previously only supported transaction limits and scam warnings but is now calling for a complete ban, especially to protect senior citizens who often lose their life savings to scammers.

"A ban on crypto ATMs is now the most effective way to stop the ongoing damage," Jen Benson, state director of AARP Massachusetts, said in the report. "Despite our efforts to push for straightforward consumer protections, these machines continue to operate without safeguards, causing people to lose their life savings. It's clear that more decisive action is needed."

Several lawmakers have added support to this effort, including Rep. Tom Stanley of Waltham. "A state-wide ban on these ATMs ensures no one else will be victimized and lose their hard-earned wages or life savings," he said.

Waltham, Gloucester and Haverhill, Massachusetts, have all banned crypto ATMs. Currently, the only state to pass a ban on the machines is Indiana.