Mon Mar 30 20:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: New Hampshire Senate Passes Bill to Protect Elderly from Cryptocurrency ATM Scams

The Story:

The New Hampshire Senate has passed a bipartisan bill aimed at curbing the rising tide of cryptocurrency scams targeting elderly residents. The legislation seeks to reimburse victims of fraud perpetrated through cryptocurrency ATMs, provided they report the scam within 14 days. This action comes in response to a significant increase in such scams, costing Granite Staters an estimated $22 million in 2024 alone. The bill introduces several safeguards, including a 48-hour hold on initial deposits, a $2,000 daily transaction limit, and a mandatory refund policy for reported fraud.

Key Points:

  • The bill aims to protect New Hampshire residents, particularly the elderly, from cryptocurrency ATM scams.
  • Scams in Hampton alone cost victims over $2.6 million in 2024, with an average victim age of 66.
  • The bill mandates a 48-hour hold on first deposits, a $2,000 daily limit, and a 14-day window for reporting fraud and receiving refunds.
  • Approximately 25 other states have enacted similar laws.
  • Massachusetts is suing Bitcoin Depot, a crypto ATM operator, for allegedly facilitating scams.
  • Maine reached a $1.9 million settlement with Bitcoin Depot.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cryptocurrency scams are increasingly targeting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly.
  • States are beginning to implement regulations to protect consumers from fraud within the cryptocurrency ATM sector.
  • The legislative approach focuses on preventative measures, such as deposit holds and transaction limits, alongside reactive measures like mandatory refunds.
  • The involvement of major cryptocurrency ATM operators in alleged scams highlights the need for increased industry oversight.
  • The relatively short 14-day reporting window in the New Hampshire bill may prove challenging for some victims to meet.

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