Cryptocurrency kiosks/ATMs are found in grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations and pharmacies. They look very similar to regular bank ATMs, and you’ve probably passed one without even noticing it.

Scammers use this similarity to take advantage of unsuspecting kupuna to convince them to deposit money into cryptocurrency wallets, and once that happens, the funds are gone forever. Sometimes the scams involve a story about having to pay a fine or bail. Other times, it’s a romance scam used to defraud trusting kupuna.

In 2025, the FBI reports that Hawaii consumers were defrauded of $3.85 million, a four-fold increase over 2024.

House Bill 1642 is on the governor’s desk. If signed, it will ban deposits to the machines, while still allowing withdrawals. Deposits can continue to be made by computer or phone apps.

If the governor signs this bill, it would be a great step to protecting Hawaii’s kupuna, who have worked their whole lives to make our island home the wonderful place that it is.

Grant Chun
State President, AARP Hawaii
Wailuku