CertiK: US Crypto ATM Scam Losses Surge by 33%, AI Deepfake Becomes a New Tool for Fraud

ZkProver · 2026-03-12T05:46:44+00:00

According to the CertiK report, by 2025, the United States will experience $333 million in losses from crypto ATM scams, with most victims being seniors over 60. The scams are diverse, and the use of AI technology makes the methods more threatening. The operational models of transnational criminal organizations also increase the difficulty of tracking them down.

ZkProver

2026-03-12 05:46:44

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ChainCatcher reports that, according to the latest CertiK report, in 2025, U.S. crypto ATM scam losses reached $333 million, with over 12,000 complaints received by the FBI, a 33% increase year-over-year. CertiK points out that crypto ATMs can convert cash into cryptocurrency within five minutes, with minimal identity verification requirements, making them the least frictional channel for scammers to withdraw funds.

Among victims, 86% are seniors over 60 years old, mainly due to their liquid savings, lack of crypto knowledge, and social isolation. The main scam methods include pump-and-dump investment scams, government impersonation, technical support scams, grandparent scams, and fake debt collection services.

The involvement of AI technology has made the situation more severe. In 2025, AI-driven social engineering scams will be 4.5 times more profitable than traditional methods, with real-time deepfake technology systematically integrated into scam operations. Transnational criminal organizations also operate with a corporate division of labor, significantly increasing law enforcement challenges in tracking them down.

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