San Antonio Cracks Down on Crypto Kiosk Scams with Bilingual Warning Signs

San Antonio has become the latest city to take action against crypto kiosk scams. The city's police department reported over $39 million in losses from January 2024 to April 2026, with most victims being elderly residents. In response, the city passed an ordinance requiring bilingual warning signs at every crypto kiosk in the city.

The warnings will list common scam tactics and advise users to call 911 if they feel pressured into sending money via a Bitcoin ATM. The signs must be placed so that users can read them directly and will be in color-coded 18-point font, according to the ordinance.

Failure to post these warning signs will result in fines ranging from $100 to $500 per day for each violation. The city identified 193 crypto kiosk locations, making it one of the highest concentrations in Texas. San Antonio's police department noted that the scams follow a similar pattern, with callers claiming to be law enforcement or utility companies and instructing victims to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM.

The warning signs will not only help educate users but also serve as a deterrent for scammers. According to the U.S. Secret Service Investigative Analyst Laura Bravo, crypto moves faster than traditional money and becomes harder to recover once it reaches a foreign exchange, making it easier for scammers to get away with their crimes.