Venus Protocol on BNB Chain has been hit with a $3.7 million exploit involving manipulation of the platform’s supply cap mechanisms. According to on-chain data, the threat actor used Thena (THE) tokens to bypass maximum supply restrictions and borrow several different digital assets from the protocol.

Analysts suspect the attack leveraged either flash loan tactics or price manipulation to artificially inflate the collateral’s value. Following the incident, Venus Protocol suspended borrowing and withdrawal functions for the THE token as a precautionary measure, though other markets on the platform remained unaffected.

Sources: Cointelegraph

This article was generated automatically by The Defiant’s AI news system from publicly available sources.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at improving their combined regulatory approach to the digital asset sector. The agreement represents a formal commitment by both agencies to coordinate oversight and provide clearer guidance to the crypto industry.

The move follows months of joint efforts between the agencies to harmonize crypto regulation and align their oversight frameworks. Earlier coordination between the SEC and CFTC has included joint events and discussions focused on strengthening U.S. financial leadership in the crypto era and reducing regulatory gaps that have complicated compliance for digital asset firms.

Sources: SEC Press Release

This article was generated automatically by The Defiant’s AI news system from publicly available sources.

The regulatory provisions outlined in the US Digital Asset Market Structure Clarity Act, commonly referred to as the CLARITY Act, are drawing sharp critique from crypto researchers who warn the framework could tilt market control toward large financial institutions. Dr. Friederike Ernst, co-founder of the Gnosis blockchain protocol, argues that the bill presumes activity must flow through centralized intermediaries. That assumption, she says, could consolidate critical crypto rails in the hands of a few entrenched players and undermine the very ownership model blockchain technology promised to empower for users. While the Act does offer clarity on the jurisdictional lines between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and safeguards peer-to-peer transactions and self-custody, it may fall short of protecting open, permissionless rails and decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols from undue centralization and new points of failure. The conversation surrounding the CLARITY Act thus remains highly contested among policymakers, industry participants, and investors who see opposing outcomes for innovation and consumer protection.

The CLARITY Act faces a broader political headwind: banks and traditional financial institutions have been vocal critics, arguing over how stablecoins and yields would be regulated under the proposed framework. In January, Coinbase announced it was pulling its support for the bill, citing provisions that could weaken DeFi, bar stablecoin yield, and hinder the growth of tokenized real-world assets. The exchange’s stance reflected a broader industry concern: a regulatory structure that does not adequately safeguard open networks could nudge activity away from permissionless rails in favor of centralized gatekeeping. A public debate about whether stablecoins should share interest with holders is one of the act’s most contentious points, underscoring the clash between innovation incentives and risk controls.

On the political front, some policymakers have voiced optimism. Senator Bernie Moreno signaled that the CLARITY bill could pass and reach the President’s desk for signature by April, suggesting a potential regulatory breakthrough on a timeline that has frustrated many in the sector. Yet others remain skeptical. Galaxy Digital’s Alex Thorn stressed that even if a vote clears the House and Senate, the timeline for enactment in 2026 remains uncertain, and the law could still fail to resolve core issues around DeFi, developer protections, and the scope of regulatory authority. The discord over these elements, Thorn noted in an X post, may be the real obstacle rather than merely procedural delays.

In tandem with the legislative discussion, commentary from industry figures has continued to surface. Some observers point to the CLARITY Act as a potential template for balancing investor protection with technological openness, while others warn that the wrong design could replicate the fragilities of legacy financial systems within crypto rails. The conversation has also touched on real-world implications for users who rely on self-custody and open networks, as well as for builders attempting to deploy compliant, scalable, and interoperable protocols in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

A broader look at the discourse reveals a persistent tension: the same technology that promised to democratize ownership and reduce reliance on centralized intermediaries may, if regulatory clarity leans too far toward traditional rails, become another channel for gatekeeping and rent-seeking. The debate is not only about the letter of the law but also about the underlying philosophy of how crypto should operate in a mature financial system. Critics argue that a compliance-centric architecture could stifle experimentation and slow the deployment of open finance, while supporters contend that clear rules are essential to attract mainstream participation and protect consumers.

Key takeaways

• The CLARITY Act aims to map crypto market structure and clarifies jurisdiction between the SEC and the CFTC, while preserving some protections for peer-to-peer activity and self-custody.
• Critics warn that the act assumes activity will pass through centralized intermediaries, potentially concentrating control of crypto rails in a few traditional financial institutions.
• Coinbase pulled its support in January, citing concerns that the draft would weaken DeFi, bar stablecoin yield, and hinder tokenized real-world assets.
• Optimism among some lawmakers exists, with notes that the bill could reach the President’s desk by April, but analysts warn that 2026 enactment remains far from guaranteed.
• Industry attention remains sharp on DeFi protections, developer safeguards, and the scope of regulatory authority as the discussion moves forward.
• The debate sits at the intersection of innovation incentives and systemic risk controls, with potential implications for liquidity and market structure.

Tickers mentioned: $COIN

Sentiment: Neutral

Market context: The CLARITY Act represents a pivotal attempt to codify crypto regulatory boundaries in the United States, a backdrop against which liquidity, risk sentiment, and ETF-driven flows continue to shape the asset class as policymakers weigh open rails against consumer protections.

Why it matters

The central question around the CLARITY Act is whether crypto markets can mature within a framework that preserves user ownership and permissionless innovation while providing clear guardrails for institutions. If regulatory clarity leans toward reinforcing centralized pathways, it risks marginalizing open networks and DeFi protocols that operate without traditional intermediaries. That could slow the adoption of user-owned networks, limit non-custodial participation, and push developers toward more heavily regulated, centralized models. On the other hand, a well-defined regime that protects investors and combats fraud without stifling open architecture could help bridge crypto with conventional finance, encouraging more institutional capital and mainstream participation.

For users, the stakes lie in whether ownership of digital assets remains inherent to the network, rather than being mediated by third parties who control access and settlement. For builders and startups, regulatory clarity is a double-edged sword: it can provide a stable operating environment, but it can also constrain experimentation if safeguards are overly prescriptive. Investors watch closely because the shape of this regulatory framework can influence where liquidity pools form, how DeFi protocols fund development, and which tokenized assets gain traction in the market. The tension between innovation and oversight is likely to remain a defining theme for the crypto sector as lawmakers test ideas for how to harmonize risk management with the decentralized ethos that defined the early wave of blockchain technology.

Beyond the United States, the CLARITY Act is part of a broader, global conversation about how to regulate digital assets without erasing their core value proposition. Proponents argue that clear rules attract responsible institutions and protect consumers; skeptics warn that any framework that prescribes centralized gatekeeping could undermine the open, permissionless nature of blockchain networks. The ongoing dialogue, as reflected in statements from industry executives, lawmakers, and researchers, signals that the regulatory path for crypto will continue to evolve in ways that could redefine market structure, user participation, and the long-term viability of decentralized finance.

What to watch next

• Status of the CLARITY Act in Congress: whether a vote or movement toward the President’s desk occurs by April 2026.
• Details on DeFi protections, stablecoin yield provisions, and the potential scope of regulatory authority over tokenized assets.
• Industry positions as banks and tech platforms continue to lobby and respond to draft provisions.
• Public statements from policymakers and major crypto participants that could shift the balance between openness and oversight.
• Any new analyses or filings that outline how jurisdictional clarity translates into market behavior and investor protection.

Sources & verification

• Text of the CLARITY Act and official bill language on United States Congress site: Congress.gov
• Explainer: CLARITY Act and what it means for crypto week and beyond: Cointelegraph
• Coinbase pulled its support for the CLARITY Act, citing concerns about DeFi protections and stablecoin yield: Cointelegraph
• Discussion of DeFi and stablecoin yield concerns within the bill framework: Cointelegraph
• Crypto regulatory clarity matters for banks, ex-CFTC chief says: Cointelegraph

Regulatory clarity vs. open rails: what the CLARITY Act means for crypto

Regulators have framed the CLARITY Act as a necessary step toward a predictable, orderly market for digital assets. Yet the policy discourse vividly illustrates a fundamental tension: should market structure prioritize centralized oversight as a safety mechanism, or should it safeguard the open, permissionless rails that originally propelled blockchain innovation? Dr. Ernst’s assessment emphasizes a potential misalignment between the act’s prescriptive approach and the decentralized ownership model that many observers view as crypto’s core innovation. In practical terms, if the bill channels activity almost exclusively through regulated intermediaries, it could incentivize institutions to become gatekeepers rather than guardians of open networks, with ripple effects on user participation and the cost of accessing the technology.

Proponents of the Act argue that clear rules reduce uncertainty, protect consumers, and attract institutional capital that can scale infrastructure, liquidity, and product development. The debate is far from theoretical: the market’s ability to sustain high-quality liquidity and efficient price discovery rests on a stable regulatory backdrop. As policymakers weigh the balance between innovation and protection, stakeholders will be watching how any final version handles DeFi protections, the scope of developer rights, and the treatment of tokenized assets that bridge traditional finance with tokenized real-world value.

Ultimately, the CLARITY Act’s fate will influence how crypto markets evolve in the near term. If a path emerges that respects user ownership while delivering workable oversight, the sector might see greater participation from both retail and institutional players. If not, the risk remains that open networks could be sidelined by a framework that favors incumbents, potentially limiting the long-term growth and resilience of the market-wide ecosystem. The coming months will be decisive for users, builders, and investors who rely on clear, workable guidelines that do not compromise the foundational principles of decentralization and user sovereignty.

TLDR:

• Draft $5M deal from lobbyist Novelli links Milei to Libra token promotion.
  
• Milei exchanged messages with Novelli when the token contract was posted on X.
  
• Libra token briefly reached $4B market cap before collapsing 94% within hours.
  
• Authorities froze Hayden Davis’s assets; an investigation into payments and communications is ongoing.

Argentine President Linked to $5 Million Libra Token Agreement is under investigation after forensic analysis revealed a draft $5 million deal associated with the promotion of the Libra token, which briefly surged in market value.

Draft Deal and Payment Structure

Argentine President Linked to $5 Million Libra Token Agreement came to light after authorities examined Mauricio Novelli’s phone during a judicial probe. 

The recovered draft document, reportedly written on February 11, 2025, outlines a total $5 million payment plan.

The draft divided payments into three segments. The first installment of $1.5 million would be delivered in tokens or cash as an advance. 

A second $1.5 million was tied to a public endorsement of crypto entrepreneur Hayden Davis on X. The remaining $2 million involved a consulting contract with President Milei and his sister Karina for blockchain or AI services.

Investigators noted the draft did not specify the ultimate recipient of the funds. Screenshots of the document surfaced after prosecutors disclosed material previously held since November. 

Experts confirmed the contract code referenced in the draft was not publicly available at the time of Milei’s social media post, adding context to the timing of the promotion.

Authorities are still evaluating whether the draft agreement was executed. The recovered messages suggest coordination between Novelli and Milei surrounding the token promotion. 

Deleted chats partially recovered from Novelli’s phone also indicated he helped prepare Milei’s public response following the controversy.

Communication and Market Reaction

Digital forensic analysis revealed that Milei exchanged five messages with Novelli at the exact moment he posted the Libra token contract on X. The contract’s publication coincided with a rapid market surge, temporarily raising the token’s value to $4 billion.

The following hours saw the Libra token collapse by 94%, affecting more than 44,000 investors. Authorities have since frozen Hayden Davis’s assets while the investigation continues. 

Novelli’s call records also show contact with Milei and his sister before and after the announcement. Multiple calls with presidential adviser Santiago Caputo were recorded as the government managed the controversy.

Another note, dated February 16, outlined a public statement designed to support the Libra token while denying direct financial involvement. Officials suggest it may have been intended for Milei to post on social media. 

Milei has publicly denied active promotion, stating he merely shared information about the token.

The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors review recovered communications, asset records, and other digital evidence. Further findings could clarify whether any financial arrangement linked to the Libra token promotion actually occurred.

TLDR:

• Iran arrests dozens accused of assisting Israeli strikes amid rising Strait of Hormuz tensions.
  
• Trump urges U.S. allies to deploy warships to secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
  
• Shipping disruptions and drone threats trigger fuel shortages across Asia and global markets.
  
• Formula One cancels Bahrain and Saudi races due to regional security concerns in the Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz crisis intensifies as Iran arrests dozens accused of helping Israeli strikes. Washington pressures allies to deploy warships, triggering energy supply disruptions across Asia and forcing global trade adjustments.

Iran Arrests and Regional Tensions

According to a report by Reuters, Iran has detained dozens of people accused of aiding Israel in targeting military sites. State-linked media reported that the arrests occurred across multiple provinces, involving coordinated security operations.

Authorities claim suspects gathered intelligence on sensitive military and economic infrastructure. Officials say these actions were part of a wider effort to prevent ground-level tip-offs to Israel.

The arrests coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of potential strikes on Kharg Island. Trump also pressed allies to deploy warships to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global oil.

Diplomatic efforts by Oman and Egypt to mediate ceasefire discussions have been rebuffed by Washington. Iran insists no talks will occur until U.S. and Israeli strikes stop, maintaining a firm stance on security concerns.

The ongoing tension has increased risks for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Several countries continue to explore diplomatic channels to avoid further escalation, though results remain limited.

Fuel Shortages and Economic Ripple Effects

Shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have caused significant delays for tankers and cargo vessels. Drone attacks and regional military activity have raised concerns for commercial and fuel shipments.

Japan announced the release of 80 million barrels of oil from national reserves to stabilize supply. The release represents about 45 days of consumption but will reduce reserves by roughly seventeen percent.

India faces domestic unrest due to cooking gas shortages, with protests erupting across major cities. Residents queued for hours while some households resorted to burning wood and other materials for meals.

Iran has allowed limited passage to Indian vessels, yet several tankers remain stranded. Sailors reported drones and fighter jets nearby while awaiting clearance through the waterway, heightening anxiety.

Global sports have also been affected, with Formula One canceling races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Security threats and airport closures across the Gulf made hosting these events unsafe, reducing the season calendar from twenty-four to twenty-two races.

The Strait of Hormuz crisis continues to disrupt global trade and fuel supplies. Governments, shipping companies, and international organizations are monitoring developments closely to manage risks.

TLDR:

• Bitcoin generated 685M social interactions in 24 hours, marking the highest engagement level recorded in a year.
  
• BTC price remains 43% below its $125,071 all-time high reached in October 2025 despite rising attention.
  
• Over 75,000 creators posted about Bitcoin, showing broader participation across social platforms.
  
• Bitcoin social dominance rose 32.58% week-over-week as discussion across the crypto sector accelerated.

Bitcoin social engagement has surged to its highest level in a year while price remains far below previous highs. The divergence between market attention and valuation has become one of the most discussed developments in the cryptocurrency sector.

Bitcoin Social Engagement Surges to 52-Week High

Bitcoin social engagement increased sharply during the past 24 hours. Data shows the asset generated 685 million interactions across social media platforms.

During the same period, engagement recorded an intraday peak of 435 million interactions. This represents the highest level of activity registered in the past 52 weeks.

Social discussion has also expanded significantly. Around 287,629 Bitcoin mentions appeared across social networks, reflecting an 81% increase month-over-month.

Participation is also rising quickly. Approximately 75,135 unique creators published Bitcoin-related posts within the same timeframe.

Creator growth stands 26% higher month-over-month and 11% higher day-over-day. This shows a broader group of users joining the conversation.

Bitcoin’s share of overall cryptocurrency discussion also climbed during the week. Social dominance increased 32.58% week-over-week, signaling stronger market attention.

Rising engagement often signals growing narrative momentum. Increased conversation frequently appears before major market movements.

Bitcoin Price Lags Despite Rising Market Attention

Bitcoin price remains below previous cycle highs despite the surge in attention. The asset currently trades near $71,384.

The market previously reached an all-time high of $125,071 on October 6, 2025. From that level, Bitcoin entered a sharp correction.

The decline pushed the asset roughly 43% below the record peak. Market volatility increased as traders adjusted positions after the rally.

During the correction, Bitcoin also recorded a 52-week low of $64,080 on February 24, 2026. Prices have since recovered modestly from that level.

Even with the recovery, Bitcoin remains within a consolidation range. Many traders describe the current phase as a post-rally adjustment period.

The divergence between price and engagement has therefore drawn attention across the market.

Rising creator participation continues to expand Bitcoin’s online presence. As discussion spreads across networks, the gap between market attention and price remains unresolved.

TLDR:

• Venus Protocol lost $3.7M in a flash loan attack using THE token as collateral.
  
• THE token price surged to $0.563 before collapsing to $0.22 during liquidation events.
  
• Six Venus markets including BCH and LTC were temporarily frozen after the exploit.
  
• Borrowing and withdrawals for THE token paused while investigation continues.

Venus Protocol flash loan attack on BNB Chain caused over $3.7 million in losses. THE token was exploited to manipulate collateral, enabling the attacker to borrow high-value assets before the market collapsed.

Exploit Mechanics and Borrowing Strategy

The Venus Protocol flash loan attack targeted the Core Pool on BNB Chain, using THE token as collateral. The attacker accumulated approximately 84% of THE supply over nine months to prepare for the exploit.

Instead of following the standard deposit process, the attacker directly transferred tokens to the vTHE contract. This allowed collateral positions far above the supply cap, reaching 53.2 million THE tokens, nearly 3.7 times the protocol’s limit.

Using this inflated collateral, the attacker borrowed about 20 BTC, 1.5 million CAKE, 200 BNB, and 1.58 million USDC. 

The strategy repeated in a loop: deposit THE, borrow assets, purchase more THE, and wait for the TWAP oracle to adjust, inflating collateral value.

The manipulation caused THE’s price to spike from $0.263 to $0.563 before falling to $0.22 as liquidations occurred. This pattern mirrored prior DeFi exploits involving low-liquidity tokens and automated liquidations.

Venus Protocol Response and Market Measures

Following the attack, Venus froze six high-risk markets, including BCH, LTC, UNI, AAVE, FIL, and TWT. Borrowing and withdrawals of THE tokens were temporarily paused while all other markets remained operational.

Investigations suggest the attacker may have used Tornado Cash to fund operations. Venus has since tightened collateral rules and plans to review oracle mechanisms to prevent similar attacks in the future.

The estimated bad debt ranges from $1.7 million to $2.15 million, mainly from the CAKE market. The protocol confirmed the unusual activity was confined to the THE and CAKE markets and did not affect the broader ecosystem.

Security analysts continue monitoring Venus to assess the handling of low-liquidity tokens. Investors are advised to exercise caution when lending or borrowing such tokens, ensuring robust protocols are in place to minimize risk.

TLDR:

• Tron Revenue hits $947K in 24 hours, far above Base and Ethereum combined.
  
• Monthly revenue reaches $24.96M, surpassing Polygon, Base, and Solana together.
  
• Stablecoin transfers drive consistent fees and support large-volume transactions.
  
• TRX technicals show momentum gaining near 50-day MA, with resistance at 200-day MA.

Tron Revenue has emerged as the top-performing blockchain, surpassing Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana in daily, weekly, and monthly revenue. Stablecoin transfers and low transaction costs remain key drivers of this performance.

Revenue Performance and Network Comparison

Tron generated about $947,419 in revenue over the past 24 hours. This figure is nearly ten times higher than Base, which recorded $97,720, and far above Ethereum at $77,565. 

Over seven days, Tron accumulated around $5.42 million. In comparison, Polygon recorded $632,000 and Solana $374,000.

On a 30-day scale, Tron Revenue reached approximately $24.96 million. Polygon generated $4.5 million, Base $3.72 million, and Solana $1.78 million. 

Tron’s monthly earnings alone surpass the combined revenue of these networks, reflecting its dominant position in the blockchain landscape.

The network’s success is closely tied to stablecoin activity, particularly Tether (USDT). Tron has become a primary layer for USDT transfers globally, especially in markets where stablecoins are widely used for remittances, payments, and liquidity management. 

This activity ensures a constant flow of network fees and reinforces Tron Revenue leadership.

Tron’s low transaction costs and high throughput allow rapid, large-volume transfers. Other networks focus on decentralization and smart contract innovation, but Tron prioritizes speed and affordability, which supports large-scale payment and exchange operations.

Technical and Market Dynamics

TRX, Tron’s native token, is trading within a descending channel, signaling that sellers have controlled the market since the previous peak near $0.35–$0.36. 

Lower highs and lower lows indicate the macro trend remains bearish. Short-term momentum shows improvement. 

TRX recently reclaimed the 50-day moving average, now acting as dynamic support. The token is also in a rectangular accumulation zone, where buyers and sellers are competing for control.

The 200-day moving average represents the next resistance level. A breakout above this level could indicate a trend shift. 

Momentum indicators, such as the RSI forming higher lows, suggest rising buying pressure. Traders are watching these levels for potential breakout or downside scenarios near $0.253–$0.250.

TLDR:

• The Uniswap (UNI) price is consolidating within an ascending triangle between $3.80 and $4.10.
  
• A clean breakout above $4.10 could trigger a 30% rally toward $5.30 liquidity.
  
• Breakdown below $3.80 may lead to a 30% correction toward February lows near $2.80.
  
• Market cap shows tight consolidation near $2.55B, reflecting gradual accumulation.

Uniswap (UNI) price is compressing inside an ascending triangle on the four-hour chart. The structure forms between $3.80 support and $4.10 resistance, creating a tight range where traders expect a decisive breakout or breakdown.

Ascending Triangle Reflects Accumulation Pressure

Uniswap (UNI) price is forming a classic ascending triangle, defined by rising higher lows converging on a horizontal resistance near $4.10. This pattern often signals that buyers are absorbing supply at key levels.

The trendline support near $3.80 has proven reliable during multiple pullbacks. Each test of this level has seen buyers intervene, maintaining the upward slope of higher lows. This support is critical for the bullish setup to remain valid.

Rejections at $4.10 resistance have produced progressively shallower pullbacks, suggesting gradual accumulation. Traders monitoring this range may interpret smaller declines as a sign that selling pressure is weakening.

The tight $3.80–$4.10 range has reduced short-term volatility, creating what some traders call a “no-trade zone.” Such compression often precedes strong directional moves once the price breaks above or below the boundaries.

Momentum may build once the triangle resolves. A sustained breakout could attract new buyers, while a breakdown would likely trigger stop-loss orders and accelerate selling pressure. The structure highlights the balance between supply and demand at current levels.

Until a decisive close occurs, directional edge remains limited. Traders continue to watch both the rising support and horizontal resistance closely.

Breakout or Breakdown Could Define Next Trend

If Uniswap (UNI) closes above $4.10 on the four-hour chart, momentum buying and short covering could drive the price toward $5.00–$5.30. These levels correspond to prior liquidity clusters in which trading activity has historically increased.

On the downside, a failure of the $3.80 support would invalidate the triangle. A breakdown could prompt stop-loss cascades, exposing UNI to a correction toward February lows near $2.80. Such a move would retrace the prior recovery leg and test the broader demand zone.

The seven-day market capitalization data reinforces this tight structure. UNI’s market cap fluctuated between roughly $2.32B and $2.65B before stabilizing near $2.55B.

Early rebounds suggest buyer willingness at lower valuations, while sideways consolidation reflects a struggle between accumulation and profit-taking.

Recent spikes in market cap, such as toward $2.65B, were met with swift rejection, confirming that sellers remain active at higher levels. The current upward slope toward $2.55B indicates buyers are gradually regaining control.

With only $0.30 separating support from resistance, the Uniswap price is poised for a decisive move that may define its next major trend.

Crypto ATMs’ minimal verification and fast transactions let criminals turn cash into digital assets in minutes, often before victims notice.

A new report from blockchain security firm CertiK warns that crypto ATM scams are rising sharply across the United States (U.S.). In 2025 alone, criminals stole roughly $333.5 million, highlighting the risks tied to cash-to-crypto kiosks.

These alarming losses are partly due to the design of crypto ATMs, which makes them attractive targets for criminals. Their structure enables fast transactions with minimal identity verification. This allows cash to be converted into digital assets in under five minutes, often before victims even realize they have been targeted.

Crypto ATMs Become Key Channel for Fraud

These kiosks are often found in convenience stores, gas stations, and malls, making them easy to access for everyday users. Their ubiquity allows scammers to trick victims into making fraudulent transfers, bypassing on-screen warnings.

According to Certik, the U.S. hosts about 78% of the world’s estimated 45,000 crypto ATMs, making it the largest market for these machines. This widespread presence contributes to rising incidents. Consequently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received over 12,000 complaints from January to November 2025, up 33% from 2024.

Many scams involve social engineering, where criminals persuade users to deposit funds under false pretenses. The technical setup of ATMs worsens the problem, as they act as front-end interfaces connecting to backend Crypto Application Servers (CAS).

Funds typically come from operator-controlled hot wallets rather than the customer directly. This design creates an “attribution gap,” meaning blockchain records show transfers from operators, not victims. As a result, tracing the stolen funds becomes much harder.

Older Adults Face Higher Risks as Criminal Networks Expand

Older adults are particularly vulnerable, accounting for roughly 86% of crypto ATM losses. In one case, the Office of the Attorney General for D.C. found 93% of deposits on some Athena Bitcoin machines were fraudulent. The median victim was 71, and limited familiarity with digital finance makes them prime targets for scammers.

Criminal groups have industrialized these scams, running organized networks for lead generation, calls, and laundering. Some Asian syndicates laundered $16.1 billion in 2025, often using Telegram to coordinate rapid transactions.

Common scams include impersonating government officials, fake tech support, romance fraud, and emergency family schemes. Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence, including deepfakes, to make these scams more convincing and efficient.