Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 AUSTIN, Texas – As Texas lawmakers prepare for the 2027 legislative session, a new AARP Texas survey finds overwhelming support among older Texans for stronger consumer protections designed to combat fraud involving cryptocurrency kiosks, often called crypto ATMs. The survey of 1,002 Texans age 50-plus found that while awareness of cryptocurrency fraud is widespread, knowledge of cryptocurrency remains limited. Nearly seven in 10 respondents (69%) say they know little or nothing about cryptocurrency, and 83% report little or no knowledge of cryptocurrency kiosks. At the same time, 67% have heard of cryptocurrency being used in fraud or scams. Despite recognizing the threat, many older Texans do not feel prepared to respond if they become victims. Just 26% said they are confident they would know what steps to take following a cryptocurrency scam, while 73% said they are not confident. “Older Texans understand that cryptocurrency fraud is a growing problem, but many do not feel equipped to protect themselves if they encounter a scam,” said Lisa A. Rodriguez, State Director of AARP Texas. “That is why AARP Texas is urging lawmakers to enact strong consumer protections that can help stop fraud before it happens and reduce the financial losses these crimes can cause.” Support for safeguards is broad and bipartisan.Texans support: • Requiring fraud warnings on machines (93%) • Providing refunds for proven fraudulent transactions (91%) • Requiring operators to obtain state licenses (89%) • Establishing consumer protections similar to those required for other financial services (88%) • Creating transaction limits to help prevent significant financial losses (84%) The survey also found that 88% agree these safeguards are about preventing criminal activity, not restricting innovation. In addition, 65% said they would be more likely to support a candidate for state office who favors stronger protections against cryptocurrency kiosk fraud. Concern about fraud extends beyond support for safeguards. A clear majority of older Texans (59%) support banning cryptocurrency kiosks altogether, and 47% said they would be more likely to support a candidate who favors banning the machines to help prevent fraud. Cryptocurrency kiosks allow users to convert cash into digital currency and transfer funds within minutes. Consumer advocates and law enforcement officials have raised concerns that criminals increasingly direct victims to these machines because transactions can be difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover once funds are sent. The survey’s findings come as Texas lawmakers have begun examining the issue ahead of the Legislature’s next regular session, which begins in January 2027. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, nearly 1,200 Texans reported losing a combined $56.8 million through cryptocurrency kiosk scams in 2025, making Texas one of the hardest-hit states in the nation. Texas currently lacks statewide regulations governing cryptocurrency kiosks, while 35 states have — with bipartisan support — enacted laws regulating the machines and five states have banned or nearly completely banned them altogether. “The message from older Texans is clear,” Rodriguez said. “Texans want lawmakers to act in 2027 to strengthen protections against cryptocurrency kiosk fraud and help stop these scams before more consumers are harmed.” The survey was conducted June 24 through July 8, 2026, among 1,002 Texas residents age 50-plus. Interviews were completed by telephone and text-to-web. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. Read more about the survey at: https://www.aarp.org/txkioskfraud. About AARP AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. | 