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   In the past few years, the Sheriff’s Office has seen a significant increase in the number of reports of scams specific to cryptocurrency and some involve kiosks located in and around the County. It is a confusing and unknown topic for most individuals. We will break down the basics of crypto and how it may affect you. 

   Crypto kiosks or Virtual Currency Kiosks (“Kiosks”), as referred to in Minnesota state law, look like an ATM, and are found in convenience stores, pharmacies, tobacco shops, liquor stores and grocery stores, but instead of dispensing cash, their purpose is to allow customers to sell and purchase cryptocurrency also known as “bitcoin”. These Kiosks accept cash from customers and then credit it to the account of another person, move it from one account to another for the same person, or provide the currency to another person.

   Kiosks are similar to your traditional ATM but focus only on cryptocurrency-related transactions. You can use a kiosk in the same way you use your cryptocurrency wallet on a cryptocurrency-related app. Minnesotans may be lured by scammers to use a kiosk to transfer money to a wallet as a way for the scammers to steal their money and disappear without a trace. Often, these requests to transfer money are urgent in nature in an attempt to prompt the person to act quickly.

   A new Minnesota law went into effect on August 1, 2024, to protect consumers against cryptocurrency fraud. Unfortunately, crypto scams are becoming more common, and scammers have used crypto kiosks to steal money from consumers. This new law works to protect Minnesotans from scams and to recover funds consumers lost to fraud. The Minnesota Department of Commerce Financial Institutions and Enforcement Divisions are taking action to ensure crypto companies are licensed to operate in Minnesota and comply with the new consumer protection law.

   Consumers are using crypto kiosks, which work similar to cash ATMs, with increasing frequency. Unfortunately, crypto kiosk users are increasingly becoming victims of scams. During the 2024 Legislative Session, Commerce worked with the bill’s authors as well as with local law enforcement and other stakeholders, to develop this critical consumer protection bill.  

   The law applies to licensed crypto kiosk operators, requiring them to:  

  •  Disclose to consumers relevant terms and conditions. 

  •  Issue refunds for those involved in fraud if they are a new customer. 

  •  Set a maximum daily transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers.  

   Kiosk operators are also required to have a money transmission license. You can check a website to ensure the operators are licensed through via this site:  https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

The Minnesota Department of Commerce works to assist and protect consumers, and to ensure a strong, fair marketplace. Minnesota consumers and businesses can file complaints or verify licenses regarding non-banks by contacting Commerce’s Enforcement Division:   

  •  File a complaint online   

  •  Email or call: [email protected]| (651) 539-1600    

  •  Verify whether a non-bank company is licensed to do business in Minnesota: License Lookup  

  •  Search Commerce Actions and Regulatory Documents to view past enforcement actions

   Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money using cryptocurrency. To stay clear of a crypto-related scam:

  •  Only scammers demand payment in cryptocurrency. No legitimate business is going to demand you send cryptocurrency in advance – not to buy something, and not to protect your money. That’s always a scam.

  •  Only scammers will guarantee profits or big returns. Don’t trust people who promise you can quickly and easily make money in the crypto markets.

  •  Never mix online dating and investment advice. If you meet someone on a dating site or app, and they want to show you how to invest in crypto, or ask you to send them crypto, that’s a scam.

   In conclusion, Minnesota’s cryptocurrency legislative landscape in 2025 is marked by a careful balancing act. The state has taken thoughtful steps to integrate digital currencies into its regulatory framework, ensuring consumer protection and financial stability while also encouraging technological innovation. As the cryptocurrency sector evolves, Minnesota’s regulatory approach is likely to continue adapting, reflecting the state’s commitment to prudent governance in this dynamic financial field. (MN Dept of Commerce)

   If you have specific questions that you would like answered in this column or in person, please feel free to contact me anytime using one of the following methods:

   Email: [email protected]

   Phone: (218) 547-1424 | 1 (800) 450-2677

   By Mail/In Person:

Cass County Sheriff’s Office

303 Minnesota Ave W

PO Box 1119

Walker MN 56484

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