Athena Bitcoin is accused of charging undisclosed fees at crypto ATMs and failing to stop fraud, with Washington, DC alleging 93% of deposits were scam-related, median victim age 71 and median loss $8,000; the suit seeks restitution and injunctions against the operator.
Athena allegedly charged up to 26% in undisclosed transaction fees.
Washington, DC says 93% of early deposits were tied to scams and targeted vulnerable adults.
FBI reports nearly 11,000 crypto ATM complaints in 2024 totaling $246 million in losses.
Athena Bitcoin undisclosed fees: DC sues crypto ATM operator over alleged hidden fees and scam facilitation — learn the risks and how to protect yourself.
Washington, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb alleges Athena Bitcoin charged undisclosed fees and lacked safeguards to stop fraud and scams at its crypto ATMs.
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The Attorney General’s office in Washington, DC, has filed suit against crypto ATM operator Athena Bitcoin, alleging it charged undisclosed fees on deposits the company knew were tied to scams and failed to implement adequate anti-fraud measures. The complaint states that during Athena’s first five months operating in DC (May–September 2024) the vast majority of deposits were scam-related, and that Athena’s no‑refund policy prevented victims from recovering alleged hidden fees and losses.
What is the DC lawsuit against Athena Bitcoin about?
Athena Bitcoin lawsuit alleges the operator charged consumers undisclosed fees of up to 26% at crypto ATMs and knowingly processed scam-driven deposits without meaningful fraud controls. The suit seeks restitution for victims, injunctive relief, and penalties under consumer protection and elder-protection laws.
How did Athena allegedly profit from undisclosed fees?
The complaint alleges Athena labeled charges ambiguously as a “Transaction Service Margin” instead of clearly disclosing a fee, enabling the operator to pocket substantial sums. Washington, DC states Athena “pocketed hundreds of thousands of dollars” in the first five months of operation in the district.
Key figures cited in the filing: 93% of deposits were alleged to be the direct result of scams, median victim age 71, and median loss per transaction $8,000. One resident reportedly lost $98,000 at an Athena kiosk.
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Scammers frequently impersonate crypto tech support or claim to offer guaranteed trading profits. The Attorney General warns that predatory conduct has targeted older adults and other vulnerable groups.
Regulators and law enforcement have increased scrutiny of crypto ATMs after a surge in reported fraud. The FBI reported nearly 11,000 complaints from kiosks in 2024 totaling about $246 million in losses. Several U.S. states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Michigan, have imposed transaction limits to curb abuse.
There are approximately 26,850 crypto ATMs in the U.S., according to CoinATMRadar. Market-share estimates show Bitcoin Depot at 27.6%, CoinFlip at 13.6%, and Athena at about 13% of machines.
Failing to disclose fees is a longstanding regulatory focus in financial services. Recent high‑profile enforcement actions against banks and financial firms for undisclosed or illegal fees highlight regulators’ willingness to seek large restitution amounts and fines. The DC complaint frames Athena’s conduct as deceptive and harmful to vulnerable consumers, invoking consumer protection and elder‑abuse statutes.
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