Most Washington Adults 50+ Want Stricter Rules on Crypto Kiosks

Seven in 10 Washington residents age 50 and older would support a ban on cryptocurrency kiosks in their local area. That is one finding from a new AARP survey. Another is that only about a quarter feel confident they would know how to report a crypto scam. Most people want stronger rules, but many do not know what the rules are today.

What the survey found

AARP asked 1,019 Washington residents age 50 and older about crypto kiosks, which are machines that are also called crypto ATMs. Support for action was high. In the survey, 90% said it is important for lawmakers to pass laws protecting residents from kiosk fraud and scams. Support for protections showed up among Republicans, Independents and Democrats.

• 70% support a ban in their local area.
• 68% support a statewide ban in Washington.
• 66% would be more likely to vote for a candidate who backs stronger protections.

Safeguards people want

The survey also tested specific protections. Support was strong for nearly all of them.

• 91% want visible notices explaining what to do if fraud is suspected.
• 91% want paper receipts with transaction details that could help police.
• 89% want a STOP warning about common scam requests.
• 88% want operators to refund transactions proven to be fraudulent.
• 83% want daily transaction limits to prevent large single-day losses.

Another 86% support consumer protections similar to those at other financial institutions. And 90% agree these safeguards are about stopping crime, not blocking new technology.

Where people feel unprepared

Awareness is uneven. About 72% have heard of cryptocurrency being used for fraud or scams. But 87% say they know little or nothing about the kiosks, including 63% who know nothing at all. Only 26% feel very or somewhat confident about whom to contact and how to report a crypto scam.

Even among the 368 respondents who know something about kiosks, many are unsure of the basics. Seventy percent do not know whether Washington kiosks have daily transaction limits. Sixty-eight percent do not know whether the machines can charge fees as high as 42% per transaction. Sixty-one percent do not know whether every operator must be licensed by the state.

About the poll

ANR Market Research Consultants ran the poll from July 14 to August 1, 2026, by landline, cellphone and text-to-web. The results were weighted to reflect the Washington 50-plus population. AARP Research published the findings in October 2026. The survey measures opinion. It does not say whether any bill is moving forward.

What to do

If someone pushes you to put cash into a crypto kiosk, stop and talk to a family member first. Getting that money back is hard. Sharing this with older relatives may help, since most people surveyed said they know little about how these machines work.