As Texas lawmakers prepare for the 2027 legislative session, a new AARP Texas survey highlights growing concern among Texans age 50 and older about cryptocurrency kiosk fraud and broad support for stronger consumer protections.

The survey of 1,002 Texas residents age 50-plus found that while most respondents have heard about cryptocurrency-related scams, many have limited knowledge about cryptocurrency and the machines used to conduct transactions.

Nearly seven in 10 respondents, or 69%, said they know little or nothing about cryptocurrency. Even fewer are familiar with cryptocurrency kiosks, commonly known as crypto ATMs, with 83% reporting little or no knowledge of the machines.

At the same time, 67% said they have heard of cryptocurrency being used in fraud or scams.

Older Texans May Be Particularly Vulnerable

The survey also points to a significant gap between awareness of cryptocurrency fraud and preparedness to respond to it.

Only 26% of respondents said they would be confident knowing what steps to take if they became victims of a cryptocurrency scam. Nearly three-quarters, or 73%, said they would not be confident.

That lack of familiarity is particularly important because cryptocurrency kiosks allow users to convert cash into digital currency and transfer funds within minutes. Consumer advocates and law enforcement officials have raised concerns about criminals directing victims to these machines because cryptocurrency transactions can be difficult to trace and funds may be nearly impossible to recover after they are sent.

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. Texas was among the states hardest hit by these scams.

Strong Support for Consumer Protections

The survey found broad support for several proposed safeguards.

Among Texans age 50 and older:

• 93% support requiring fraud warnings on cryptocurrency kiosks.
• 91% support refunds for proven fraudulent transactions.
• 89% support requiring kiosk operators to obtain state licenses.
• 88% support consumer protections similar to those required for other   financial services.
• 84% support transaction limits designed to prevent significant financial losses.

The survey also found that 88% agree these safeguards are intended to prevent criminal activity rather than restrict innovation.

Support for action also extends into state elections. Sixty-five percent of respondents said they would be more likely to support a candidate for state office who favors stronger protections against cryptocurrency kiosk fraud.

A majority of older Texans, 59%, said they support banning cryptocurrency kiosks altogether. In addition, 47% said they would be more likely to support a candidate who favors banning the machines to help prevent fraud.

Texas Lawmakers to Consider Issue in 2027

The findings come as Texas lawmakers examine cryptocurrency kiosk fraud ahead of the next regular legislative session, which begins in January 2027.

Texas currently does not have statewide regulations governing cryptocurrency kiosks. According to AARP Texas, 35 states have enacted laws regulating the machines, with bipartisan support, while five states have banned or nearly completely banned them.

The survey was conducted June 24 through July 8, 2026, among 1,002 Texas residents age 50 and older. Interviews were completed by telephone and text-to-web. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

For older Texans, the survey illustrates the potential financial consequences of a technology that many consumers acknowledge they do not fully understand. The findings also show strong support for measures intended to provide warnings, limit losses and create greater accountability for cryptocurrency kiosk operators as lawmakers consider potential action in 2027.

Read more about the AARP Texas survey