Government Imposter Scams Caused $917 Million in Losses in 2025, Directing Victims to Crypto ATMs

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, government imposter scams cost victims $917 million in reported losses in 2025, with the Federal Trade Commission receiving over 375,000 reports last week. Scammers impersonate federal agents using fake caller IDs, official-looking documents, and manufactured urgency to convince victims their money is at risk.

Victims are directed to move funds into crypto ATMs, wire transfers, or payment apps. The U.S. Attorney's Office stated: "No one from the government will ever ask you to do these things. Only scammers will." Federal officials launched the "Never EVER" campaign urging people to verify demands by contacting trusted sources, emphasizing that government agents never request payment via cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards.