Governor Joins AARP New Hampshire, Law Enforcement Leaders to Highlight New Protections Against Cryptocurrency ATM Scams

CONCORD, N.H. - Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte highlighted a new law that will help protect Granite Staters against the threat of cryptocurrency ATM scams alongside Attorney General John Formella, Mayor Jay Ruais of Manchester, local law enforcement leaders, and advocates from AARP New Hampshire.

During a press conference at the Manchester Police Department, the Governor and other speakers outlined new protections in Senate Bill 482 and urged the public to be vigilant and educate themselves about common scams.

"Criminals are targeting Granite Staters and stealing thousands of dollars, and for victims, especially our seniors, these scams can mean losing savings they spent a lifetime building," said Governor Ayotte. "This new law puts important protections in place to help stop scams before they happen, and I thank the Attorney General's Office, AARP New Hampshire, members of our law enforcement community, and the Legislature for getting it to my desk. We will keep working to raise awareness to prevent scammers from taking advantage of people in our state and make it clear that New Hampshire is no place for these criminals to operate."

SB 482 creates a $2,000 daily transaction limit for all customers. It also requires a 48-hour hold on a customer's first transaction, allowing the transaction to be canceled and refunded during that period, and provides a full refund for fraudulent transactions reported within 14 days after the transaction is completed. Additional safeguards include a direct line for law enforcement, fraud warning prompts, blockchain analytics, and both paper and electronic receipts.

"Cryptocurrency ATM scams can wipe out a lifetime of savings in a matter of minutes, and older adults are too often the ones paying the price," said Christina FitzPatrick, State Director for AARP New Hampshire. "SB 482 puts practical protections between a scammer's demand and a consumer's irreversible loss. This bipartisan law shows what we can accomplish when advocates, law enforcement and policymakers work together to protect Granite Staters."

"These scams are designed to make people feel scared and rushed, so they don't have time to stop and question what they're being told," said Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr. "The transaction limit, first-transaction hold and better communication with law enforcement give us more opportunities to stop the fraud before the money is gone. We also want everyone to remember that no legitimate agency will ever ask you to make a payment through a cryptocurrency ATM."

"I am proud of the work being done by Chief Marr and the Manchester Police Department to educate the public and respond to these scams," said Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais. "Manchester has been at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness about cryptocurrency-related fraud, and SB 482 builds on that work by creating stronger safeguards for consumers and supporting law enforcement's ability to protect our residents."

"Cryptocurrency ATM scams are affecting communities across New Hampshire, and the criminals behind them are becoming increasingly sophisticated," said Attorney General John Formella. "SB 482 provides important consumer protections that will make it harder for scammers to exploit residents, but awareness remains critical. If something doesn't seem right, pause, verify the information, and contact law enforcement before sending money. Working together, we can better protect Granite Staters from fraud."

"Law enforcement agencies across New Hampshire have seen firsthand the devastating impact cryptocurrency ATM scams have had on individuals, families, and communities," said Chief Christopher Parsons, President of the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police. "The protections established in SB 482 will help disrupt a growing criminal enterprise by creating meaningful guardrails that reduce opportunities for fraud and improve accountability. This law is an important step toward protecting residents and preventing criminals from exploiting New Hampshire consumers."

New Hampshire resident Ken Heideman shared his personal story, highlighting the impact of cryptocurrency ATM fraud, and urged others to recognize the warning signs.

"A scam like this does more than take money. It changes your sense of security and can make you question your own judgment," Heideman said. "I am sharing my experience so other Granite Staters know they are not alone and understand how quickly these criminals can take control of a situation. If someone tells you to withdraw cash and use a cryptocurrency ATM, stop, talk with someone you trust and contact law enforcement before doing anything."