(The Center Square) – North Carolina’s attorney general and secretary of state on Tuesday of “Crypto Week” took aim at scams utilizing the electronic cash system surging in popularity.
It came within hours of a failed vote on Capitol Hill during what two-term Republican President Donald Trump has called “Crypto Week.”
“We’re hearing devastating reports of people losing their life savings through a crypto ATM scam,” said first-term Democratic Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “That’s why we’re working with partners across the state to help people recognize the signs of these scams. We want to help people protect their money from scammers.”
Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, the eighth term Democrat and longest tenured member of the Council of State, said related annual fraud is near $6 billion.
“It’s crucial that North Carolina’s investing public have the tools to spot, stop and report scams related to cryptocurrency ATMs,” Marshall said.
Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. In 2022, the Biden administration authorized further research into digital currencies by executive order. The Trump administration this week hoped for multiple bills to get through Congress, but Tuesday’s first vote was a 223-196 defeat for debate on the legislation.
Another vote was possible later in the evening.
Jackson and Marshall are working with AARP, the Wilmington Police Department and United Way NC/NC211 in their effort. Crypto ATMs are throughout the state, at places such as convenience stores, gas stations and smoke shops.
Jackson’s office says, “Scams happen when scammers direct their targets to use the crypto ATM to transfer cash or money from their bank account into cryptocurrency and then send that cryptocurrency to a scammer’s account. Once a scammer has that cryptocurrency, they can exchange it back to cash and keep it.
“Scammers nearly always seek to form emotional or romantic relationships with their targets. They will often target older people who are more vulnerable and less likely to report losses to authorities.”
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers didn’t get to debate when House Resolution 580 – supported by 13 Republicans – failed. Included were Department of Defense Appropriations Act 2026 (HR4016); Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 (HR3633); Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act (HR1919); and the GENIUS Act (S1582).
North Carolina’s representatives stayed on party line, with Democratic Reps. Alma Adams, Valerie Foushee, Deborah Ross and Don Davis against, and Republican Reps. Tim Moore, Brad Knott, Chuck Edwards, Pat Harrigan, Richard Hudson, Rev. Mark Harris, David Rouzer, Addison McDowell, Virginia Foxx and Dr. Greg Murphy in favor.
