LPD and AARP Nebraska Begin Fight Against Cryptocurrency ATM Scams

LPD and AARP Nebraska Begin Fight Against Cryptocurrency ATM Scams

Published on December 16, 2025

20 AARP volunteers now distributing warning notices

The Lincoln Police Department (LPD), in partnership with AARP Nebraska, today announced it has begun an educational campaign regarding a new ordinance to help protect older adults from becoming victims of cryptocurrency fraud. According to LPD, Lincoln residents have lost more than $11 million to cryptocurrency scams so far in 2025.

Approved by the City Council November 17, and signed by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird November 24, the ordinance (LMC Chapter 9.70) requires all businesses operating or providing access to cryptocurrency ATMs to post written notices warning consumers of the potential fraud risks associated with using the machines. Business owners have until December 24 to display the warning stickers provided by LPD.

Cryptocurrency kiosks may look like traditional ATMs and are typically located in gas stations, convenience and grocery stores, malls and other convenient places. There are about 100 machines in Lincoln.

"The Lincoln Police Department understands how devastating it is to become a victim of financial fraud. We encourage everyone to have conversations with loved ones about scams so we can all work together to be part of the solution. Our goal is to prevent more people from losing their hard-earned money," said Lincoln Police Chief Michon Morrow.

In mid-December, 20 AARP Nebraska volunteers will distribute information packets and warning stickers to all cryptocurrency ATM locations in Lincoln. All packets are scheduled to be delivered by Friday, December 19.

"AARP Nebraska remains dedicated to partnering with communities statewide to protect older Nebraskans from these scams. Our volunteer Fraud Fighters are raising awareness about how scammers exploit cryptocurrency kiosks because once money is sent through a digital wallet, it is nearly impossible to trace or recover," said Todd Stubbendieck, State Director for AARP Nebraska.

In coordination with the new ordinance, LPD offers a new webpage with information about financial and cryptocurrency scams. Visit the page at lincoln.ne.gov/Scams. In January 2026, LPD will add a fifth investigator to the Technical Investigations Unit recently formed to focus specifically on cryptocurrency scams.

To read an earlier release regarding the City's work to protect older adults from cryptocurrency fraud, visit lincoln.ne.gov/News/2025/10/9.