D.C. AG Withdraws Trust from Bitcoin ATM Operator Over Hidden Fees, Fraud Risks

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  • D.C. AG Brian Schwalb has sued Athena Bitcoin, Inc., one of the largest operators of Bitcoin Automated Teller Machines (BTMs), alleging violations of the District’s consumer protection and financial exploitation laws.
  • According to the complaint, Athena charged users undisclosed and excessive fees—up to 26% per transaction—and failed to implement basic anti-fraud measures, despite being aware that scammers frequently use its BTMs when targeting the elderly. The complaint further alleges that Athena deceived customers through a refund policy that denies refunds to scam victims outright or imposes arbitrary refund caps.
  • The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, civil penalties, restitution, and attorneys’ costs and fees, among other forms of relief.
  • We previously reported on a similar action by Iowa AG Brenna Bird against other BTM operators in March 2025.
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