Wisconsin Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Regulate Crypto ATMs

According to Cointelegraph, lawmakers in Wisconsin have introduced legislation aimed at curbing fraud through cryptocurrency ATMs. Senator Kelda Roys, alongside six Democratic colleagues, presented Senate Bill 386 as a companion to Assembly Bill 384, which was introduced by Democratic Representative Ryan Spaude on July 31. The proposed bills require crypto ATM operators to obtain a money transmitting license and collect detailed user information, including name, date of birth, contact number, address, and email. The strategy of filing identical bills in both legislative chambers is intended to expedite the process and increase the chances of the bills becoming law. The legislation mandates that operators collect government-issued identification from users, such as a passport or driver's license, and take a photo of the customer. Additionally, operators must verify the identity of users for each transaction, with a daily transaction limit set at $1,000. Warning labels about potential fraud must be prominently displayed on the machines. The bills also propose capping transaction fees at either a flat $5 or 3% of the transaction value, whichever is higher. Operators are required to reimburse customers for fraudulent transactions if confirmed by law enforcement within 30 days. The U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued a notice urging financial institutions to report suspicious activities involving crypto ATMs, highlighting fraud, cybercrime, and drug trafficking as prevalent issues. Globally, regulators have been scrutinizing crypto ATMs due to concerns over their use in criminal activities. New Zealand recently banned crypto ATMs, citing their role in money laundering and criminal financing. In the UK, authorities seized seven crypto ATMs and arrested two individuals in southwest London for alleged money laundering and illegal operation of a crypto exchange. Meanwhile, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, has preemptively regulated crypto ATMs despite not having any within the town.