Natalie Johnson, a former aide to U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, has emphasized the importance of implementing fraud warnings, real-time prevention measures, and data-sharing with law enforcement for crypto kiosks. She made these remarks on the social media platform X.
"Crypto kiosks help consumers turn cash into crypto & making this service safe means," said Johnson, Former communications director. "Clear warnings at kiosks. Real-time fraud prevention. We should fight scammers, not a platform necessary for financial freedom."
According to the National Association of Attorneys General, crypto kiosks serve as a simple means for consumers to convert cash into digital assets and vice versa. These machines often require identity verification and are subject to anti-money-laundering regulations in many jurisdictions. Regulators and law enforcement have scrutinized these kiosks due to their potential involvement in scams, prompting the implementation of best practices such as in-screen warnings and transaction limits. Industry advocates argue that these safeguards help maintain access while deterring fraud, thus preserving the role of kiosks as a bridge to financial inclusion.
CoinFlip, a Chicago-based fintech company, claims to operate the world's largest cryptocurrency-kiosk network by transaction volume, with over 5,500 kiosks across 49 U.S. states and several countries. The company's consumer-protection measures include its "Safe in Six" pressure test—six red-flag questions designed to prompt customers to reconsider transactions that feel rushed or suspicious—and 24/7 live support. CoinFlip reports that its support team has successfully prevented hundreds of fraudulent transactions through this layered approach combining education with real-time human intervention.
Athena Bitcoin has implemented persistent scam warnings at its kiosks and maintains a public fraud-education portal advising customers against using Bitcoin kiosks for government fees, utilities, or refunds—common scam tactics. The portal encourages users who have already made payments under suspicious circumstances to contact local authorities and share documentation with Athena. The company emphasizes transparency by maintaining processes for investigating consumer complaints and recording reports to identify patterns early.
Johnson is recognized as a Republican communications strategist who previously served as communications director for Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina. Her online presence frequently engages with technology, policy, and consumer protection themes. Johnson's support for compliant crypto access aligns with a pro-innovation stance that combines fraud prevention with maintaining platforms for lawful users.