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Rhode Island Now One of 12 States Cracking Down on Crypto ATM Fraud

Published in RINewsToday on August 11, 2025

Rhode Island joins 11 other states in enacting laws or regulations to protect consumers from fraud at cryptocurrency ATMs, addressing the disproportionate impact on older adults.  According to the Washington, DC-based AARP, older adults disproportionately fall victim to Crypto ATM Fraud.

On June 17, 2025, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, put a spotlight on this national issue at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled, “Scammers Exposed: Protecting Older Americans from Transnational Crime Networks.” At the hearing, the Illinois senator announced the introduction of the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Peter Welch (D-VT) to help end these scams.

Crypto ATMs look like normal ATMs and can be found in 45,000 locations nationwide, including grocery stores and gas stations. The key difference is that instead of depositing money with your bank, a crypto ATM allows customers to purchase cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. Crypto ATM scams led to nearly $247 million in losses in 2024, says Senator Durbin, citing an FBI report. Adults over age 60 accounted for more than 67% of the victims of reported crypto ATM fraud.

According to Federal Trade Commission data, nationwide fraud losses through crypto ATMs jumped nearly tenfold from 2020 to 2024 and surpassed $65 million in the first half of 2024.

Bipartisan Support Key to Passage of Crypto Legislative Proposals

Throughout the nation, at the state level, the burgeoning kiosk industry lacks important regulations, making crypto ATMs ripe for criminal fraud, says AARP. With support from the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization advocating for America’s older adults, 11 states enacted new laws this year to combat the hundreds of millions of dollars lost annually to crypto ATM fraud.  Bipartisan support on both sides of the aisle resulted in passage of legislative proposals in these states – Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Illinois, Maryland, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

“In state after state, AARP found lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and local law enforcement eager to work on commonsense rules that balance innovation and consumer safety,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer, in a statement announcing successful state legislative actions. “With criminals disproportionately targeting older Americans through crypto ATM scams, we’re proud to have helped pass these laws that will better protect millions of people nationwide from having their hard-earned money stolen,” she said.

“Our law that passed the statehouse in Illinois will see consumers at crypto ATMs protected by transaction limits, required ATM registration, guidelines on refunds after fraud, and more,” said AARP Illinois State Director Philippe Largent. “We’re committed to staying on top of this issue and other modern-day fraud trends to ensure that our 1.7 million members in Illinois—and all older adults and their families—are not robbed of their hard-earned money.”

“Nebraska’s new law, which passed on March 6, is hopefully a model for other states – and perhaps even one day the nation,” said AARP Nebraska State Director Todd Stubbendieck. “We know this law is greatly needed, and when the legislation goes into effect in September, we expect it will have a significant impact in helping to deter crypto ATM fraud.”

Rhode Island Passes Protective Crypto Legislation, Too

As Sen. Durbin held his hearing, that day, June 17th,  the Rhode Island General Assembly approved legislation sponsored by Senate Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies Committee Chairwoman Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown) and Rep. Julie A. Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter) to protect older Rhode Islanders from the rapidly growing category of scams that use cryptocurrency ATMs to defraud victims. The legislation was signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee on June 26, 2025.

The Nuts and Bolts

The legislation (S 0016A, H 5121A) states that each crypto ATM operator must register with the Department of Business Regulation as a money transmitter and is required to provide live customer service Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Daily limits would be set to $2,000 per day for new customers and $5,000 per day for existing customers. New customers are defined as utilizing the ATMs of a licensed operator for the first time and for 30 days thereafter. Existing customers include any person who has used the ATM of a licensed operator for more than 30 days after first use.

A new customer can receive a full refund if they report the fraud to law enforcement within 90 days. An existing customer can receive a refund of the transaction fees if they report the fraud to law enforcement within 90 days. In both cases, the customer must notify both the ATM operator and law enforcement.

Operators would be required to provide numerous statutory disclosures (including fees) and warnings to protect and inform users. The company must also provide a detailed paper receipt of all transactions in compliance with statutory requirements.

“Cryptocurrency ATMs are kiosks that allow users to deposit cash and easily convert it into cryptocurrency. We’ve seen victims in our own communities lose thousands of dollars when scammers direct them to send cash through these machines. Rhode Island, compared to some neighboring states, is behind the curve on regulating this new technology,” warned Gu.

“Crypto ATMs are unfortunately an increasingly common way for criminals to get away with their ill-gotten gains, and without increased regulation, this trend will only accelerate,” she said.

“Crypto ATMs look a lot like regular ATMs, and you can find them across Rhode Island in convenience stores, laundromats, liquor stores, and smoke shops. You’ve probably walked by one without even knowing it. They have no transaction limits, and once money is deposited to a scammer, there is virtually no way to recover it.  Regulation of these kiosks is long overdue. It’s our responsibility as lawmakers to protect Rhode Islanders—especially the elderly—from scammers and techno-criminals, and this legislation is an important part of fulfilling that responsibility,” said Casimiro.

“This important legislation will deter criminals from using crypto ATMs for fraudulent activity by creating important safety measures and consumer protections. Older Rhode Islanders have worked hard to save for a secure retirement. AARP applauds the General Assembly for ensuring that Rhode Islanders’ savings remain where they belong—and not in a criminal’s digital wallet,” said Catherine Taylor, AARP Rhode Island State Director.

While it was a monumental achievement to pass legislation in so many statehouses across the country, AARP continues its work to push legislative proposals in other states without anti-fraud measures to protect older adults.

To learn how to spot and avoid scams, go to:
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/

If you suspect financial fraud, report it to local law enforcement or call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. You can also visit:
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline

For more details about crypto fraud, go to:
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/cryptocurrency/

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Caregiver Crisis:  New Report Gives a “Wake Up” Call to Congress

Published in RINewsToday on July 28, 2025

After a media briefing last week, AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) released a report, Caregiving in the U.S. 2025, that warns of a looming crisis that will impact America’s 63 million caregivers, an increase of 45% over the past decade. The report noted that caregivers are at a “crisis point.” Nearly half reported major financial problems, one in five reported fair or poor health, and more troubling, nearly a quarter felt completely alone.

Congress and state policy makers must grapple with this demographic time bomb, the researchers say. With the graying of America, the number of the nation’s caregivers is skyrocketing. Today, nearly 1 in 4 adults provide ongoing caregiving to an adult or child with a complex medical condition or a disability in the past year. That’s up a whopping 20 million since 2015.

And the “sandwich generation” (caring for children and adults simultaneously) went from 11 million caregivers in 2015 to a whopping 17 million in 2025.

According to AARP, the first report, Caregiving in the U.S. (released in 1997 by the AARP and NAC), is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative data resources on family caregivers in America. The study has been repeated in 2004, 2009, 2015, and 2020, with each edition providing updated information on caregiver demographics and other factors affecting caregiving. This year’s 133-page report is the most comprehensive study of this critical area of American life to date.

Educating the Nation’s Media about Caregiving Issues

At the 52-minute zoom briefing, AARP CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan, stated, “We need systems that see caregivers, value them and support them because they are not just helping families.  They’re holding up the entire health care system.”

“Caregiving consistently ranks as one of the important issues to our members across age, geography, race and income,” says Minter-Jordan, calling it a bipartisan issue. “Today’s report is a wakeup call, but it’s also an opportunity to act and we hope it drives real lasting change,” she adds.

Adds Jason Resendez, NAC’s President and CEO, the nature of caregiving is growing more medically complex, with care that had once took place in clinics and hospitals. “We’re talking about managing catheters, administering injections and managing medical equipment. But here’s what’s truly troubling. We’re failing to prepare family caregivers for these responsibilities,” he said.

“We must center caregivers in our policy discussions, not as an afterthought, but as a priority because caregiving is infrastructure, it’s health care and it’s essential to our communities and economies,” says Resendez.

A family caregiver shared her personal story of taking care of her mother with dementia for over 10 years, illustrating the personal and financial tolls caregivers make. “I didn’t plan for this, I stepped into the role because someone I loved needed me.  That meant taking time off working and eventually leaving my career in the fashion industry to become my mom’s full-time caregiver, says Alma Valencia, from Pasadena, California.  “I hope that one day soon people like me won’t have to do this alone,” says Valencia.

The July 15 press briefing and the releasing of the report is intended to be a “wake up call” to influence public awareness and drive policy changes at the state and federal levels.  It was brought up that 8 million family caregivesr relied on Medicaid for their own health coverage, making them vulnerable to Congressional Medicaid cuts and stricter eligibility requirements.  By providing stark data on the growth and complexity of caregiving, AARP and NAC hope to influence legislative and administrative decisions affecting Medicaid program.

Painting a Picture of America’s Caregivers

Family caregivers—spanning all ages, races, incomes, and communities—include parents, friends, neighbors, and even children. They help with daily tasks such as mobility, personal care, financial management, and medical procedures. This report explores the essential role these caregivers play in the nation’s fragmented long-term care system, examining both the policies that support them and the gaps that remain.

Who are America’s caregivers?

According to this year’s caregiving report, 61% of the nation’s caregivers are women, while 39% are men.

Although the average caregiver is 51 years old, nearly half are under the age of 50.

Twenty-nine percent of caregivers belong to the “sandwich generation,” providing care for both children and adults. Additionally, 18% have a disability themselves, and 27% care for someone with dementia or cognitive impairment.

Links at the end of this commentary provide further detail on caregiver demographics, including ethnicity, race, income, gender, sexual orientation, and geography.

The findings from Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 underscore that caregiving is more than a role—it’s a full-time job.  Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers report providing over 40 hours of care per week. One-third say they have been caregiving for five years or more.

The latest caregiving report notes that America’s “Sandwich Generation” are stretched very thin.  Nearly 1 in 3 caregivers are also raising children under 18 while caring for an adult loved one. This figure rises to 47% among caregivers under 50 and is especially common among Latino (43%) and Black (36%) caregivers.

Caregiving hits you in your pocketbook, the report documenting that financial strain is widespread.  Nearly half of caregivers experienced at least one major financial impact—such as taking on debt, stopping savings. One in five can’t afford basic needs like food and housing.  Rural caregivers are impacted more because they have less access to affordable services. The challenge is greatest for younger, lower-income, Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ caregivers, the researchers say.

And the report’s findings indicate that the vast majority are still unpaid. While 11.2 million family caregivers now receive some compensation, most are still unpaid. Paid family caregivers are more likely to be younger, lower-income, and racially diverse.

Workplace support is vital  for assisting caregiver workers and there is a growing need for companies to step the plate to help these individuals.  The report found that 7  in 10 family caregivers are employed on top of their family caregiving responsibilities forcing them to balance these dual responsibilities; half of them report experiencing work disruptions like going in late or leaving early to care for a loved one. More family caregivers than ever report having access to family caregiving related benefits like flex time and caregiving assistance. Salaried workers have dramatically better access to benefits.

Caregivers are facing significant health issues by the burden’s they cope with. One in 5 caregivers report being in fair or poor health, and nearly 23% say they struggle to care for their own health due to caregiving responsibilities. Reports of emotional stress have risen since 2020, with 4 in 10 say they are experiencing emotional stress.

A training gap exists for those caregivers performing more medically complex tasks.  Only 11% of caregivers say they have received medical training to assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), yet the report finds that 50% of the caregivers help with these tasks. The report finds that just over 20% of caregivers have received formal training on medical and nursing tasks despite over half managing complex medical and nursing tasks like injections, wound care, or medication management – yet 65% of caregivers are helping with any ADLs and almost all caregivers help with any IADLs.

Social isolation can significantly impact both mental and physical health, leading to increased risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and various physical ailments. The report’s findings suggest that caregivers feel more alone and isolated.  Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers report feeling socially isolated—a number that’s growing. Women, LGBTQ+ caregivers, and those who felt they had no choice in becoming caregivers are significantly more likely to report feeling alone.

Finally, the caregiving report called for more support systems to be in place and noted that the existing resources are not keeping pace with the rising demand for family care. Caregivers overwhelmingly support tax credits (69%), paid leave (55%), and programs that pay family caregivers (68%). Almost 40% say respite services would be helpful.

The report calls for immediate, sustained action in policy and practice — from expanding paid leave and respite services to ensuring financial, emotional, and training supports reach the caregivers who need them most.

What’s New in AARP/NAC’s 2025 Caregiver Report?

What is new in the 2025 report?  According to AARP, state-level data will now be available, with a separate state report to be released in Fall 2025.  Also, for the first time, information is now available to characterize the more than 11 million “paid family caregivers” who participate in caregiver payment programs, such as the Medicaid home and community-based (HCBS) self-direction waivers.  And more data on the caregiver experience is available on care coordination and use of other caregiving help, via an expanded Level of Caregiving Complexity Index, in the latest caregiver report.

A final note…

The caregiving crisis is not a partisan issue—it’s an American issue. With over 63 million caregivers anchoring the nation’s health and long-term care systems, Congress and state leaders from both sides of the aisle must rise to meet the changes of this moment. Whether through expanding paid leave, offering targeted tax credits, strengthening Medicaid, or investing in caregiver training, there is broad public support for common-sense solutions. With the release of the 2025 Caregiver Study, AARP and NAC have delivered strong evidence; now it’s time for policymakers—both Republican and Democrat alike to act swiftly—to come together to this Congressional session to craft durable, bipartisan reforms that recognize caregivers not as an afterthought, but as the backbone of our communities.

The Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 survey used a nationally representative, probability-based online panel from IPSOS. The study surveyed 6,858 caregivers aged 18 or older who had provided care for an adult relative or friend 18+, or a child with a complex medical condition or disability within the past 12 months.

The 2025 study was funded by AARP, Pivotal, The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Novo Nordisk, Genworth, New York Life, Home Instead, Archstone Foundation, The John A. Hartford Foundation, and Mass Mutual.

LINKS to resources – click on the hyperlink to be taken directly to the report:

To get a copy of Caregiving in the U.S. 2025

To watch the AARP-NAC Press Briefing

For more information about the report and – Caregiving in the US

Breaking Downing Caregiver Profiles 

For African American/Black Family Caregivers

For Hispanic/Latino American Family Caregivers,

For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Family Caregivers

For LGBTQ + Family Caregivers

For Rural Family Caregivers

For Lower-Income Family Caregivers

For Family Caregiving by Gender

For High-Intensity Family Caregivers

For Younger Family Caregivers

For Family Caregivers with Disabilities

Fraud Schemes Targeting Older Adults: Senate Aging Committee Sounds Alarm

Published in RINewsToday on July 21, 2025

“Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that you are one of our lucky winners,” read the letter.

The official-looking correspondence—purportedly from the desk of the Vice President, International Promotions/Prize Award Department of Publishers Clearing House (PCH)—continued:

“On behalf of the members and staff of PCH, the Association of North America Lottery, and Provincial Sweepstakes, we sincerely congratulate you on your grand prize winnings of $750,000… Please contact your claims agent to arrange method of payment.”

Enclosed was a check, appearing legitimate, allegedly issued by Northern Fairfield Insurance (NFI) of Danbury, Connecticut, from a Webster Bank account, in the amount of $9,700.65.

According to the letter, the check was intended to help cover taxes, handling, and processing fees related to the prize.

Northern Fairfield Insurance, established in 1998, is a small firm with just three employees, including its owner, Jim Ostrove. Nearly two weeks ago, Ostrove began receiving calls—mine among them—asking whether the PCH letter and enclosed check were legitimate.

“The volume has tapered off by the day,” he admits, noting that “we’re no longer receiving any calls.”

A quick call to NFI confirmed my suspicions: the letter, marked “Confidential,” was a scam. In conversation with Ostrove, he said, “I felt violated and angry.”

Concerned, Ostrove contacted Webster Bank—the financial institution listed on the counterfeit check—to confirm that no account had been set up in his company’s name. The bank quickly verified this, noting that the check’s routing number was invalid and had no connection to a legitimate account. “Looking closely at the PCH check, I also realized that the name of my insurance company was misspelled,” Ostrove added.

Ostrove says the bank’s fraud unit was very helpful and confirmed the check was fake. His concerns about any potential financial fallout for his business were eased, he says.

Although Ostrove filed a police report, he had no real expectation that the scammers would be caught. “I just wanted the report on file in case someone came forward about the reward and tried to hold me financially responsible,” he said.

“My report made it very clear that I was a victim of fraud,” he emphasized.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, victims reported nearly $350 million in losses to prize, sweepstakes, and lottery-related scams in 2024.

Like me, the Better Business Bureau estimates that tens of thousands of individuals will receive similar scam mailings in 2025—complete with fake prize notifications, counterfeit checks, and fraudulent requests for payment or personal information. The actual number of victims may be much higher, as many incidents go unreported.

Senate Aging Committee Puts a Spotlight on Scams and Financial Exploitation

On Feb. 12, 2016, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging announced the publication of its first full-year “Fraud Book,” Protecting Older Americans Against Fraud, covering the period from January 1 to December 31, 2015. These annual reports aim to raise awareness about the growing number of fraud schemes targeting older Americans and provide specific recommendations to combat them.

The latest, published just recently, is a 40-page multi-language annual report, Age of Fraud: Scams Facing Our Nation’s Seniors (Report No. 119-35 of the 119th Congress), and was released on July 10, 2025. It highlights the many forms of fraud—including grandparent scams, tech support fraud, financial service scams, travel and timeshare fraud, romance scams, and government impersonation schemes.

“These schemes often target emotional vulnerabilities, particularly among seniors facing loneliness, isolation, or depression,” note Chairman Rick Scott (R-Florida) and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) in a statement announcing the newly released report.

The 2025 bipartisan report outlines the growing financial threats facing aging Americans and ways for seniors to identify red flags that provide warnings of scams, suggests practical tips on how to protect themselves, and how to report scams. This year’s edition underscores the alarming rise in sophisticated schemes, particularly those utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). In 2024 alone, fraud and scams cost seniors over $4.8 billion, with those aged 50–59 losing an additional $2.5 billion.

“Across our nation, older Americans are being targeted every day by increasingly sophisticated scams that rob them not only of their hard-earned savings but also of their security and peace of mind. These attacks are personal, and they are unacceptable,” says Scott, stressing that fighting fraud against older Americans will remain a top priority for the Committee.

“Through critical initiatives like National Slam the Scam Day and our toll-free Fraud Hotline, we are expanding access to education, prevention tools, and direct support to empower families to recognize fraud and respond quickly,” he says.

“This report shines a direct light on the scale and severity of the threat we’re facing, and we must be united in our determination to stay vigilant, informed, and proactive in defending our seniors,” adds Scott.

Gillibrand adds, “We must do everything we can to prevent and fight back against these scams, and that starts with monitoring fraud whenever and wherever it occurs. As Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, I’m committed to continuing the fight against fraud, and I hope this Fraud Book is a valuable resource for our aging communities.”

The report serves as a significant wake-up call to Congress. Fraud continues to skyrocket, notes the Committee. Citing FBI data, 2024 was a record year for losses reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, totaling a staggering $16.6 billion. There were 859,532 complaints that year—and over 4.2 million complaints over the past five years.

The report also emphasizes that fraud targeting older adults is growing in both complexity and financial impact, making enhanced awareness, education, and robust support systems more critical than ever.

 According to the FBI, from 2023 to 2024:

  • Overall losses increased 33%, mostly due to fraud.
  • Average loss for those age 60 and older rose to $83,000.
  • Reports for this age group increased by 43%.
  • Cryptocurrency-related losses rose by 66%.
  • Complaints involving cryptocurrency kiosks increased by 99%.

To safeguard aging Americans from fraud, scams, and financial exploitation, the Senate Aging Committee has led two bipartisan efforts: one resolution designating March 6, 2025, as National Slam the Scam Day to raise awareness and educate the public about fraud prevention, and another recognizing May 2025 as Older Americans Month. Both efforts aim to inform and protect older adults while reinforcing the committee’s commitment to combating fraud through public education, legislative action, and advocacy for stronger safeguards—ensuring seniors can enjoy their golden years with greater security and peace of mind.

From the Ocean State

According to the 2025 Fraud Report, the Federal Trade Commission reported 11,776 complaints were filed in Rhode Island in 2024.

“Our team tracks patterns of scams reported to us throughout the year,” says Timothy M. Rondeau, Communications Director for the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General. “This year, we’ve continued to see a wide range of fraudulent actors deceiving Rhode Islanders through romance scams, imposter scams, and scams involving cryptocurrency.”

According to Rondeau, while new scams aren’t necessarily emerging, the tools and methods used are evolving. “AI tools are increasingly used in imposter and romance scams, where AI-generated voices and videos deceive and manipulate victims,” he explains. “While we can’t always confirm AI involvement in each case, we know the use of AI makes it much harder—especially for older adults—to distinguish between real and fraudulent interactions.”

For more information about common scams or to file a complaint, Rhode Islanders can visit: riag.ri.gov/scams

If you or someone you know has been a victim—or suspects they’ve been targeted—please call the Senate Aging Committee’s Fraud Hotline at 1-855-303-9470 (open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). If you’d like a member of the committee’s team to return your inquiry, please include your phone number in the web form.

Go here to read the Senate Aging Committees 2025 Fraud Report,

The US Dept. of Justice released this information in recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Day – The Justice Department Highlights Enforcement Efforts Protecting Older Americans from Transnational Fraud Schemes in Recognition of 2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day contains specific information on each type of fraud and what the US Government is doing to shut it down.

AARP offers  Tips on Protecting Yourself Against Fraud.

AARP also has a Fraud Watch Network.