- 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.