Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today sued Athena Bitcoin, Inc. (Athena), one of the country’s largest operators of Bitcoin Automated Teller Machines (BTMs), for charging undisclosed fees on deposits that it knows are often the result of scams, and for failing to implement adequate anti-fraud measures. When users discover they have been scammed and seek refunds, Athena imposes a strict “no refunds” policy on their entire transactions—even failing to return the significant undisclosed fees it collects from scam victims.

“Athena’s bitcoin machines have become a tool for criminals intent on exploiting elderly and vulnerable District residents,” said Attorney General Schwalb. “Athena knows that its machines are being used primarily by scammers yet chooses to look the other way so that it can continue to pocket sizable hidden transaction fees. Today we’re suing to get District residents their hard-earned money back and put a stop to this illegal, predatory conduct before it harms anyone else.”