U.S. Congress Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Crypto ATM Scams U.S. Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) and Sean Casten (D-IL-06) announced today the introduction of the Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing consumer protections, curbing fraud, and holding criminals accountable for exploiting cryptocurrency ATMs to target seniors and vulnerable Americans. The legislation seeks to address the growing threat of financial scams facilitated by these machines, which have become a primary tool for fraudsters to siphon funds from unsuspecting victims. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Americans lost over $333 million to crypto ATM scams in 2025, marking a 33 percent surge compared to the previous year. Older adults are particularly at risk, with individuals aged 60 and above accounting for more than 85 percent of reported losses linked to these scams. The bill’s proponents argue that the rise in such crimes underscores the urgent need for legislative action to safeguard seniors and other vulnerable populations. The Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act proposes several measures to combat these scams. It would establish new safeguards to prevent fraud, mandate stronger transparency requirements for crypto ATM operators, and equip law enforcement with additional tools to investigate and disrupt these schemes. The legislation also aims to ensure that victims receive clearer warnings and stronger protections before engaging with crypto ATM services. Rep. Salazar emphasized the personal impact of these scams on seniors, stating, “In South Florida, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact financial scams can have on seniors and their families. America’s seniors spent a lifetime working, saving, and planning for retirement.#south_florida #maria_elvira_salazar #federal_bureau_of_investigation #us_congress #sean_casten
Lev Parnas, a Jewish former associate of Rudy Giuliani and a key figure in Donald Trump’s first impeachment investigation, has announced his candidacy for Congress in Florida’s 27th Congressional District. Running as a Democrat, Parnas aims to challenge Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, a Cuban American incumbent in her third term. His campaign positions emphasize combating corruption, holding powerful figures accountable, and addressing issues like affordability, senior support, and immigration reform. Parnas, a Soviet-born Ukrainian-American businessman, gained national attention during the 2019 impeachment proceedings against Trump. He initially supported Trump and Giuliani in their efforts to secure damaging information about Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden from Ukraine. However, he later turned against Trump, testifying before the House Oversight Committee in 2024 about alleged influence-peddling. His testimony, part of an investigation into Biden’s conduct, highlighted his role in the Trump administration’s dealings. Parnas’ political journey has been marked by controversy. In 2021, he was convicted of federal campaign finance violations related to a scheme involving political contributions and support for a cannabis company. He received a 20-month prison sentence but served the term under home confinement. Despite his criminal record, which bars him from voting in Florida, he is eligible to run for office. His campaign acknowledges his past, noting it includes “professional successes and highly public challenges,” including a period of federal custody. Parnas has rebranded himself as a vocal critic of Trump since his release in September 2023.#lev_parnas #rudy_giuliani #maria_elvira_salazar #house_oversight_committee #moshe_azman
