On September 8, 2025, Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwaab filed a lawsuit against Athena Bitcoin, Inc., alleging the operator profited from coordinated scams feeding into its Bitcoin ATMs. State investigators reported that approximately 93% of deposits at the company’s District machines were linked to fraud, with a reported median victim age of 71.
The complaint contends Athena imposed up to a 26% hidden transaction fee—well above the industry norm of 0.24%–3%—and maintained a strict no refund policy for fraud victims. The filing frames these practices as unlawful consumer-exploitation and seeks restitution.
The Attorney General’s office has demanded that Athena comply with the law, compensate the victims, and face potential civil penalties; the case highlights intensified enforcement around Bitcoin ATM fraud and consumer protection.