What You Need to Know: After violating California’s Digital Financial Assets Law, California orders Crypto kiosk company to refund $175,000 to consumers.
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) today announced that it has ordered Coinme, one of the largest crypto kiosk operators in the state, to refund an additional $175,000 to California consumers who were unlawfully overcharged.
This enforcement action and money back to consumers builds upon DFPI’s efforts to protect consumers and hold companies accountable.
“When a company overcharges consumers, we will do everything we can to help people get their money back,” said DFPI Commissioner KC Mohseni. “This action should put digital asset companies on notice that they are expected to follow our rules and the law.”
Many companies operate crypto kiosks in California, typically located in grocery and convenience stores, where customers can insert cash to buy and sell digital financial assets such as Bitcoin. The transactions are often instant and non-refundable. With the goal of protecting consumers, the DFPI makes it a priority to ensure that crypto kiosk operators comply with the California Digital Financial Law (DFAL).
A DFPI examination of Coinme, a Seattle-based company, led to the discovery that it had committed the following violations in California:
- Charging consumers fees and markups well above the statutory maximums.
- Omitting key information on more than 4,050 receipts, including customer names and exchange sources.
On June 25, 2025, DFPI ordered the company to pay $51,700 in restitution to California residents, as part of a $300,000 penalty, for violating DFAL’s transaction‑limit and disclosure requirements.
The DFPI encourages consumers using crypto kiosks to remain vigilant, understand applicable fees, and be on alert for scams involving requests for cryptocurrency payments.
About DFPI
The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation protects consumers, regulates financial services, and fosters responsible innovation. DFPI protects consumers by establishing and enforcing financial regulations that promote transparency and accountability. We empower all Californians to access a fair and equitable financial marketplace through education and by helping to prevent potential risks, fraud, and abuse. Learn more at dfpi.ca.gov.
