Benton County approves ordinance banning virtual‑currency kiosks in unincorporated areas

Benton County commissioners on Tuesday approved an amendment to the county code (referred to as Title 20) that prohibits virtual‑currency kiosks from being installed in unincorporated areas and authorizes a $250 civil fine against the business or property owner who allows a kiosk on site.

Mr. Altman, who introduced the proposed code change, said the measure is modeled on ordinances in nearby cities and counties and is intended to close a local gap in protections. "We're trying to amend our code to catch up with what's already been amended in many cities and county codes across the country concerning these virtual‑currency kiosks," he told the board.

Lieutenant Erickson of the Benton County Sheriff's Office described common labor‑and‑scam patterns tied to the machines. "We receive calls for service where people have been told they have warrants for their arrest," he said. "Part of this scam is people are told to withdraw money from their bank or take their credit card and go to these Bitcoin machines and deposit tens of thousands of dollars into these machines. As soon as the money is deposited ... it is sent all over the world and unfortunately we're unable to track that money and get that money back." He said the sheriff's office has worked with the prosecutor's office and commissioners on the proposal.

The proposed code would prohibit installation of the kiosks in unincorporated county areas and shift the civil penalty to the kiosk operator/host (for example, a gas station or convenience store). The draft ordinance sets the penalty at $250; commissioners and staff noted the amount mirrors similar local statutes and that the board can revisit the fine level if needed.

The board opened the item for public comment but heard none on the measure before taking action. A commissioner moved to adopt the amendment; another commissioner seconded, and the motion passed on a voice vote with all present saying "aye." The board did not specify an ordinance number during the discussion.

Why it matters: County staff and law‑enforcement witnesses said kiosks have been used in fraud schemes that disproportionately affect older adults and recent immigrants, and local officials cited other jurisdictions' ordinances as precedent. Enforcement as written targets the business host rather than the individual victim of a scam.

What happens next: The ordinance was approved at the meeting and will be added to county code as Title 20. Commissioners noted the penalty amount can be revisited in future meetings if enforcement shows a need for adjustment.