The Cryptocurrency Anti-Fraud Education Association (CAFE) has announced its launch as a nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer protection through open membership, public education, best-practice standards, a 24/7 hotline, and ongoing research.
Announced on October 9, 2025, the CAFE Association aims to combat cryptocurrency fraud through nationwide education campaigns, industry collaboration, and research. The group invites members such as Bitcoin kiosk operators, wallet providers, and fintech platforms. It offers a 24/7 Anti-Fraud Hotline to assist in tracking, reporting, and mitigating scams. The association will publish analyses and white papers for policymakers and media, monitor litigation and legislation, and promote best practices to enhance transparency.
In 2024, Americans reported $12.5 billion lost to fraud, marking a 25% increase from the previous year according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Investment scams accounted for $5.7 billion of the losses. By payment method, “bank transfer or payment” was the largest loss category followed by cryptocurrency. These figures highlight the need for comprehensive consumer education and cross-industry best practices rather than focusing solely on crypto-related issues.
According to CoinFlip, a major U.S. Bitcoin kiosk operator with a global network of more than 5,500 kiosks across ten countries illustrates the scale of cash-to-crypto access points that require robust consumer education and standardized safeguards. Recent retail partnerships have expanded their footprint by placing kiosks in convenient locations that interact with everyday consumers. These developments underscore why practical fraud-prevention guidance focused on kiosks and rapid-response support channels can significantly reduce victimization risk at the point of transaction.
Founded in 2025, CAFE is committed to consumer protection through public education and industry best practices aimed at deterring crypto-related fraud. The organization plans nationwide awareness campaigns, collaborative research projects including white papers, and ongoing monitoring of litigation and legislation to improve transparency in digital finance. Membership is open to companies directly serving consumers such as Bitcoin kiosk operators, wallet providers, and fintech platforms. Services include a 24/7 Anti-Fraud Hotline and resources for best practices according to their official website.
