The Cryptocurrency Anti-Fraud Education (CAFE) Association has issued an open call for membership, inviting cryptocurrency companies, kiosk operators, and fintech platforms to join a nationwide fraud-prevention coalition. This announcement was made in a press release.
U.S. oversight of cryptocurrency fraud has intensified due to high-profile scams exploiting cash-to-crypto rails and AI-enabled impersonation. Regulators are emphasizing clearer kiosk warnings, improved Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) tagging, and quicker responses to suspected victimization. According to the announcement, market-friendly policymakers often favor industry-led standards that enhance front-line frictions—such as velocity checks, cooling-off prompts, and real-time support—without imposing prohibitions that could hinder lawful commerce. A coalition model can synchronize operator playbooks across exchanges, kiosks, and fintech apps, providing consumers with consistent protections while minimizing compliance burdens on smaller firms adopting shared controls.
CAFE’s notice on October 16, 2025, commits to practical supports such as access to a 24/7 Anti-Fraud Hotline, standardized design frameworks, and research collaboration spanning exchanges, kiosk networks, and fintech platforms. The call targets three operator categories and names two leaders for execution. Anna Milne said: "Joining CAFE isn’t only about minimal compliance — it’s about consumer-friendly industry leadership… This is where good actors come together to demonstrate how consumer protection and innovation coexist." These components offer quantifiable service levels like 24/7 coverage and reproducible practices for members.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 2024 report, Americans reported over $12.5 billion in investment fraud losses and more than $16 billion in total internet-crime losses—an increase of roughly one-third year over year—with crypto-related complaints comprising a significant share. The scale underscores the value of round-the-clock victim support and kiosk safeguards prioritized by CAFE. Edward "Coach" Weinhaus highlighted the urgency for consistent operator standards by saying: "Every week, we see new stories of families, seniors, and small businesses being targeted by crypto scammers."
Formed in 2025, the Cryptocurrency Anti-Fraud Education (CAFE) Association is an industry group focused on education, research, and best-practice development to help crypto operators identify, deter, and respond to scams. Led by interim founding executive director Edward "Coach" Weinhaus and Founding Director of Research Anna Milne, it aims to build shared anti-fraud design standards, consumer education campaigns, and a 24/7 hotline. While the association’s headquarters is not publicly listed as of October 16, 2025, its mission centers on industry-driven safeguards that bolster trust in digital finance while preserving innovation and competition.
