Kansas Must Lead on Cryptocurrency

Craig Bowser • January 8, 2026

When most people think about fraud, they picture a bad check or a suspicious phone call. After years working in cybersecurity and serving in the U.S. Army Reserves, I see something very different. Today’s financial scams look less like petty crime and more like organized cyber operations. They move fast, exploit technology, and are increasingly aimed at Kansas families who are simply trying to pay bills, save for retirement, and keep their personal information secure.


Cryptocurrency scams are one of the fastest growing threats in that environment. Across the country, Americans reported approximately $9.3 billion in losses tied to cryptocurrency fraud in 2024, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. These schemes are not random. They are targeted, scripted, and designed to funnel money through digital systems that are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover once funds are sent.


In Kansas, we are seeing more cases involving digital currency kiosks placed in everyday retail locations. Victims are often coached step by step by criminals who pose as law enforcement officers, technical support agents, or government officials. By the time the fraud is discovered, the money has already disappeared into digital wallets beyond the reach of traditional safeguards.


This is not just a financial problem. It is a cybersecurity problem. And it requires modern solutions.


That is why the Kansas Legislature is advancing new protections focused on fraud prevention in digital asset transactions. The goal is straightforward. We must make it harder for criminals to operate and easier for Kansas families and seniors to recognize and stop scams before they cause permanent damage.


The legislation strengthens oversight of cryptocurrency kiosks and digital currency operators, requires meaningful fraud warnings and disclosures, mandates the use of tools that block transfers to wallets known to be connected to criminal activity, and provides cooling off periods and refund protections to give victims time to realize something is wrong. These measures are about prevention first, not punishment after the fact.


Strong consumer protection does not conflict with innovation. In fact, it enables it. Clear standards create safer markets, build trust, and allow responsible businesses to grow while shutting down bad actors who rely on confusion and loopholes.


Kansas is taking an important step forward, but digital crime does not respect state borders.


As Congress continues to debate national crypto legislation, federal lawmakers must recognize that inconsistent rules and regulatory gaps create opportunities for criminals. A modern digital economy requires a modern enforcement framework that prioritizes fraud prevention, accountability, and coordination between state and federal authorities.


Kansas families and seniors deserve consistent protections, whether a transaction happens in Topeka or through a server on the other side of the world. Kansas is moving to strengthen its safeguards. Now Washington must do the same and ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of security.

< Older Post

Senator Bowser Attends White House Meeting

By Craig Bowser • October 22, 2025
Washington, D.C. — Kansas Senator Craig Bowser (Senate District 1) joined 36 Republican legislators from the Kansas House and Senate for a White House meeting on October 15, 2025, hosted by the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. The four-hour session brought together federal officials and state leaders to discuss key national and state issues, including veterans’ care, small business growth, affordable housing, border security, and election integrity. During the meeting, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs outlined ongoing reforms aimed at improving services and outcomes for America’s veterans. The Administrator of the Small Business Administration discussed efforts to cut unnecessary red tape, improve conditions for entrepreneurs, and expand access to small-business loans. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development addressed the national shortage of affordable housing and shared the agency’s plans to increase availability across the country. The Director of the Domestic Policy Council highlighted President Trump’s domestic agenda, including border security initiatives and efforts to strengthen election security. Finally, the White House Director of Political Affairs provided insight into the nation’s changing political landscape and discussed ongoing congressional redistricting efforts by both political parties. “The opportunity to hear directly from the administration about these important national issues—and how they impact Kansas families and businesses—was incredibly valuable,” Senator Bowser said. “It’s clear the White House is focused on empowering states to lead, cutting government red tape, and ensuring our veterans and small business owners get the support they deserve.” The Office of Intergovernmental Affairs serves as President Trump’s principal liaison to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, fostering collaboration to advance key administration priorities and improve interagency coordination.

Sheriffs Endorse Republican Craig Bowser for Kansas Senate

By Craig Bowser • March 6, 2024
Craig Bowser today earned key endorsements out of Brown and Jackson Counties in his bid for the Kansas Senate. Brown County Sheriff, John Merchant, and Jackson County Sheriff, Tim Morse, endorsed Republican Craig Bowser over the incumbent independent candidate. “Craig Bowser is a strong conservative ready to defend our Constitution and fight for public safety,” said Sheriff Merchant. “I’m proud to endorse Craig for Kansas Senate and I look forward to working with him to keep our citizens safe.” Bowser, a resident of Jackson County, is a retired military officer who worked for a veteran’s advocacy organization in Manhattan before returning to his family farm in Holton. “Craig Bowser is the kind of leader we need in the Kansas Senate. He is a conservative ready to defend our Constitution and fight for public safety,” said Sheriff Morse. “I’m proud to endorse Craig for Kansas Senate and I look forward to working with him.” Bowser is facing a former Republican turned Independent in Dennis Pyle from Brown County. Pyle mounted an independent campaign for governor that delivered the race to Democrat Laura Kelly in 2022. “Coming out of the military where I was responsible for security and policing in hostile environments, I have a profound respect for what our law enforcement officers do every day to keep us safe,” said Bowser. “I appreciate the support of law enforcement officials like Sheriff Merchant in my bid for the Kansas Senate.” Kansas Senate District 1 includes all of Atchison, Doniphan, Brown, Jackson, and Nemaha counties as well as parts of Leavenworth, Jefferson, and Marshall counties.