How do I report a crypto scam?
Report to the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov, the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and the CFTC (US) or FCA (UK). Also report to the cryptocurrency exchange if you used one.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Cryptocurrency scams are among the hardest to reverse because blockchain transactions are generally irreversible. However, reporting is still important and sometimes leads to intervention. In the US, the FBI's IC3 has a dedicated cryptocurrency task force, and the CFTC has authority over crypto commodities fraud. File with both and with the FTC.
In the UK, most crypto fraud should be reported to Action Fraud and to the FCA (even if the platform was unlicensed and therefore outside FCA supervision). The FCA's ScamSmart tool can flag known scam operators. For cases involving significant losses, also consider reporting to your local police.
If you used a regulated exchange such as Coinbase or Binance to make the transfer, contact their fraud team. Some exchanges will freeze accounts receiving scam funds if you act quickly, before the funds are moved to an external wallet. In rare cases, exchanges cooperate with law enforcement to trace and recover assets.
On-chain analysis firms and some law enforcement agencies can trace cryptocurrency flows through the blockchain. This rarely results in recovery but can identify perpetrators. Preserve wallet addresses, transaction IDs (TXIDs), screenshots of the platform, and any communication with the scammer. See /scams/crypto-web3-scams for common crypto scam types.
Common red flags
- A platform promised unusually high daily returns on crypto deposits
- You were unable to withdraw funds without paying a release fee or tax
- The platform's website was recently registered and has no verifiable company information
- A romantic contact online introduced you to a crypto investment opportunity
- An unsolicited message offered to help you profit from crypto arbitrage
- Celebrity endorsements were used but appeared fake or AI-generated
What to do now
- Report to IC3 at ic3.gov and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Contact the exchange you used to request a freeze on the destination address
- Save all wallet addresses, transaction IDs, and screenshots
- Report to the CFTC (US) or FCA (UK) if an investment product was marketed
- Do not pay any additional fees promised to unlock withdrawal
- Read /scams/crypto-web3-scams for scam patterns and next steps
Frequently asked questions
Can blockchain transactions be reversed if I was scammed?
No. Confirmed blockchain transactions cannot be reversed by any authority, including exchanges or governments. This is why fast action at the exchange level (before funds leave the platform) is critical.
Are crypto recovery services legitimate?
Almost all services claiming to recover stolen cryptocurrency are secondary scams. They collect upfront fees and deliver nothing. Report any such service to the FTC as a second fraud.