📥 Free Scam Recovery Guide
Updated February 2026  ·  FBI IC3 · FTC · Chainalysis

I Lost Money to a
Crypto Scam.
What Do I Do Now?

If you've just realised you've been scammed — or you're mid-way through a situation that feels wrong — this is the most important page you'll read today. We'll tell you exactly what to do, in what order, and what realistic outcomes look like. No sugar-coating. No false hope. Just clear, actionable guidance from documented case data.

💙 First: You are not stupid. You were targeted by professionals.

Crypto scammers are organised criminal operations running tested psychological playbooks. Their victims include doctors, lawyers, military officers, cybersecurity engineers, and financial advisors. Research from Stanford, MIT, and the FBI consistently shows that intelligence does not protect against these scams — they exploit human trust, not ignorance. Whatever you're feeling right now is valid. But the most important thing is what you do in the next 24–72 hours.

0B
USD lost to crypto fraud globally in 2024
0%
Of victims ever recover any funds
72h
Critical window to maximise recovery chances
10–25%
Of victims ever report to law enforcement
🚨 If you are currently being asked to pay fees to "release" your funds — stop immediately. Do not send another cent. The "tax," "compliance fee," or "withdrawal charge" they're demanding is not a step toward recovery. It is another theft. Every additional payment is a new, separate loss.
Your Action Plan

7 Steps to Take Right Now — In This Order

Speed is the most important factor in maximising any chance of fund recovery. These steps are ordered by urgency. Do not skip ahead. Each one builds on the last.

1
🚨 Do This Right Now
Stop All Transfers — Immediately and Permanently

Close the platform. Block the contact on every channel. Do not respond to any further messages, no matter what they say. Scammers use multiple psychological techniques to keep victims sending money — guilt ("you'll lose everything you've invested"), authority ("this is a legal requirement"), and false hope ("just one more payment and your funds will be released"). All of it is manipulation. There is no payment that will release your funds. The platform is fraudulent. The money is gone.

Why this is step one: Many victims lose 30–60% of their total losses after realising something is wrong, because they keep trying to "fix" it by paying fees. Stopping now is the most financially impactful action you can take.
2
🚨 Within the Next Hour
Screenshot and Document Everything Before It Disappears

Scammers routinely delete conversations, take platforms offline, and erase their digital presence the moment they believe a victim has stopped paying. Your window to capture evidence may be hours, not days. Document everything now.

📱 All Conversations WhatsApp, Telegram, dating app messages, email threads, SMS. Screenshot every page.
🌐 Platform Details Full URL, platform name, any account numbers shown, "balance" screenshots.
💳 All Transaction Records Crypto wallet addresses used, transaction IDs/hashes, bank transfers, receipts.
👤 Contact Information Profile photos (reverse image search them), usernames, phone numbers, email addresses.
Pro tip: Use your phone to photograph your computer screen as a backup — screenshots can be selectively deleted from some cloud storage. Store copies in two separate places (email to yourself + USB drive).
3
⚡ Within 2–4 Hours
Contact Your Bank and Card Issuer's Fraud Department

If any funds were transferred via bank wire, credit card, or debit card to purchase cryptocurrency — even if the final destination was crypto — contact your bank's fraud line immediately. Do not call the main customer service number; ask specifically for the fraud prevention or disputes team.

✅ Credit card purchases — Act within 60–120 days
Credit card chargebacks for fraud ("goods/services not received" or "misrepresentation") may be possible if reported promptly. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act (UK) provides additional protection. The earlier you call, the better.
⚠️ Bank wire / SWIFT transfers — Act within 24–48 hours
Wire recalls are possible only if initiated before the receiving bank processes the transfer. Your bank can attempt a "SWIFT recall." The window is extremely short — call immediately. Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud claims may apply in the UK.
🔴 Direct crypto transfers — Very limited bank options
If you transferred crypto directly from a personal wallet, your bank cannot help with those funds. Focus remaining steps on blockchain reporting and law enforcement. Do not use crypto ATMs — those funds are also unrecoverable through banks.
4
📋 Within 24 Hours
File Official Reports — This Is Critical Even If You Think It Won't Help

Most victims don't report because they feel ashamed or believe nothing will happen. This is a mistake for three reasons: (1) Reports contribute to investigations that take down criminal networks. (2) An official report is required for any insurance claim or tax loss deduction. (3) Combined report data triggers federal task force action that individual reports alone do not.

File in every jurisdiction that applies: Where you live, where the platform claimed to operate, and any international agencies listed in our reporting directory below. More reports = more investigative pressure.
5
🔍 Within 48–72 Hours
Track Your Funds on the Blockchain

Cryptocurrency transactions are permanently recorded on the public blockchain and can be traced — even through mixers and multiple hops — using blockchain analytics tools. This doesn't guarantee recovery, but it produces evidence that law enforcement and legal teams can use.

🔎
Etherscan / BscScan / Solscan

Free blockchain explorers — paste your wallet address to see all transactions. Save the full transaction hash of every transfer you made to the scammer.

🕵️
Breadcrumbs.app / Metasleuth.io

Free blockchain tracing tools that map how funds moved through multiple wallets. Generate a visual flow chart you can submit with your law enforcement report.

🚫
Chainabuse.com

Report the scammer's wallet addresses publicly. If others have reported the same address, you can see patterns — strengthening your case and protecting future victims.

6
⚖️ If Losses Are Significant ($10,000+)
Consider Consulting a Crypto-Specialist Attorney

For losses above $10,000, a consultation with a lawyer specialising in cryptocurrency fraud may open civil recovery avenues not available through law enforcement alone. Options include civil asset freezing orders, court-ordered blockchain disclosure, and claims against exchanges that processed the funds if they failed KYC obligations.

⚠️ Warning on "crypto recovery lawyers": The internet is full of fraudulent "crypto recovery attorney" services. Verify any lawyer through your country's official bar association directory. A real lawyer will never charge upfront success fees and will provide verifiable credentials. Most legitimate attorneys offer free initial consultations.
7
💙 Ongoing — Do Not Skip This
Seek Emotional Support — Crypto Fraud Causes Real Trauma

Financial loss from crypto fraud causes documented psychological harm comparable to bereavement. It involves betrayal (a relationship was fabricated), shame (social stigma prevents disclosure), and grief (for money, relationships, and security). Many victims isolate themselves, which compounds the damage significantly.

🌐 Global Anti-Scam Org Free, survivor-run peer support community. Online meetings, 1-on-1 support volunteers, and educational resources. globalantiscam.org
🩺 Professional Counselling Many therapists now specialise in financial trauma and fraud recovery. Ask your GP for a referral or search "financial trauma counsellor" + your location.
Tell someone you trust in person. The isolation of keeping this secret is one of the most harmful aspects of crypto fraud. You don't have to face this alone — and you have nothing to be ashamed of.
Evidence Collection

Evidence Checklist — Tick Off As You Go

The quality of your evidence directly determines whether law enforcement can take action. Work through this list systematically. Check each item as you complete it.

Official Reporting

Where to Report a Crypto Scam — Global Directory

File reports with every applicable agency. Even if you believe recovery is unlikely, your report contributes to investigations that protect future victims and — in some cases — leads to fund freezes and asset seizures that benefit existing victims.

🇺🇸
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
United States · Primary Agency
The FBI's dedicated internet fraud reporting portal. The single most important report to file if you're in the US. Your report goes directly into the national fraud database used by federal investigators. Include all evidence documentation.
Report at ic3.gov ↗
🇺🇸
FTC — ReportFraud.ftc.gov
United States · Consumer Protection
The Federal Trade Commission handles consumer fraud complaints. Reports feed into the Consumer Sentinel Network used by over 2,800 law enforcement agencies. File separately from IC3 — both databases serve different purposes.
Report at FTC ↗
🇺🇸
SEC Enforcement — Tips & Complaints
United States · Securities Fraud
If the scam involved tokens or investments that resemble securities, report to the SEC. Whistleblower reports involving securities fraud of $1M+ may qualify for financial rewards under the SEC Whistleblower Program.
Report at SEC ↗
🇺🇸
Your State Attorney General
United States · State Level
State AGs have authority to pursue fraud claims independently and often move faster than federal agencies for clear cases. Search "[your state] Attorney General fraud report" for the direct link.
Find Your AG ↗
🇬🇧
Action Fraud
United Kingdom · Primary Agency
The UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. Reports are assessed by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau and passed to appropriate law enforcement. Also claim under your bank's Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud scheme.
Report at Action Fraud ↗
🇬🇧
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
United Kingdom · Financial Regulator
Report unregistered or fraudulent financial services operating in the UK. The FCA's ScamSmart tool lets you check if a firm is FCA-authorised and report clones. UK banks are now required to reimburse most APP fraud losses.
Report at FCA ↗
🇳🇬
EFCC — Economic & Financial Crimes Commission
Nigeria · Primary Agency
Nigeria's primary financial crime enforcement body. The EFCC actively prosecutes cryptocurrency fraud and has extradition agreements with multiple countries. Report online at efcc.gov.ng or visit your nearest EFCC office.
Report at EFCC ↗
🇦🇺
Scamwatch — ACCC
Australia · Consumer Commission
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's dedicated scam reporting platform. Also contact AFCA (Australian Financial Complaints Authority) if your bank or exchange failed to prevent the fraud adequately.
Report at Scamwatch ↗
🌍
Chainabuse.com
Global · Blockchain Reports
Report the specific crypto wallet addresses used by scammers. These reports are shared with exchanges, who may freeze the addresses. If multiple victims report the same address, it creates a pattern that triggers exchange compliance reviews.
Report at Chainabuse ↗
🌍
Interpol (via local police)
Global · Cross-Border Crime
For scams clearly linked to international criminal organisations (pig butchering compounds, cross-border fraud rings), file a report with your local police and specifically request they forward to Interpol's Financial Crimes unit.
Interpol.int ↗
Recovery Realities

Recovery Options — And How Realistic Each One Is

We won't give you false hope. The data is clear: most crypto fraud victims do not recover their funds. But some do — and the options below represent your realistic paths, ranked by actual success rates from documented cases.

Recovery Probability by Method
Credit/debit card chargeback (filed within 60 days) 35–60%
Bank wire recall (within 24–48 hours) 15–30%
APP fraud bank reimbursement (UK) 40–70%
Law enforcement fund freeze (large cases) 5–12%
Direct crypto wallet — any recovery 1–2%

Source: FBI IC3 2023 · FTC Consumer Sentinel · UK Finance APP Fraud Data 2023

Recovery Method Best For Time Limit Success Rate Cost
Credit card chargeback Crypto purchased via credit card 60–120 days 35–60% Free (contact bank)
Debit card dispute Crypto purchased via debit 13 months (UK) / varies 15–30% Free
SWIFT wire recall International bank transfers 24–48 hours only 15–25% Free–£50 bank fee
UK APP fraud claim UK bank transfer fraud 13 months 40–70% Free (bank obligation)
Section 75 claim (UK) Credit card purchases £100–£30,000 6 years 50–70% Free
Exchange compliance report Funds sent to regulated exchange No limit 2–8% Free
Civil litigation / asset freeze Losses $50,000+, identifiable defendant Varies by jurisdiction 3–10% $2,000–$20,000+
Law enforcement seizure Tracked funds, large-scale cases No limit 1–5% Free
🚨 Avoid all "crypto recovery services": Services promising to recover your stolen crypto for an upfront fee are secondary scams. They target people who are already victims, charge $500–$5,000 in fees, produce nothing, and often steal additional personal information. Report any such service to the same agencies above.
Myths vs Facts

Common Myths About Crypto Scam Recovery — Debunked

Misinformation about recovery options is itself a scam enabler. Here is the truth about the most common beliefs victims hold — beliefs that scammers actively encourage.

❌ Myth

"If I just pay the withdrawal tax, I'll get my money back."

✅ Fact

No tax or fee payment will ever release your funds. The platform is fraudulent. The "balance" on screen was never real. Every fee payment is a new, separate theft. Stop immediately.

❌ Myth

"The blockchain is anonymous — the scammer can never be traced."

✅ Fact

Blockchain transactions are permanently public. Blockchain analytics firms can trace funds through mixers and multiple hops. The FBI has recovered hundreds of millions using these techniques — including $3.6B from the Bitfinex hack.

❌ Myth

"Reporting is pointless — the police can't do anything about crypto."

✅ Fact

The FBI's Crypto Recovery Asset Team has seized over $1 billion in stolen crypto. The DOJ has charged, extradited, and convicted pig butchering operators. Reports aggregate into investigations. Every report matters.

❌ Myth

"A crypto recovery service contacted me — they can get my money back for a fee."

✅ Fact

Recovery services that charge upfront fees are secondary scams, virtually without exception. Legitimate blockchain forensics firms (Chainalysis, TRM Labs) work with law enforcement — they do not contact victims directly and do not charge upfront.

❌ Myth

"This only happens to gullible or non-technical people."

✅ Fact

FBI data shows victims include software engineers, doctors, FBI agents, military officers, and financial advisors. Stanford research confirms that professional success and technical knowledge provide no meaningful protection against relationship-based fraud.

❌ Myth

"My bank can't help because I authorised the transfers."

✅ Fact

UK banks are legally required to reimburse most Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud under PSR rules effective 2024. US credit card holders have strong chargeback protections under Regulation E and Z. Always contact your bank — authorisation doesn't end your claim rights.

You Are Not Alone

Emotional Support Resources — Crypto Fraud Causes Real Trauma

Research by the Global Anti-Scam Organisation and University College London found that crypto fraud victims experience psychological symptoms comparable to PTSD: shame, withdrawal, inability to trust, sleep disruption, and depression. This is not weakness — it is a natural response to a serious trauma. These resources are here for you.

🌐
Global Anti-Scam Org
Free, survivor-run support community. Online peer support groups, 1-on-1 volunteer counsellors, resources in multiple languages.
Visit GASO ↗
💬
Reddit — r/Scams
A large, moderated community of 500,000+ where scam victims share experiences, get advice, and support each other through recovery. Non-judgmental and active.
Visit r/Scams ↗
📞
SAMHSA Helpline (USA)
Free, confidential mental health support 24/7. Financial trauma qualifies. Call 1-800-662-4357 or text your ZIP code to 898-988 for local resources.
samhsa.gov ↗
🩺
Financial Trauma Therapist
Therapists specialising in financial trauma and fraud. Search "financial trauma therapist" + your city, or ask your GP for a referral. Many offer telehealth sessions.
Find a Therapist ↗
🔒
Victim Connect (USA)
National resource centre for crime victims including financial fraud. Referrals to local victim advocates, legal aid, and mental health services. 1-855-4-VICTIM.
victimconnect.org ↗
🇬🇧
Victim Support (UK)
Free, confidential support for crime victims in England and Wales. Includes financial fraud victims. Available 24/7 by phone and online chat. 08 08 16 89 111.
victimsupport.org.uk ↗
💙 A note to read if you're struggling right now: The shame you feel is not deserved. You were targeted by organised criminals using techniques refined on millions of victims before you. Reaching out — to a friend, a family member, or a support service — is the single most important thing you can do for your recovery. You don't have to face this alone. Please tell someone today.
Frequently Asked Questions

Questions Victims Ask Most

Possibly — depending on how you paid. Credit card purchases offer the best chance via chargeback (35–60% success when filed within 60 days). UK bank transfers may qualify for APP fraud reimbursement. Direct crypto transfers have very low recovery rates (~1.5%) but law enforcement fund seizures do occur. Speed is critical — act within 24–72 hours for the best results. Never pay any "recovery service" upfront fees.
Absolutely not. This is the most important answer on this page. There is no tax, fee, or compliance payment that will release your funds. The platform is fraudulent. The "balance" you see on screen was never real — it's a fabricated number. Every fee you pay is a new, separate theft. The demands will never stop until you stop responding. Stop now.
Almost certainly not — at least not who they claimed to be. In pig butchering operations, the "person" is often a trafficked worker in a Southeast Asian scam compound reading from a script, managing 20–50 victim relationships simultaneously. Photos are stolen from social media. The emotional bond you felt was real — the relationship was fabricated. Do a reverse image search of every profile photo (Google Images, TinEye, Yandex). The results are often definitive.
Yes — for several important reasons. (1) Individual reports aggregate into pattern data that triggers federal task force action. (2) The FBI has extradited and prosecuted overseas crypto fraud operators, including from Southeast Asia. (3) An official report number is required for any insurance claim, tax loss deduction, or civil legal action. (4) Reporting the scammer's wallet address on Chainabuse.com can trigger exchange-level freezes. File the report.
In the United States, theft losses from crypto fraud may be deductible as a casualty loss under certain circumstances — but only with an official police report or FBI IC3 case number. Consult a tax professional or CPA who specialises in cryptocurrency. In the UK, HMRC allows capital losses from certain crypto fraud scenarios — again, require professional tax advice. Always file the official report first.
Almost no consumer-facing "crypto recovery services" are legitimate. Real blockchain forensics firms (Chainalysis, TRM Labs, Elliptic) work exclusively with law enforcement and regulated financial institutions — they don't accept direct consumer clients and never charge upfront. If a service: (1) contacts you proactively, (2) charges upfront fees, (3) claims a specific recovery guarantee, or (4) cannot provide verifiable credentials and a physical address — it is a scam. Report it immediately to the FTC (US) or Action Fraud (UK).
This is one of the most common and most damaging responses to crypto fraud. The shame is entirely undeserved — but it is also a feeling the scammers deliberately engineered. They explicitly told you not to tell anyone, and that isolation is part of the manipulation. Research shows that victims who tell a trusted person within the first week have significantly better financial and psychological outcomes. You do not have to tell everyone — but telling one person you trust is one of the most important steps you can take.
More Resources

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Get the Complete
2024 Crypto Scam Recovery Report

15 pages of data-backed guidance — including all 7 scam types, full recovery statistics, real case studies, a complete red flag checklist, protection framework, and global reporting directory. Download free. No sign-up.

📥 Download Free Report 🔍 Check a Suspicious Platform
✓ Free PDF· 15 Pages· No email required· Sources: FBI IC3 · Chainalysis · FTC · UNODC

This guide covers: lost money to crypto scam what to do · how to report crypto fraud · can I get my crypto back after scam · crypto scam recovery options · how to recover from bitcoin scam · pig butchering scam victim help · fake crypto exchange I sent money · FBI IC3 crypto report · bank chargeback crypto scam · crypto fraud emotional support. Data: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center 2023 Annual Report · FTC Consumer Sentinel · Chainalysis 2024 Crypto Crime Report · UK Finance APP Fraud Report 2023 · UNODC.