Crypto Scam

Report to multiple federal agencies depending on the scam type; realistic recovery is limited.

Where to report

FTC: report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov ("We can't resolve your individual report, but we use reports to investigate and bring cases against fraud, scams, and bad business practices."). FBI: report cyber-enabled crime, including crypto scams, to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov — IC3 "cannot guarantee a response to every complaint" but reports can help identify patterns and, in some cases, help freeze stolen funds. CFTC: if the scam involves commodity/derivatives fraud, report via a Complaint Form or whistleblower Form TCR to the Division of Enforcement (866-366-2382). SEC: if the scam involves an unregistered or fraudulent securities offer (e.g. a fake token sale, Ponzi/pyramid scheme), report via the SEC's online Tips, Complaints, and Referrals (TCR) system.

Realistic recovery

None of the above agencies can get your money back for you individually — the FTC and IC3 both state explicitly that they cannot resolve individual reports or guarantee a response; reports are used for investigations and to help law enforcement identify and prosecute scammers.

Card bank reversal

If you paid by credit/debit card, you may be able to dispute the charge (see the FCBA figures already confirmed under 'chargeback'), though cryptocurrency purchases/transfers themselves generally cannot be reversed once confirmed on the blockchain. Beware of 'recovery scams' where fraudsters pose as being able to recover your lost crypto for a fee.

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Report Fraud (Action Fraud) / Police Scotland, plus FCA tools for checking firms and reporting unauthorised activity

Where to report

"Contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the website... If you live in Scotland, you should report to Police Scotland by calling 101, or contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000." The FCA itself can only look into scams involving financial services it regulates, and explicitly states: "We can't help you get your money back, but we look into every report we receive and it could help protect others."

FCA firm checker

Use the FCA Firm Checker to find out if a firm is authorised and has permission for the service it's offering — equivalent to checking the FCA's warning list of unauthorised firms. Also beware 'recovery room scammers' who pretend to be legitimate firms offering to recover lost funds.

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