Correct and timely reporting maximizes the limited chances of recovery and helps authorities disrupt larger operations.
Recommended Reporting Order
1. The cryptocurrency exchange(s) involved (use official compliance or law-enforcement portals)
2. FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov)
3. Federal Trade Commission (reportfraud.ftc.gov)
4. Local or national law enforcement / cybercrime units
5. Other relevant regulators and community reporting platforms
Critical Evidence to Collect and Submit
- Transaction hashes (TXIDs) — the unique on-chain identifiers
- Wallet addresses (yours and the scammer’s receiving addresses)
- Exact amounts, asset types, dates, and times
- Full timeline of contact and events
- Screenshots and exports of all communications (include usernames, phone numbers, email headers where possible)
- Website URLs, domain names, app names, and social-media profiles
- Exchange account details, withdrawal confirmations, and support ticket numbers
- Any personal or KYC information you provided to the scammer
Organize the package clearly (timeline + numbered attachments). Investigators need verifiable blockchain data more than narrative descriptions. Keep copies of everything you submit and note all case numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Individual recovery is not guaranteed, but reports feed pattern analysis, support larger investigations, and create official records useful for banks, insurers, and future legal action.
Sources and further reading
- Official IC3 and FTC reporting portals and guidance · Federal Trade Commission (FTC)