Quick answer: Report a cryptocurrency scam to the FBI at IC3.gov (primary for fund recovery), the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the SEC at sec.gov/tcr for investment fraud, and the CFTC at cftc.gov/complaint for commodity fraud. Also report to your crypto exchange — they can freeze associated accounts. Act immediately: crypto transactions can sometimes be traced and blocked before funds move further.
Crypto fraud is now the #1 fraud category by dollar losses, surpassing all other fraud types. The FBI reported over $5.6 billion in crypto fraud losses in 2023 alone. Common schemes include “pig butchering” romance-investment scams, fake trading platforms, rug pulls, and impersonation of legitimate exchanges. Recovery is possible — especially when reported quickly to the FBI, which has a dedicated Virtual Asset Unit and has recovered hundreds of millions in crypto losses.
Common Cryptocurrency Scams
Pig butchering scams build a fake romantic or friendship relationship over weeks or months, then introduce a “hot investment tip” on a fraudulent crypto trading platform. Victims deposit increasing amounts before the platform disappears. Fake crypto exchanges mimic legitimate platforms with real-looking interfaces — money deposited never actually purchases crypto. Rug pulls occur when developers of a new token abandon the project and take investors’ funds. Giveaway scams (often impersonating Elon Musk, MicroStrategy, or other figures) claim to double any crypto you send. Recovery scams target prior crypto fraud victims, claiming for a fee they can recover lost funds — they cannot, and they steal again.
Where to Report a Cryptocurrency Scam
📄 Download Free Reporting Checklist
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Get Your Free Checklist →| Situation | Agency | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| All crypto fraud / fund recovery | FBI IC3 | IC3.gov |
| General fraud | FTC | ReportFraud.ftc.gov |
| Crypto investment / securities fraud | SEC | sec.gov/tcr |
| Crypto commodity fraud | CFTC | cftc.gov/complaint |
| Your exchange (freeze scammer’s account) | Your crypto exchange | Exchange support/fraud line |
| Seniors (60+) | National Elder Fraud Hotline | 1-833-372-8311 |
How to Report a Cryptocurrency Scam Step by Step
- Stop sending money immediately. Do not send any additional crypto, even if the scammer claims it will unlock your funds or is required to process a withdrawal. Every additional payment goes to the scammer.
- Document everything before it disappears. Screenshot all communications (texts, emails, social media DMs, dating app messages), the fraudulent website or platform URL, your transaction history, and all wallet addresses you sent funds to. Scammers often delete accounts.
- Gather transaction details. Record the cryptocurrency type (Bitcoin, USDT, Ethereum, etc.), exact amounts, dates and times, transaction IDs (TXIDs), and the receiving wallet addresses. This is critical for blockchain tracing.
- File with the FBI’s IC3 immediately. Go to IC3.gov — this is your most important step for potential recovery. The FBI’s Virtual Asset Unit can trace crypto transactions on the blockchain and has frozen and seized funds in time-sensitive cases. Include all transaction IDs and wallet addresses.
- Report to the FTC. File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC shares data with law enforcement and uses it to pursue crypto fraud operations.
- File with the SEC or CFTC as applicable. If the scam involved promises of investment returns, file with the SEC at sec.gov/tcr. For commodity-based crypto fraud, file with the CFTC at cftc.gov/complaint. Both agencies have crypto enforcement units.
- Contact your crypto exchange. Report the receiving wallet addresses to your exchange. Exchanges can flag or freeze accounts associated with fraud and sometimes coordinate with law enforcement on asset recovery.
- Beware of recovery scams. After losing crypto, you may be targeted by “recovery experts” who claim to trace and return your funds for a fee. These are almost universally scams targeting victims a second time. Report them to the FTC.
Pig Butchering Warning Signs
Unsolicited contact: A stranger contacts you via text, dating app, or social media and quickly builds intimacy — then introduces a “special” investment opportunity.
Too-good returns: The platform shows unrealistic gains (10–50% monthly). The “profits” are visible in your account but cannot actually be withdrawn without paying fees — those fees are the scam.
Withdrawal blocked: When you try to withdraw, you’re told you must pay taxes, insurance, or a fee first. This is the final stage of the scam — stop and report immediately.
FBI Crypto Recovery — Act Fast
Virtual Asset Unit: The FBI has a dedicated unit that traces crypto on the blockchain. In 2023 the FBI recovered over $538 million in crypto fraud proceeds.
Time matters: Crypto moves quickly through mixers and exchanges. The sooner you file with IC3.gov with full transaction details, the higher the chance of interception.
Financial Fraud Kill Chain: For recent transfers, IC3 can initiate a rapid freeze request through financial institutions — include your bank wire info if you funded the crypto purchase from your bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
For related guides see: How to Report a Romance Scam, How to Report an Online Scam, How to Report Identity Theft.
Independent resource — not affiliated with any U.S. government agency. Last reviewed: June 2026.
This guide is a supporting article in our pillar resource covering all scam types, every federal agency, and all 50 state contacts.
How to Report Any Scam: Complete U.S. Guide →Rules and complaint offices vary by state. Use our state lookup to find the correct reporting agency, phone number, and complaint portal.
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