Crypto Scam and Fraud Investigations
Sent Crypto to Someone Who Vanished?
Cryptocurrency scam and fraud investigations trace the movement of stolen digital assets and document how a fraud was carried out, producing an evidence record you can share with your bank, an exchange, law enforcement, or an attorney. Redbeard Intelligence and Investigations, a Florida-licensed agency serving clients nationwide and internationally, combines blockchain analysis with open-source intelligence to map the wallets, exchanges, and patterns behind pig butchering, fake-exchange, and investment scams — while being honest that no investigator can promise the return of lost funds.
Who a Crypto Scam Investigator Helps
If you sent cryptocurrency to a person, platform, or “investment” that turned out to be fraudulent, a structured investigation can help you understand what happened and what to do next. We work with individuals, families, small businesses, and their attorneys, and we approach every case without judgment. Being deceived by a sophisticated crypto scam is not a sign of carelessness — these operations are engineered by organized criminal networks to be convincing.
- Victims of pig butchering (romance-plus-investment) scams who were guided into a fake trading app or website.
- People who deposited funds on a fake crypto exchange and can no longer withdraw.
- Investors drawn into fraudulent staking, mining, or “guaranteed return” token schemes.
- Business owners hit by wire-to-crypto fraud, invoice diversion, or compromised accounts.
- Attorneys and fraud examiners who need blockchain tracing and documentation to support a case.
Warning Signs of a Crypto Scam
Time and preserved evidence matter — consider a professional investigation when you notice any of the following.
- Withdrawal Fees Demanded
A platform suddenly demands “taxes,” “fees,” or a “deposit” before it will release your withdrawal.
- Online-to-Crypto Pressure
An online contact met through social media, a dating app, or a “wrong number” text moves the relationship toward crypto investing.
- Frozen or Vanished Accounts
Account balances that once looked profitable are now frozen, or the website has disappeared entirely.
- Unfamiliar Trading Apps
You were asked to install a specific trading app or connect your wallet to an unfamiliar site.
- Recovery Scam Pressure
You are being pressured to send more money to “unlock” funds, a common sign of a follow-on recovery scam.
- Pig Butchering Scams
A relationship built over weeks or months quietly steered you toward a fake trading platform.
What We Investigate and Detect
A crypto fraud investigation focuses on two questions: where did the money go, and what can be documented about who is behind it. Using licensed blockchain analytics and disciplined research, we work to reconstruct the scheme.
- Fund tracing: following your transactions across the blockchain from the initial deposit through intermediary wallets to exchanges or cash-out points.
- Exchange identification: flagging when traced funds land at a regulated exchange that may respond to a law-enforcement or legal request.
- Platform analysis: examining fake-exchange websites, apps, domains, and hosting for ownership and connection clues.
- Persona and network research: open-source review of the phone numbers, profiles, and messaging accounts used to approach you.
- Pattern matching: comparing wallet addresses and tactics against known scam clusters and public reporting.
What to Provide
The more you preserve, the stronger the investigation. Do not delete conversations or apps, even after you realize it was a scam.
- Transaction hashes, wallet addresses, and dates for every crypto transfer you made.
- Names of the exchanges or apps you used to buy and send the cryptocurrency.
- Screenshots of the platform, your “account balance,” and any withdrawal attempts.
- Chat logs, emails, phone numbers, and social or dating profiles of the people involved.
- Any receipts, contracts, or links, plus a short timeline of what happened.
How the Investigation Works
We keep the process clear and paced to your situation.
- Confidential consultation: we listen to your account, assess feasibility, and explain realistic outcomes before you commit.
- Evidence intake: we securely collect your transaction data, messages, and platform details.
- Blockchain tracing and research: we follow the funds, analyze the platforms and personas, and identify cash-out points.
- Documentation: we compile findings into a clear, organized report.
- Referral and support: we help you route findings to the right exchange, agency, or attorney.
What You Receive
- A written investigative report summarizing the tracing results and supporting evidence.
- Wallet-to-wallet flow documentation showing the path of the funds where the blockchain allows.
- A list of identified exchanges or services where funds appear to have moved.
- An organized evidence package suitable for sharing with law enforcement or counsel.
- Practical guidance on reporting to agencies such as the FBI IC3 and the FTC, and on avoiding recovery scams.
Confidentiality and Legal Compliance
Redbeard uses lawful methods only, serving clients nationwide and internationally. Blockchain ledgers are public, and we rely on open-source intelligence and licensed analytics tools — we do not hack wallets, break into accounts, or seize assets. Your case is handled discreetly, and information is shared only as you direct or as the law requires. Because outcomes depend on factors outside any investigator’s control, we document what the evidence shows and never promise that funds can be recovered.
Why Choose Redbeard
Our investigators pair blockchain analysis with traditional intelligence tradecraft, so a case is treated as both a financial trail and a human story. We communicate plainly, set honest expectations from the first call, and treat every client with respect. As a Florida-licensed firm serving clients nationwide and internationally, we coordinate readily when a scheme crosses jurisdictions.
Cost Factors
Every case is scoped individually, and we discuss fees before any work begins. Pricing generally depends on:
- The number of transactions and wallets that must be traced.
- How many blockchains, tokens, and platforms are involved.
- The volume of chat, email, and account evidence to review.
- Whether you need documentation prepared for law enforcement or litigation.
- The urgency and overall complexity of the scheme.
Related Services
Clients dealing with crypto fraud often also engage our Cryptocurrency Investigations, Romance Scam Investigation, Cyber Investigations, and Digital Forensics services. We can combine these disciplines when a case spans finances, relationships, and devices.
Nationwide and International Coverage
Redbeard Intelligence and Investigations serves clients nationwide and internationally as a Florida-licensed agency. Digital fraud rarely respects state or national lines, and our tracing work follows the funds wherever they move.
Talk to a Crypto Scam Investigator
If you believe you were targeted by a crypto investment, pig butchering, or fake-exchange scam, reach out for a confidential, no-pressure consultation. Call Redbeard Intelligence and Investigations at (888) 564-8300 or email contact@redbeardpi.com to discuss your situation and understand your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you recover my stolen cryptocurrency?
No investigator can promise recovery. Our role is to trace the funds and document the fraud so exchanges, law enforcement, or your attorney have the evidence needed to pursue any available options.
What is a pig butchering scam?
Pig butchering is a long-con fraud where a scammer builds trust through romance or friendship, then lures the victim into a fake crypto investment platform. Preserving your chats and transaction records early makes the investigation far stronger.
How do I know if a crypto exchange is fake?
Warning signs include an inability to withdraw, demands for fees or taxes before release, no real regulatory registration, and pressure to deposit more. If a platform will not let you cash out, treat it as fake-exchange fraud and stop sending money.
Is it too late if the scam happened months ago?
It is still worth reviewing. Blockchain records are permanent, so tracing may be possible long after the fact, though acting sooner generally preserves more evidence and options.
Will my case stay confidential?
Yes. We handle every crypto fraud matter discreetly and share information only as you direct or as the law requires.
Why Hire Redbeard for a Crypto Scam Investigation?
Being deceived by a sophisticated crypto scam is not a sign of carelessness — these operations are engineered by organized criminal networks to be convincing. Redbeard’s Florida-licensed investigators pair blockchain analysis with traditional intelligence tradecraft, set honest expectations from the first call, and serve clients nationwide and internationally.
What is the cost? | how does it work?
At Redbeard Intelligence & Investigations, we offer upfront, transparent pricing that reflects the specific details and complexity of each case. Instead of vague estimates or hidden charges, we provide clear, upfront pricing tailored to your investigation’s unique requirements—without unexpected fees, hidden costs, or additional unexpected expenses. Our goal is to offer efficient, high-quality investigative and intelligence solutions with transparency and peace of mind.
To begin an investigation, intelligence operation, or technical security assessment, the first step is a confidential consultation via phone or email with one of our experienced professionals. During this initial discussion, we will gather key details about your situation to determine the most effective strategy tailored to your needs. Whether you require private investigative services, intelligence gathering, or technical security solutions, our team will develop a customized plan designed to achieve your objectives. Based on the specific requirements of your case, we will then provide a transparent price quote and/or invoice for the cost of the services needed. Throughout the process, we ensure clear and consistent communication, keeping you informed of any significant developments. Upon completion, you will receive a comprehensive written report detailing our findings, along with any supporting evidence such as photos, video documentation, or technical security assessments.
Helpful Guides
Contact us through phone or email for an initial discussion and provide key details about your needs.
Based on the specific requirements of your case, you'll will receive a flat-rate price quote and invoice for the cost of the services needed.
With pricing and mutual terms accepted, payment will be collected for the predetermined costs, and you'll officially become our client.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed of any significant developments. Upon completion, you will receive a written report detailing our findings, along with any supporting evidence or documentation.
