Romance Scam and Crypto Investigation
When an Online Romance Leads to a Crypto “Investment”
A romance scam and cryptocurrency investigation is a structured inquiry into an online relationship that was used to move a victim into fake crypto “investments,” pairing relationship-fraud analysis with blockchain tracing to document how the deception worked and where the money went. Redbeard Intelligence and Investigations, a Florida-licensed agency serving clients nationwide and internationally, assembles a clear, evidence-based record you can share with your bank, attorney, or law enforcement — while being honest that no ethical investigator can promise the return of funds already sent.
Signs of a Crypto Romance Scam
These patterns are hallmarks of what investigators call “pig butchering” — fattening a victim with affection and small wins before the final loss.
- Steered Toward Crypto
A partner met on a dating app, social platform, or a “wrong number” text steers the conversation toward crypto profits.
- Unfamiliar Trading App
You are coached to buy cryptocurrency and deposit it into an app or website you had never used before.
- Fake Early Wins
Small early “withdrawals” succeed, building confidence before larger deposits.
- Fees to Unlock Funds
You are told to pay “taxes,” “fees,” or “unlock” charges before you can cash out.
- Avoids Video Calls
The person consistently avoids live video or in-person meetings, with excuses that never quite resolve.
- No Real Business Behind It
The trading site or app shows known fraud infrastructure and hallmarks rather than a verifiable business.
Who This Investigation Helps
If you met someone online who patiently earned your trust and then guided you toward a crypto trading app or wallet, you are not alone and you are not foolish. These schemes are engineered by organized criminal teams who rehearse every message and know exactly how to build belief. This service is designed for:
- Individuals who sent cryptocurrency to a romantic partner they never met in person, or met only briefly.
- Family members worried that a parent, sibling, or friend is being drained by an online “investment” partner.
- Attorneys and fiduciaries who need an independent, documented reconstruction of the fraud for a civil or probate matter.
- Business owners whose personal relationship was used to pull company funds into the scheme.
What We Investigate and Detect
Our work joins the human side of the fraud with the financial trail, so the full picture is documented rather than guessed at.
Blockchain Tracing — following your transactions across wallet addresses and, where public ledgers allow, toward exchanges, bridges, or mixing services.
Persona Analysis — examining the profiles, photos, numbers, and messaging accounts used to build the relationship, including signs of reused or stolen images.
Platform Review — assessing the fake trading site or app for known fraud infrastructure and recurring hallmarks.
Timeline Reconstruction — mapping how contact, grooming, deposits, and blocked withdrawals unfolded over time.
Attribution Leads — identifying points where funds touched regulated services that may respond to lawful requests from your counsel or the police.
What to Provide
The more you can gather, the stronger the reconstruction becomes. None of this is your fault, and simply organizing it is often the first step toward feeling in control again. Helpful items include:
- Screenshots of conversations, profiles, and the trading app or dashboard.
- Wallet addresses you sent to, along with transaction hashes or exchange receipts.
- Bank and exchange records showing crypto purchases and transfers.
- Phone numbers, email addresses, and dating or social handles the person used.
- A short timeline of key dates, written in your own words.
How the Process Works
We keep each step clear and paced to your comfort, because many clients are processing both financial loss and personal betrayal at the same time.
- Confidential consultation: we listen, assess feasibility, and explain what is and is not realistic before you commit.
- Evidence intake: we help you organize records securely and fill obvious gaps.
- Analysis and tracing: we reconstruct the relationship and follow the funds across the chains involved.
- Reporting: we deliver findings in plain language, with methods and confidence levels stated.
- Referral support: we point you to the right reporting channels and coordinate with your attorney or bank as needed.
What You Receive
- A written investigative report summarizing findings, methods, and confidence levels.
- A documented transaction trace listing wallet addresses and the path of funds where it can be followed.
- An organized evidence package suitable for your bank, attorney, or law enforcement.
- Clear next-step guidance, including relevant channels such as the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and your financial institutions.
We work to make findings clear and usable, though admissibility in any proceeding ultimately depends on the venue and the specific facts of the case.
Confidentiality and Legal Compliance
Redbeard uses lawful methods only. Our findings rest on open-source intelligence, public blockchain data, records you are entitled to share, and established investigative techniques. We do not hack accounts, break into wallets, or misrepresent ourselves to obtain protected information, and we never promise to seize or return money. Your inquiry is handled discreetly, and details are disclosed only as you direct or as the law requires.
Why Choose Redbeard
Clients choose us for a calm, methodical approach and a firm commitment to honesty about outcomes. We are a Florida-licensed intelligence and investigations firm, experienced in both relationship fraud and cryptocurrency tracing, with corporate offices Orlando and Naples. Just as important, we treat every client with respect and without judgment, because anyone can be targeted by a well-run scam.
What Affects the Cost
Every case is scoped individually, and we discuss fees before any work begins. The main factors are:
- The number of wallets, transactions, and blockchains involved.
- How much documentation you already have organized.
- Whether you need a single report or ongoing family-intervention support.
- The level of coordination required with your attorney, bank, or law enforcement.
We explain the plan and expected effort up front, so there are no surprises before you decide to proceed.
Related Services
Clients who come to us for this work often also use our Romance Scam Investigation, Cryptocurrency Investigations, Cryptocurrency Scam and Fraud Investigations, and Family Romance Scam Intervention services. We can combine these disciplines when a case spans a relationship, digital assets, and the people behind the scheme.
Coverage: Nationwide and International
Redbeard Intelligence and Investigations serves clients nationwide through lawful open-source and blockchain methods. We also maintain corporate offices Orlando and Naples and serve clients throughout Florida in person, including Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers. Wherever you are, the intake and reporting process is the same clear, confidential experience.
Speak With an Investigator
If you sent crypto to an online partner and something feels wrong, reaching out early gives your case the best footing. Contact Redbeard Intelligence and Investigations for a confidential consultation at (888) 564-8300 or email contact@redbeardpi.com to talk through your situation and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you recover the cryptocurrency I sent?
No ethical investigator can guarantee recovery, and we will never promise it. What we can do is trace the movement of funds, document the fraud, and prepare an evidence package that gives your bank, attorney, and law enforcement the strongest possible basis to act.
What is pig butchering?
Pig butchering is a term for a long-con romance scam in which a criminal builds affection and trust, then steers the victim into a fake crypto investment that appears to grow before the money disappears. The name refers to fattening the victim with small wins before the final loss.
What should I gather before contacting you?
Save screenshots of your chats and the trading app, the wallet addresses and transaction hashes you sent to, and any bank or exchange receipts. Even partial records are useful, so please do not delay reaching out if some items are missing.
Is the investigation confidential?
Yes. Your case is handled discreetly, and information is shared only as you direct or as the law requires.
How long does an investigation take?
Timelines vary with the number of wallets and transactions and how much documentation is ready, but many clients receive an initial report within a few weeks. We provide a realistic estimate after the first consultation.
Why Hire a Licensed Investigator for a Crypto Romance Scam?
Once cryptocurrency enters a romance scam, the fraud and the money trail both need specialized handling. Redbeard’s Florida-licensed investigators pair blockchain tracing with relationship-fraud analysis to document exactly how the scheme worked and where funds went — honestly, and without promising what cannot be promised.
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.
