Crypto Scam Reporting Options
Where Should You Report a Cryptocurrency Scam?
Start with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov and the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, then report to the exchange or platform used to send the funds, your bank if a linked account was involved, and, where a securities or commodities offering was involved, the SEC or CFTC. File these reports promptly and with as much documentation as you have, since reporting does not guarantee recovery but creates the official record that any further action depends on.
Who This Guide Helps
This guide is for anyone who has just discovered they were the target of a cryptocurrency scam and is unsure where to start, family members helping a relative through the reporting process, and attorneys who want a clear reference to walk a client through.
Where and How to Report a Crypto Scam
Different agencies and platforms serve different purposes. Reporting to the right ones, in a sensible order, gives your case the best chance of being connected to a broader pattern or reaching the right reviewer.
- IC3.gov (FBI)
The federal government’s primary intake point for internet crime complaints, including cryptocurrency fraud.
- FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov)
Consumer protection reporting that feeds into a shared law enforcement database used nationwide.
- Your Exchange or Platform
The exchange used to send funds may be able to flag or, in limited cases, act on the receiving account.
- Your Bank or Card Issuer
Relevant if a linked bank account or card was used to fund the cryptocurrency purchase.
- SEC or CFTC (Where Applicable)
Relevant when the scheme involved securities or commodities-style trading claims.
- Local Law Enforcement
A local police report can support insurance claims, other agency reports, and your own documented timeline.
What Is IC3.gov and Why Report There First?
The Internet Crime Complaint Center, run by the FBI, is the federal government’s primary intake point for reports involving internet-enabled crime, including cryptocurrency fraud. Filing a report at IC3.gov creates an official record that can be reviewed alongside other complaints, which is one way scattered individual reports get connected into a recognizable pattern tied to the same operation. A complete report typically includes wallet addresses, transaction hashes, the platform or contact involved, and a timeline of what happened.
What Is the Role of the FTC?
The Federal Trade Commission accepts consumer fraud reports at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, which feed into a shared law enforcement database used by agencies nationwide. Reporting to the FTC is separate from, and complements, an IC3 report; each serves a different part of the broader law enforcement and consumer protection system, so filing with both is generally worthwhile rather than redundant.
Should You Report to the Exchange You Used?
Yes. If you sent funds from a regulated exchange, that exchange’s compliance or fraud team should be notified promptly, since it may be able to flag the receiving account, especially if the funds have not yet moved further or if the receiving wallet is also hosted on a regulated platform. This report does not guarantee that funds will be frozen or returned, but it puts the exchange on notice and creates another documented touchpoint.
Should You Contact Your Bank or Card Issuer?
If you funded a cryptocurrency purchase through a linked bank account, debit card, or credit card, notify that institution as well. Depending on the payment method and how recently the transaction occurred, a dispute or fraud claim may be available through your bank, separate from anything the cryptocurrency exchange itself can do.
When Should the SEC or CFTC Be Involved?
If the scheme involved something resembling a securities offering, a managed investment fund, or a promise tied to trading profits from a pooled investment, the Securities and Exchange Commission may have jurisdiction, and a report can be filed through its investor complaint system. If the scheme centered on commodities or derivatives-style trading claims, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission may be the more relevant agency. Where you are unsure which applies, reporting to IC3 and the FTC first is still the right starting point.
Is a Local Police Report Worth Filing?
Often, yes. A local police report creates a formal record that can support an insurance claim where applicable, complement your federal-level reports, and add another documented reference point to your overall timeline. Local law enforcement may have limited resources or jurisdiction over cryptocurrency-specific investigations, but the report itself still has value.
What Information Should Every Report Include?
- Every wallet address involved, both yours and the scammer’s
- Transaction IDs (hashes) for each transfer
- The name of the platform, app, or exchange used on both ends where known
- Screenshots and full communication records with the scammer or platform
- A clear timeline of dates, amounts, and key events
In What Order Should You File These Reports?
Report to IC3.gov and the FTC as soon as possible after discovering the scam, since these create the foundational federal record. At the same time or shortly after, notify the exchange or platform you used and your bank if relevant. If a securities or commodities element is involved, add the SEC or CFTC. A local police report can be filed alongside or shortly after the others. None of these reports need to be perfect or complete before filing; file with what you have and update later if needed.
Confidentiality and Legal Compliance
Redbeard Intelligence and Investigations works only through lawful methods. Your inquiry is confidential, and we can help you organize documentation before or alongside filing these reports. This page offers general information, not legal advice, and reporting a scam does not guarantee that any funds will be recovered.
Why Redbeard
Clients come to us because organizing a clear, complete report during an already stressful moment is difficult. Our licensed investigators help gather and structure documentation so each report you file is as strong as it can be.
Related Services
Before or alongside filing these reports, see our checklist for preserving transaction evidence and our guide on what blockchain analysis can determine. If your case needs a documented trace to support a report, see our Blockchain Tracing service.
Nationwide and Global Coverage
With corporate offices Orlando and Naples, Redbeard is a team of Florida-licensed investigators serving clients nationwide and internationally, and we help clients understand reporting options regardless of where they or the platform involved are located.
Talk to Us in Confidence
If you want help organizing your reports or documentation, contact Redbeard Intelligence and Investigations at (888) 564-8300 or email contact@redbeardpi.com for a confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which agency should I report a crypto scam to first?
Start with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov and the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Both create important records and can be filed at the same time.
Will reporting the scam get my money back?
Not by itself. Reporting creates an official record that can support investigation and any legal action, but it does not guarantee recovery of lost funds.
Do I need to report to more than one agency?
Often, yes. IC3, the FTC, your exchange, your bank where relevant, and possibly the SEC or CFTC each serve a different purpose, and filing with the appropriate ones strengthens your overall record.
What if I do not have all the transaction details yet?
File with what you currently have rather than waiting for a complete record. You can typically update a report later as you gather more documentation.
Is filing a local police report worth it for a cryptocurrency scam?
Often, yes. It creates a formal record that can support insurance claims and complement your federal-level reports, even though local agencies may have limited cryptocurrency-specific resources.
Not Sure Which Report to File First?
Reporting the right way, to the right agencies, creates the record that matters later. Redbeard’s licensed investigators help clients nationwide and internationally prepare and prioritize crypto scam reports — without promising that reporting alone recovers lost funds.
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.
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