If you’ve been a victim of a cryptocurrency scam, reporting it to the appropriate authorities can help mitigate further losses, investigate the scam, and protect others. This guide provides information on how to report crypto scams in various countries, including relevant agencies and platforms.
Why Reporting Matters
Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, but reporting scams can:
- Help authorities investigate and track scammers.
- Potentially freeze stolen funds, especially if they reach a regulated exchange.
- Raise awareness and prevent others from falling victim.
Where to Report Cryptocurrency Scams
United States
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Cybercrime Reporting:
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
File a report with the IC3 for any type of online fraud, including cryptocurrency scams. The FBI works with other agencies to investigate such crimes. -
Financial Regulators:
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): For scams involving fraudulent securities or investments.
- Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC): For scams involving derivatives or commodity-linked cryptocurrencies.
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Consumer Fraud Reporting:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Report fraudulent transactions or phishing schemes involving crypto. The FTC raises public awareness and tracks scam trends.
United Kingdom
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Cybercrime Reporting:
Action Fraud
The UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting center, which forwards cases to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) for investigation. -
Financial Regulators:
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Report scams involving unauthorized financial services, fraudulent investment schemes, or unregistered crypto companies. -
Serious Fraud Office (SFO):
SFO investigates large-scale or complex fraud, including major cryptocurrency scams.
Germany
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Cybercrime Reporting:
Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) - Federal Criminal Police Office
Report online fraud and scams, including cryptocurrency-related incidents. The BKA collaborates with local and international authorities to investigate. -
Financial Regulators:
BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority)
BaFin monitors unauthorized crypto companies and fraudulent financial services. Report scams or check their blacklist of unregistered entities. -
Consumer Protection:
Verbraucherzentrale
Provides advice and support for consumers, helping them report scams and avoid fraud.
France
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Cybercrime Reporting:
PHAROS (Platform for Reporting Harmful Content)
Operated by the National Police, PHAROS allows individuals to report fraudulent websites, phishing schemes, and other online scams. -
Financial Regulators:
- Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF): Handles scams involving investment schemes or securities.
- ACPR (Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution): Oversees scams linked to unregulated financial services.
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Consumer Fraud Reporting:
DGCCRF (General Directorate for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control)
Handles fraud complaints and consumer protection issues.
Denmark
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Cybercrime Reporting:
National Police - Cyber Crime Unit (NC3)
Report cryptocurrency fraud and other online scams to the NC3 for investigation. -
Financial Regulators:
Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA) - Finanstilsynet
Report scams involving unregulated crypto platforms or unauthorized financial services. -
Consumer Protection:
Forbrugerrådet Tænk
Offers guidance on avoiding scams and provides resources for reporting fraudulent activities.
Tips for Reporting
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Gather Evidence:
Save all relevant information, such as:- Wallet addresses and transaction IDs.
- Screenshots of communications, emails, or phishing links.
- Website URLs or social media profiles used by the scammer.
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Report Locally First:
File a report with your local law enforcement or national fraud agency, as they can coordinate with international authorities. -
Check Blacklists:
Verify if the scam involves companies or wallets flagged by financial regulators or blockchain monitoring services. -
International Reporting:
For cross-border scams, you can also report to:
What Happens After You Report?
- Investigation: Authorities may track stolen funds using blockchain analytics and investigate exchanges or individuals involved.
- Public Warnings: Regulators may issue warnings about fraudulent companies or wallets to prevent further scams.
- Awareness Efforts: Your report contributes to public awareness campaigns to protect others.
If you have any further questions or comments, feel free to contact our Support Team.