iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Report cryptocurrency theft as soon as you discover it: contact local police directly if the matter is urgent, and submit the facts you have to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) if the incident is cyber-enabled. Preserve original records, document transaction details and keep a copy of your complaint. You do not need every transaction detail to report, and filing a complaint does not guarantee an investigation or recovery.
What to do first
- If there is immediate danger or the matter is time-sensitive, contact local law enforcement directly. IC3 says the receiving agency decides whether to investigate and recommends contacting local police directly for urgent matters. Read IC3’s FAQ.
- Report promptly with the information available. The FBI advises victims to report to IC3 or contact a local FBI field office and says, “Do not wait.” If you lack transaction details, the FBI says to submit a report anyway and provide what you know. See FBI guidance for cryptocurrency scam victims.
- Secure any accounts that may still be exposed. If you suspect unauthorized access, use the relevant service’s official channels to protect your account and preserve the access or security records. Do not delete messages or records while doing so.
IC3 is a U.S. reporting route for cyber-enabled crime, and its FAQ says people outside the United States may also file. If you are abroad, identify and contact the appropriate local police or cybercrime reporting channel as well. A theft involving unauthorized account access or another event that was not a scam can still be described in an IC3 complaint; the appropriate investigative route depends on the facts and jurisdiction. IC3’s FAQ explains who may file.
What information to include in a report
Blockchain transaction details
For each transfer, record the cryptocurrency type, amount, date and time, sending and receiving addresses, and transaction ID or hash. Note the exchange, wallet service or other platform used to send or receive the funds. Include what you have even if you are unsure whether a detail matters. These details can help investigators identify and trace transactions; a missing hash is not a reason to postpone a report.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsA clear timeline and contact details
Write a chronological account while the events are fresh. Include when and how contact began, what the other person said or asked you to do, when each transfer took place, and when and how you discovered the loss. Add names, usernames, email addresses, phone numbers, websites, domain names and app names associated with the incident.
#1 Best Overall
- Effortlessly build your crypto portfolio via the all in one Ledger Wallet app: buy, sell, send, receive, swap, stake and more across popular blockchains. 15,000+ coins & tokens in a single dashboard. Keep a close eye on the market. Compare service providers. Track performance. Get timely alerts. Build your portfolio with confidence.
- Effortlessly build your crypto portfolio via the all in one Ledger Wallet app: buy, sell, send, receive, swap, stake and more across popular blockchains. 15,000+ coins & tokens in a single dashboard. Keep a close eye on the market. Compare service providers. Track performance. Get timely alerts. Build your portfolio with confidence.
- Enjoy Bluetooth connectivity, iOS access, and hours of battery use with this mobile-first, secure backup signer. Freedom you can depend on.
- Genuine Check: confirm your signer is authentic during setup with the Ledger Wallet app.
- Protect your signer: keep it in mint condition at all times with a bespoke Pod or Case to avoid scratches and everyday wear and tear.
Include relevant account-access information, such as suspicious login activity and one-time passcodes or two-factor authentication events. Be precise about what you know and distinguish it from what you suspect. The FBI’s cryptocurrency guidance lists transaction and contact details to provide.
How to preserve evidence
Keep original records securely and avoid editing, deleting or discarding them. IC3 does not accept attachments with complaints; it instructs filers to retain supporting evidence in case an agency requests it. Preserve records that already exist, including:
Rank #2
- Proven security at scale: Over 9 years and millions of cards issued with no known remote hacks, while military‑grade EAL6+ security keeps your private keys locked inside the chip. Your cryptocurrencies stay strongly protected from online attackers.
- Tap once to manage your entire crypto wallet across 90 blockchains - no USB cables or Bluetooth, no batteries, no setup. Access 14,100+ coins & tokens, DeFi, NFTs, and staking instantly from your phone
- Smart backup: Use your second Tangem Wallet as your Backup keys with end‑to‑end encryption; no more papers, pictures. If one card is lost, the remaining can still restore full access, with an optional seed phrase available for advanced users.
- Engineered to last up to 25 years: Waterproof (IP69K), shockproof and tested for extreme temperatures from −25°C to 50°C. A durable cold wallet with long‑term protection and independently audited security.
- Trusted by 6 million users worldwide (4.9 App Store, 4.8 Google Play) - buy, sell, swap, stake, and spend cryptocurrency directly. The secure offline storage wallet designed for how people actually use crypto wallets
- Exchange, wallet or payment-service receipts, transaction histories and account records.
- Emails in their original form, including full headers where available.
- Text messages, chat conversations, call logs and other phone or telephony records.
- Copies of relevant webpages, profiles, advertisements, domains or app information.
- Relevant technical or account-security records already available to you.
Keep records in a secure location and note where each item came from. Do not send private keys, seed phrases or passwords to someone claiming to investigate or recover funds. If an agency opens an investigation, it may request records directly. IC3’s FAQ and complaint form describe its evidence and attachment process.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Submit and keep your IC3 complaint
- Open the IC3 complaint form and provide the timeline, transaction information, contact details and any other relevant facts you have.
- Submit the complaint without waiting for details you cannot obtain. IC3 does not accept evidence attachments, so retain the originals rather than trying to upload them.
- Before closing the submission page, save or print the complaint for your records. IC3 says it will not email you a copy.
- If you later learn something important, file a new complaint and identify it as an update to the earlier one.
What happens after a report—and what it cannot promise
IC3 reviews complaints and may refer them to law enforcement or other agencies. IC3 does not conduct investigations, and the agencies receiving a referral decide whether to investigate or prosecute. A report is not a guarantee of follow-up, reimbursement or recovery. For time-sensitive concerns, contact local police directly rather than relying on an IC3 submission alone. IC3’s FAQ describes the referral process.
Rank #3
- Proven security at scale: Over 9 years and millions of cards issued with no known remote hacks, while military‑grade EAL6+ security keeps your private keys locked inside the chip. Your cryptocurrencies stay strongly protected from online attackers.
- Tap once to manage your entire crypto wallet across 90 blockchains - no USB cables or Bluetooth, no batteries, no setup. Access 14,100+ coins & tokens, DeFi, NFTs, and staking instantly from your phone
- Smart backup: Use your second Tangem Wallet as your Backup keys with end‑to‑end encryption; no more papers, pictures. If one card is lost, the remaining can still restore full access, with an optional seed phrase available for advanced users.
- Engineered to last up to 25 years: Waterproof (IP69K), shockproof and tested for extreme temperatures from −25°C to 50°C. A durable cold wallet with long‑term protection and independently audited security.
- Trusted by 6 million users worldwide - buy, sell, swap, stake, and spend cryptocurrency directly. The secure offline storage wallet designed for how people actually use crypto wallets
Cryptocurrency transfers are generally irreversible, and public blockchain records can help law enforcement trace funds. But tracing does not reverse a transfer or ensure that funds can be recovered; movement across borders can complicate law enforcement efforts. The FBI’s cryptocurrency guidance explains these limits.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Watch for recovery scams
People who have already lost cryptocurrency may be targeted again by callers, messages or firms claiming they can retrieve it. Be wary of unsolicited recovery offers, upfront fees, guarantees, or requests for personal or financial information. The FBI warns that private recovery firms cannot issue seizure orders and that law enforcement does not charge victims an investigation fee. Do not send more money or sensitive information to an unknown claimant. See the FBI’s warnings about false recovery claims and fictitious law firms targeting cryptocurrency victims.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual-chip architecture for maximum protection: The next-gen, fully auditable TROPIC01 chip works alongside a certified EAL6+ Secure Element—completely NDA-free—to deliver radically transparent, industry-leading defense against physical attacks.
- Quantum-ready security: Get protection against future threats with the first-ever hardware wallet designed with quantum-ready architecture.
- See every detail with confidence: Our largest high-resolution color touchscreen makes it easy to navigate your assets, review transactions and manage your coins with clarity.
- Wireless freedom with encrypted Bluetooth control: Manage, buy, swap and stake securely using Trezor Suite on desktop or mobile. Qi2-compatible wireless charging keeps your Trezor powered up. No cables required—security meets convenience.
- Works seamlessly with Android, iOS and desktop: Connect wirelessly or via USB-C to your phone or computer. Manage your crypto anywhere with our companion Trezor Suite app.
Rank #4
- EAL5+ CERTIFIED SECURE ELEMENT + FINGERPRINT PROTECTION — Your private keys stay encrypted offline on a certified EAL5+ chip, the same security tier used in EMV bank cards. Built by DCENT, securing crypto since 2018. Fingerprint authentication adds a second layer no PIN-only wallet can match.
- 10,000+ ASSETS NATIVE ON 100+ BLOCKCHAINS — Hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, Cardano, popular stablecoins (USDT, USDC), and NFTs in one wallet. No third-party apps, no fragmented setup — every supported asset works straight out of the box.
- TAP-TO-SIGN MOBILE EXPERIENCE — Pair your wallet with the DCENT mobile app over Bluetooth. Manage tokens, review transactions, and access in-app swap features directly from your phone — no cables, no desktop required.
- WEB3 & dAPP ACCESS VIA METAMASK — Connect to MetaMask and other browser extension wallets to manage NFTs, claim airdrops, and access dApps. A large screen and intuitive 4-button interface keep every transaction clearly visible before you sign.
- SEAMLESS FIRMWARE UPDATES & 30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE — Apply security updates without resetting your wallet or migrating funds. Backed by Amazon's 30-day money-back guarantee — your purchase is risk-free.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
