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 problemsiTechGuides 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
If cryptocurrency was stolen, an investment scam moved money from your account, or an adviser hid a payment or other conflict, act in this order: stop sending funds, secure your accounts, preserve original evidence, and report to the agency and platform that match the conduct. In the United States, that commonly means the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the exchange involved, and state or local authorities. Reporting can support an investigation, but it is not a promise that money will be recovered. A precise timeline, transaction data and copies of communications are more useful than speculation.
This guide covers consumer fraud, cyber-enabled theft and undisclosed conflicts involving advisers, brokers, securities offerings or commodities. It provides procedural information, not individualized legal advice.
What should I do first after suspected crypto fraud?
Take steps that prevent additional loss before confronting the person or company involved. The FBI advises suspected victims to file with IC3 and not alert suspected criminals, because contact can compromise investigative work.
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 →- Stop payments. Do not send more cryptocurrency, “taxes,” verification deposits, release charges or recovery fees. Disconnect unknown wallet approvals and contact your bank or card issuer through its official number if a linked payment account may be exposed.
- Secure accounts and devices. Change passwords from a clean device, enable multifactor authentication, revoke unfamiliar sessions and notify the exchange. Never disclose a seed phrase, private key, exchange password or one-time passcode.
- Preserve evidence. Save original emails, texts, direct messages, call logs, screenshots, web addresses, app names, usernames, phone numbers, statements and exchange records. Keep the unedited files and copies that retain metadata where possible.
- Record the transaction facts. Write down the asset, amount, date and time, sending and receiving wallet addresses, transaction hash, exchange or payment service, and the account used.
- File promptly. Submit an IC3 complaint and the other reports that fit the conduct. If a detail is missing, file with what you have; IC3 says a report can still be submitted.
Do not publish the suspected person’s details on social media as a substitute for reporting. Public accusations can expose you to further contact, impersonation and legal risk while potentially disturbing an investigation.
Popular on Amazon
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Where do I report cryptocurrency fraud?
Use more than one channel when the facts overlap. IC3 is the central report for internet-enabled crime; the FTC handles consumer scam reports; the SEC and CFTC handle different kinds of financial misconduct; the exchange can investigate its own account and transaction records; and state or local authorities provide additional documentation and enforcement options.
| Authority or organization | Use it when | Information to include |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) | Internet-enabled crypto fraud, investment scams, impersonation, romance-based investment fraud, wallet theft and related cyber conduct. | Wallet addresses, transaction hashes, asset and amount, dates and times, receiving institution, websites or apps, contact identifiers, communications, exchange details and a chronological narrative. |
| Federal Trade Commission (FTC) | Consumer fraud and deceptive cryptocurrency scams. | How the approach occurred, what was promised, payment details, contact information and copies of supporting records. |
| Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) | An investment account, investment adviser, broker, securities offering, financial professional or potentially misleading disclosure is involved. | The recommendation, omitted or misleading statement, adviser or firm identity, dates, documents and financial effect. |
| Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) | Commodities, derivatives, virtual-currency fraud or manipulation, insider trading, corrupt practices or related misconduct. | Product or market involved, people and entities, trading or payment records, communications and a clear account of the suspected violation. |
| Cryptocurrency exchange | The exchange sent or received the funds, or its account may be compromised. | Account identifier, deposit or withdrawal record, destination address, transaction hash, dates and screenshots. Never send a seed phrase or private key. |
| State attorney general and local police or sheriff | You need a local incident record, state consumer-fraud assistance or an additional law-enforcement report. | A concise narrative, payment and transaction records, suspect identifiers and copies of reports already filed. |
Use official agency websites and phone numbers that you locate independently. A person who contacts you first and claims to represent an agency, bank, exchange or law firm may be impersonating it.
How do I file an IC3 complaint?
Complete the IC3 form with your identity and contact information, financial-transaction details, subject information, incident description, other information, privacy choices and signature. Put the events in chronological order and distinguish what you personally observed from what someone told you. Do not place Social Security numbers or dates of birth in the complaint. Upload or retain supporting records as the form allows, but keep your originals.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Include every usable identifier: wallet addresses exactly as shown, transaction hashes, exchange account names, telephone numbers, email addresses, messaging handles, domain names and application names. If you do not have a hash or a complete address, explain what is missing and submit the report anyway rather than waiting for perfect documentation.
What evidence should I preserve before reporting?
Evidence is strongest when it shows the original context, the movement of money and the sequence of events. Preserve files in their native form and make a separate working copy for redaction or annotation.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Communications: original emails with headers when available, text messages, direct messages, call logs, voicemail files and meeting notes.
- Online material: exact website addresses, app names, profile links, usernames, advertisements, screenshots and downloaded documents. Capture the date and time visible on the device.
- Financial records: bank or card statements, wire confirmations, payment-app receipts, exchange deposits and withdrawals, order history and account notices.
- Blockchain details: asset type, amount, network, sending and receiving addresses, transaction hash and the time shown by the wallet or exchange.
- People and entities: names, aliases, company names, phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses and the person who introduced the opportunity.
- Narrative: a dated sequence from first contact through each payment, promise, refusal, account lockout or discovery of the suspected fraud.
Do not edit the only copy of a screenshot, delete a conversation or crop away identifying details. Store a backup in a location separate from the device that may be compromised, and restrict access because the files can contain sensitive financial information.
How do I report an undisclosed conflict of interest?
Describe the relationship and the omitted disclosure as a fact pattern, not as a conclusion such as “the adviser was corrupt.” The SEC says conflicts should be eliminated or fully and fairly disclosed with enough specificity for informed consent. Sheldon Pollock, Associate Director of the SEC’s New York Regional Office, stated: “Investment advisers have a fiduciary obligation to fully and fairly disclose material conflicts of interest.”
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute- Identify the decision-maker. Name the adviser, broker, promoter, manager or firm that recommended, managed or sold the investment.
- Identify the interest. State whether the person received a referral fee, commission, incentive compensation, ownership interest, revenue share, loan, affiliate benefit, outside-business income, trading allocation benefit or technology/platform payment.
- State what was said or omitted. Quote or attach the relevant disclosure, pitch, contract, account statement or message. Explain what a reasonable investor was not told.
- Set out the dates. Give the recommendation date, investment date, discovery date and any date on which you requested an explanation.
- Explain possible influence. Connect the payment, ownership or incentive to the recommendation, allocation, product selection or trading decision without claiming facts you cannot support.
- Describe the harm. Identify fees, losses, unsuitable holdings, missed alternatives or other measurable effects, and attach records that support them.
| What may have been undisclosed | Questions to answer | Likely reporting focus |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation or referral fees | Who paid, how much or under what formula, and when would payment occur? | SEC for advisers, brokers and securities; FTC or state authorities for consumer deception. |
| Ownership or affiliate relationship | Did the recommender, parent, subsidiary or related entity own or benefit from the product? | SEC where an investment professional or securities disclosure is involved. |
| Outside business, loan or revenue-sharing arrangement | Was the professional selling another service, borrowing from the client or sharing platform revenue? | SEC, state securities authorities or state attorney general, depending on the person and product. |
| Trading or allocation incentive | Could compensation, inventory, order routing or allocation affect which trade or product was chosen? | SEC for securities; CFTC for commodities or derivatives. |
| Technology or platform incentive | Did software, custody, listing or platform payments influence the recommendation or access? | SEC or CFTC when tied to regulated products; FTC or state authorities for deceptive consumer claims. |
Use the SEC complaint route when the matter concerns an investment account, investment adviser, broker, securities offering or financial professional. Use the CFTC complaint or whistleblower route for commodities, derivatives and virtual-currency manipulation or fraud. A consumer-facing deceptive pitch can also belong with the FTC, while IC3 is appropriate when the conduct used online impersonation, hacking, stolen credentials or another cyber-enabled method.
Which agency has jurisdiction over my situation?
Jurisdiction depends on the product, the person’s role and the conduct, not simply on the word “crypto.” You may submit to more than one authority when different aspects fit different mandates.
- Investment adviser, broker or securities offering: prioritize the SEC and include the alleged omission, account records and compensation relationship.
- Commodity, futures, derivatives or market manipulation: include the CFTC route and identify the instrument, venue and trading conduct.
- Consumer deception without a clearly regulated investment product: submit to the FTC and your state attorney general.
- Online theft, impersonation, romance investment scheme or account compromise: submit to IC3 and the exchange, then make a local police or sheriff report if useful for your records.
- Mixed conduct: file the factual account with each relevant authority rather than trying to decide the final legal classification yourself.
Keep the wording consistent across reports. Different forms can ask for different details, but changing dates, amounts or descriptions can create avoidable credibility problems.
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Should I make a consumer complaint or a whistleblower submission?
A consumer complaint documents harm and alerts an agency. A whistleblower submission is generally more suitable when you have original, nonpublic information about securities or commodities misconduct that could assist an enforcement action.
The CFTC specifically identifies virtual-currency fraud and manipulation, insider trading and corrupt practices as whistleblower topics. SEC award eligibility depends on statutory and program requirements, including the use of original information; neither agency guarantees an award. If you are considering a whistleblower submission, preserve the nonpublic material lawfully and consider obtaining advice from a licensed attorney before disclosing confidential information.
You can still make a consumer or crime report even if you do not qualify as a whistleblower. Do not label a routine victim complaint as a whistleblower submission merely because you hope for compensation.
What recovery scams should I avoid after filing?
People who lose money often receive a second wave of messages promising to trace or recover the cryptocurrency. The FBI and CFTC warn that recovery offers can themselves be scams or can charge substantial fees while doing little more than sending boilerplate demands or complaints.
- Do not pay an advance “tax,” withdrawal charge, validation fee or blockchain release fee.
- Do not hire anyone who guarantees recovery, claims secret access to an agency database or asks you to move the conversation to an encrypted private channel.
- Do not provide a seed phrase, private key, exchange password, one-time code, identity document or remote access to your computer or phone.
- Verify an agency, bank, exchange, law firm or recovery company through a trusted official website and independently obtained telephone number.
The FBI says it will not ask for money, move communications to private messaging apps, or request bank-account details or personal identifying information in the manner described by these impersonators. Treat an unexpected “case agent” or “recovery specialist” as unverified until you independently confirm the contact.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Also popular on Amazon
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Widely Compatible: Transform any USB-C port into a USB-A port and USB-A port into a USB-C port, and connect up a wide range of USB-C(including MacBook, iPad Pro/Air/Mini, iPhone models with USB C ports, Samsung Galaxy series, and Google Pixel series. ) and USB A devices(including external hard drives, phones, mice, printers, and more)
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What should my incident timeline contain?
A timeline lets an investigator match communications to payments and account events. Use one row or paragraph for each event and preserve the time zone when known.
- Record how and when the first contact occurred, including the advertisement, social profile, dating app, website or referral.
- Quote the important promise or instruction, such as a guaranteed return, urgent deadline, account upgrade or request for a tax payment.
- List each transfer separately with asset, amount, network, address, hash, exchange and timestamp.
- Note every follow-up contact, change in terms, refusal to permit withdrawal, account lockout or request for additional money.
- Mark the moment you suspected fraud and the steps taken afterward, including exchange notices, bank contacts and reports.
- For a conflict case, add the recommendation, disclosure document, compensation discovery and the financial effect in the same sequence.
Separate facts from inferences. “The message requested 0.5 ETH to unlock the account” is a fact; “the request was intended to steal” is an inference that an investigator can evaluate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What do the latest reported figures show?
The FBI’s 2025 IC3 figures recorded 181,565 complaints with a cryptocurrency nexus, $11.366 billion in reported losses and an average reported loss of $62,604. These are 2025 complaint and loss figures, not a timeless estimate of every crypto scam or a prediction of recovery.
The SEC’s FY2025 whistleblower report lists “Cryptocurrencies and Crypto Asset Securities” as 7% of reported whistleblower complaints for that fiscal year. The percentage describes the category of submitted complaints; it does not establish that every complaint was substantiated or that an award will result.
Recommended Free Tools
What mistakes can weaken a report?
- Waiting for complete information: submit what you have and supplement through the channel when possible.
- Contacting the suspected criminal: further messages can expose you to manipulation and may interfere with investigative work.
- Sending secrets to “helpers”: legitimate agencies and exchanges do not need your seed phrase or private key.
- Using only a social-media post: public warnings do not create an official case record.
- Making broad accusations: provide dates, documents, amounts and exact statements instead of unsupported labels.
- Assuming a report guarantees reimbursement: reporting supports enforcement and may help identify patterns, but recovery is not assured.
- Relying on an unsolicited contact: independently verify every person who claims to represent an agency or recovery service.
How can I use this reporting checklist?
Before submitting, confirm that you have completed the actions that apply to your case.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Stopped all additional payments and rejected withdrawal-fee or tax demands.
- Changed passwords, enabled multifactor authentication and checked for unauthorized sessions.
- Preserved original communications, screenshots, records and metadata-rich copies.
- Recorded wallet addresses, hashes, asset, amount, date, time, exchange and receiving institution.
- Written a chronological narrative using facts and clearly marked inferences.
- Filed with IC3 for online crime and with the FTC, SEC, CFTC, exchange, state attorney general or local authorities as applicable.
- Excluded Social Security numbers and dates of birth from the IC3 complaint.
- Kept confirmation details and copies of every submission in a secure location.
Reporting quickly and accurately gives authorities and the involved exchange the best chance to connect your account, transaction and communications to other complaints. It does not guarantee that funds will be frozen or returned, so protect yourself from a second loss while the reports are pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report crypto fraud if I do not know the wallet address or transaction hash?
Yes. Submit the report with the account name, exchange, amount, date, payment method, messages and any other identifiers you have. Explain which blockchain details are unavailable rather than delaying the filing while you search for them.
Should I tell the person who scammed me that I reported them?
No. Avoid warning or negotiating with the suspected criminal. Additional contact can expose you to more requests and may interfere with investigative work.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Can a whistleblower complaint guarantee a reward?
No. SEC and CFTC awards depend on statutory and program requirements, including the nature and originality of the information. A victim report remains appropriate even when no whistleblower award is available.
What if someone claiming to be an investigator asks for a recovery payment?
Treat the request as a likely recovery scam until independently verified. Agencies do not require an advance payment to accept a report, and you should never surrender a seed phrase, private key or one-time passcode.
Quick Recap
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.
