How to Report a Crypto Scam in the United States

Gather this before you file

• Transaction hashes, sending and receiving addresses, networks, amounts and timestamps.
• The platform or website involved: exact domain, any app name, and account identifiers.
• All contact details used by the other party: phone numbers, usernames, profile links, email addresses.
• Screenshots of conversations, dashboards, promises and payment instructions.
• A short timeline, in order, of what happened and what you paid.

Save everything before deleting accounts or apps. Once chats and profiles are gone, the evidence usually cannot be recovered.

Which agency handles what

• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) — the general federal intake point for internet-enabled crime, including crypto theft and fraud.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC), at ReportFraud.ftc.gov — consumer fraud reporting, feeding a database used by federal and state law enforcement.
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) — fraud involving investment offerings and securities, including many 'guaranteed return' schemes.
• Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) — fraud and manipulation involving commodities and derivatives, which covers a range of crypto trading schemes.
• FinCEN — anti-money-laundering matters; primarily receives reports from financial institutions rather than individuals.
• Your state attorney general or state securities regulator — state-level consumer protection and securities enforcement.
• Local police — a local report can be required by banks, insurers or courts.

Also notify the private parties involved

1. Your exchange, through your account's official support channel, with the transaction details.
2. Your bank or card issuer if traditional payments were used, as quickly as possible.
3. The platform the approach came from — dating app, social network or messaging service — so the account can be reviewed.

What to expect afterwards

Most reports do not produce individual updates. Agencies aggregate them, and action depends on patterns, scale and jurisdiction. Some cases eventually lead to seizures and court-ordered restitution, often years later.

Because outcomes are uncertain and slow, be especially alert to anyone who contacts you claiming to accelerate a case or release funds for a fee. US agencies do not charge victims fees.

Sources

• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
• FTC — ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• SEC — submit a tip, complaint or referral
• CFTC — file a tip or complaint
• FinCEN