Scammed? Here is what to do right now
Breathe. Many people get money back when they act in the first hours. Tell us how you paid and where you live, and we will build your step-by-step plan.
Do these in order
Bitcoin, USDT, Ethereum and others, including payments through a "trading platform".
- Right nowStop sending money — including "fees" or "taxes" to withdraw
Fake platforms always invent one more fee. Nothing you pay will release your balance.
- Right nowSave the evidence
Transaction IDs (hashes), wallet addresses you paid, platform URLs, usernames and chat screenshots.
- TodayReport to the exchange you sent from
If you bought crypto on an exchange (Coinbase, Binance, Kraken…), report the scam. If the receiving address belongs to an exchange, that exchange can sometimes freeze it when police ask.
- TodayReport to police
US: ic3.gov. UK: Action Fraud. Nigeria: EFCC. India: cybercrime.gov.in. Include every transaction hash.
- RememberIgnore "crypto recovery" services
Anyone who contacts you offering to recover crypto for a fee is running a second scam. Real recovery only happens through police and exchanges.
- TodaySave every piece of evidence
Screenshots of chats, profiles, websites and receipts; phone numbers, emails, usernames, wallet addresses and transaction IDs. Do not delete the conversation.
- TodayWarn others
Report the website, number or wallet here so the next person who checks it is protected.
Report it in United States
Shares your report with 3,000+ law enforcement agencies.Report internet crime to the FBI
Required for crypto and online scams; include transaction IDs.Identity theft recovery planBank complaint (CFPB)
If your bank refuses a fraud claim.Forward scam texts
Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) — free on all major carriers.AARP Fraud Watch Helpline
Free support for anyone, any age: 877-908-3360.
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