How to document a suspected crypto scam
Collect hashes, wallet addresses, dates, amounts, and scammer messages, then save unedited copies, build a timeline, and report to the FTC and IC3.
Vahe HakobyanEditor-in-chief
Updated Oct 5, 20263 min readFact-checked
On this page
- Save unedited chats, emails, and exports.
- Log every transaction hash and wallet address.
- Build a dated timeline linking payments and messages.
- Report to the FTC and IC3; guard your seed phrase.
Crypto payments usually cannot be reversed, so the FTC says only the person you paid can send your money back.
What should you collect before you start?
Gather each transfer and every scammer message. A transaction hash is the unique code for a blockchain payment. A wallet address identifies where crypto was sent. Write down dates and amounts.
How to document the scam step by step
Save originals first. Editing or deleting chats and emails can destroy details that matter later.
- 1Save originalsTake screenshots of chats, emails, and profiles. Export wallet history as CSV or PDF, and do not edit or delete originals.
- 2Log transactionsFor each payment, write the hash, wallet address, date, and amount. Add the message that asked for it.
- 3Build timelinePut each chat, payment, and wallet address in order by date. This links addresses to requests.
Where do you report and secure accounts?
File reports while records are fresh. Report to the FTC and the FBI's IC3, and your exchange or wallet provider may flag the address or account.
- Contact your exchange or wallet provider: Tell them right away if you sent from a custodial exchange or ATM. They may flag the address or account.
- Secure accounts and secrets: Change passwords, turn on two-factor authentication, revoke unknown smart contract access, and never share your seed phrase, private keys, or passwords.
- Question recovery offers: A service that guarantees getting your crypto back is a common follow-up scam. The FTC warns there is no one who can recover your funds for you if your wallet or exchange fails.
Frequently asked questions
You can still report. Give the FTC and IC3 the username, platform, wallet address, and saved messages. A wallet address alone usually does not identify a person.
No for the FTC and IC3. You can ask local police to take a report if you want a local record.
Yes. The FTC and IC3 accept reports even from self-custody wallets. With no exchange to flag, your saved evidence matters more.
