How to report a lost or stolen cryptocurrency holding
Report lost or stolen crypto to the exchange, police, the FTC and the FBI's IC3. A blockchain transfer stays final, so reports build a record, not a refund.
Vahe HakobyanEditor-in-chief
Updated Oct 6, 20263 min readFact-checked
On this page
- A police report number helps exchanges and insurers review your case.
- Print your IC3 report; it is the only copy you keep.
- Ignore anyone who offers, for a fee, to recover your money.
A crypto transfer settles on a public ledger, so theft can feel final once confirmed. Reporting it still creates a record for investigators.
What should I gather before reporting?
Collect details that tie the loss to one transfer, since every agency asks for the same core facts.
How do I report lost or stolen crypto?
Start with the exchange or wallet provider that handled the transfer, since it may freeze the funds. Then file a police report and the federal complaints; a self-custody wallet has no exchange to freeze the funds.
- 1Contact the exchangeMessage the exchange or wallet provider right away and say the transaction was fraudulent. Ask it to freeze or trace the transfer.
- 2File a police reportReport the theft to your local police and keep the report number.
- 3File an FTC complaintReport the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and submit the same evidence.
- 4File an IC3 complaintSend it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center with your account details, the date, who got the money, and the total loss.
What should I do after reporting?
After you file, keep the paper trail and protect your remaining accounts. Treat any offer to recover your crypto as a new scam.
- Save or print your IC3 report; it is the only copy you can keep.
- Keep original documents in a secure place, since IC3 does not accept attachments.
- Watch your bank, card, and exchange accounts for unusual activity.
Frequently asked questions
Usually no. A confirmed transfer stays final, and no government backs crypto accounts.
There is no single federal deadline. If a card was used, tell the issuer at once, since card protections have time limits.
Contact the exchange right away and say the transaction was fraudulent. Ask it to freeze or trace the transfer.
No. They collect complaints to build cases and warn the public.
