Resources
Cryptocurrency fraud is widespread, and so are the schemes that target its victims a second time. The government and news resources below explain how these scams operate and where to report them.
Never pay an upfront fee to recover cryptocurrency
Crypto Recovery Trust will never ask you for a fee, deposit, retainer, or payment of any kind to return your digital assets. Once ownership is verified, recovered assets are returned to the original owner at no cost.
Anyone who demands payment before releasing recovered cryptocurrency is attempting to defraud you â including anyone claiming to act for this Trust. Advance-fee recovery schemes deliberately target people who have already lost money to fraud. If you are approached this way, report it using the resources below.
Recognizing and Avoiding Scams
Commodity Futures Trading Commission Donât be Re-Victimized by Recovery Frauds How advance-fee ârecoveryâ operations find and re-target people who have already lost money to fraud.
Federal Trade Commission What To Know About Cryptocurrency and Scams Common cryptocurrency scam patterns, and why a demand for payment in cryptocurrency is itself a warning sign.
Federal Bureau of Investigation Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud FBI victim guidance on investment fraud schemes. The FBI advises victims not to pay for services claiming to recover lost funds.
Reporting Fraud
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Report Cryptocurrency Crime The federal intake point for cryptocurrency fraud reports. Filing a complaint is free.
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 2025 Internet Crime Report (PDF) Annual national figures on reported internet crime, including cryptocurrency losses.
Wyoming
Wyoming Attorney General Meta Investment Scam â Press Release State enforcement notice concerning an investment scam affecting Wyoming residents.
Wyoming Tribune Eagle (2026) Wyoming residents lost millions last year to crypto ATM scams Local reporting on cryptocurrency ATM fraud losses in Wyoming.
How to verify who you are dealing with
Government agencies that prosecute financial fraud will not contact you to demand money, and will use â.govâ addresses. Do not click links sent to you in unsolicited messages. Look up the agency independently and contact it yourself.