How to Report a Crypto Scam in the USA: FBI, FTC, SEC, and State Steps

In most cases, reporting is still important because it creates a formal record, supports broader fraud review, and helps organize your own case.

Start With Your Evidence

Before filing anywhere, gather the facts. US reporting systems often ask for wallet addresses, transaction hashes, dates, amounts, account details, platform names, and a clear description of what happened. IC3 specifically asks victims to provide as much transaction information as possible, and its complaint flow includes sections for financial transactions, the subject, and the incident description.

FBI IC3

For many US crypto scam victims, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center is one of the most important places to file. IC3 accepts reports involving cyber-enabled fraud and has a dedicated cryptocurrency information page and complaint form. The FBI also advises crypto scam victims to report quickly and include detailed transaction information.

FTC

The Federal Trade Commission is another key US reporting path. The FTC says consumers should report fraud and suspicious cryptocurrency activity through ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses reports to spot patterns, support enforcement work, educate the public, and share trend data.

SEC and Investor.gov

If the scam involved an investment-style pitch, trading platform, token sale, or something that may amount to securities fraud, SEC reporting may also be relevant. Investor.gov and SEC resources both direct people to report possible securities fraud and investment account problems through official SEC channels.

State and Local Steps

US victims should not ignore local reporting. CFPB guidance says people who suspect a scam should contact local police or the sheriff's office and their state attorney general. CFTC guidance also points people toward local police, district attorneys, and state authorities in relevant fraud cases.

When CFTC May Matter

If the case looks like a trading-site fraud, commodities-style solicitation, or a digital asset scheme involving leveraged or trading claims, CFTC investor protection material may also be relevant. The CFTC publishes digital asset fraud warnings and alerts about fraudulent crypto trading websites and related red flags.

Trusted Organizations and Support Options

In the US, the most important official organizations are usually the FBI IC3, FTC, SEC, local police, state attorneys general, and sometimes the CFTC depending on the fact pattern. Alongside those official channels, many victims also want a trusted private support option to help organize evidence, understand wallet movement, and assess whether tracing may still be useful.

That is where Crypto Recovery Authority can fit into the process — as a private case-review and tracing support resource rather than a government agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I report to more than one agency?

Often, yes. IC3, FTC, SEC, and state or local authorities can each serve different roles depending on the facts of the case.

What information should I gather before filing?

Wallet addresses, transaction hashes, amounts, dates, screenshots, support messages, and the platform name are all useful starting points.

Does reporting guarantee recovery?

No. Reporting is important, but it does not guarantee that funds will be returned.

Where does Crypto Recovery Authority fit in?

Crypto Recovery Authority is a private support option for structured case review and tracing guidance. It is not a government agency, but it can help victims organize facts before or alongside official reporting.