How to Report Crypto Scams and Rug Pulls

Reporting crypto scams isn't just about seeking justice for yourself—it's about protecting the entire community. Learn how to properly document and report fraudulent projects to the right authorities and platforms.

Documenting the Scam: First Steps

Before reporting a scam, thorough documentation is essential. This information will strengthen your case when reporting to authorities:

Collect All Transaction Records

Document all transactions related to the project, including wallet addresses, transaction hashes, timestamps, and amounts. These serve as immutable evidence on the blockchain.

Screenshot Everything

Take screenshots of the project's website, whitepaper, social media accounts, and community channels. Scammers often delete evidence quickly once a rug pull is executed.

Save Team Information

Document any available information about the project team, including names, profile pictures, social media accounts, LinkedIn profiles, and communications.

Record the Timeline

Create a chronological timeline of events, from your initial investment to when you realized it was a scam, including key communications and red flags.

Essential Documentation Checklist

•Project name, website URL, and contract address
•Transaction IDs and wallet addresses involved
•Screenshots of marketing materials and promises
•Social media accounts and team information
•Communication records (emails, Discord/Telegram messages)
•Financial loss details (amounts, dates, tokens)

Where to Report Crypto Scams

Reporting crypto scams often requires a multi-channel approach. Different authorities and platforms handle different aspects of crypto fraud:

Government Authorities

Official law enforcement agencies that handle crypto fraud cases:

FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
For US-based victims or scams involving US entities
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
For scams involving securities or investment contracts
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
For consumer fraud complaints
Local Police
For filing an official police report, especially if substantial funds were lost

Crypto Community Platforms

Platforms where you can alert other community members:

CryptoScamDB and similar databases
Central repositories of known scams
Token Sniffer, RugDoc, and other analysis platforms
Can flag contracts and teams as suspicious
CertiK and other audit platforms
Often maintain databases of scam projects
Block Explorers
Some allow flagging addresses as suspicious

Social Media and Exchanges

Additional platforms to report scams:

Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Report suspicious wallet addresses to exchanges where funds may be transferred
Twitter, Reddit, and Discord
Alert communities but be careful of defamation claims—stick to facts
CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko
Report suspicious tokens to these listing platforms

Remember that timing is critical when reporting scams. The sooner you report, the better chance authorities have of tracking funds or taking action against perpetrators.

After Reporting: Next Steps

After filing reports, there are several important steps to take:

Follow Up Regularly

Check the status of your reports periodically. Investigation of crypto scams can be slow, but persistence increases the chances of action.

Connect with Other Victims

Find and coordinate with other victims. Group complaints carry more weight and can help share information. Look for victim groups on social media platforms.

Consider Legal Options

For substantial losses, consult with a lawyer who specializes in cryptocurrency fraud. Class action lawsuits may be possible if enough victims come forward.

Stay Alert for Recovery Scams

Be wary of "recovery specialists" who approach victims offering to retrieve lost funds for an upfront fee. These are often secondary scams targeting desperate victims.

While recovery of funds from crypto scams is unfortunately rare, your reporting helps protect others and contributes to the eventual identification and prosecution of perpetrators.

Continue Your Education

01 Introduction to Rug Pulls

Understand the basics of rug pulls and why they're dangerous.

02 Identifying Scams

Learn to spot the warning signs of potential rug pulls before investing.

03 Exiting Safely

Strategies for safely exiting a project if you suspect fraud.

04 Latest Analyses

Read our latest analyses of suspicious projects in the Web3 space.

View analyses

Key Reporting Resources

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center SEC Tip, Complaint, or Referral FTC Fraud Reporting CryptoScamDB Global Anti-Scam Organization

Scam Report Template

Download our template to help structure your scam report. A well-organized report increases the chances of action.

PDF format • Includes sections for all required information • Compatible with most reporting platforms

Reporting Impact Statistics

95%

Of crypto scams go unreported to official authorities

14%

Recovery rate for scams reported within 24 hours

67%

Reduction in victim count when scams are reported early

Report a Scam to Us

Help us document and analyze potential rug pulls to warn the community.

Disclaimer: This educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Always consult with appropriate professionals before taking legal action.