CRYPTOCURRENCY SECURITY · DIGITAL ASSET INVESTIGATION · 4 MIN READ

If you have lost cryptocurrency to a scam in the United States, your first priority should be to stop further losses and preserve the evidence.

Cryptocurrency transactions can be difficult to reverse, but transaction records can provide important information for an investigation. The FBI specifically recommends preserving wallet addresses, transaction hashes, cryptocurrency amounts, dates, times, and information about how the scam occurred.

At Canva Recovery Team (CRT), we help clients organize and assess this type of evidence through blockchain investigation and digital asset analysis.

1. Stop Sending Additional Funds

If the scammer claims that you need to pay another fee, tax, verification charge, or deposit to release your cryptocurrency, stop before sending anything else.

Additional payment demands are a common feature of cryptocurrency investment scams. U.S. authorities specifically warn victims not to pay additional fees or taxes to withdraw supposed investment profits.

2. Contact the Exchange or Crypto ATM Operator

If you purchased or transferred cryptocurrency through an exchange or cryptocurrency ATM, contact the provider immediately and report the transaction as fraudulent.

The FTC also recommends contacting the cryptocurrency company or ATM operator used to send the funds and asking whether anything can be done regarding the transaction.

A confirmed blockchain transaction may not be reversible, but reporting the incident quickly can still be important.

3. Preserve Your Transaction Evidence

Save everything connected to the incident.

Important information can include:

• Cryptocurrency wallet addresses
• Transaction hashes or IDs
• Cryptocurrency and amount transferred
• Date and time of each transaction
• Exchange or wallet used
• Website addresses
• Emails and messages
• Phone numbers and usernames
• Screenshots
• Payment records
• A timeline explaining what happened

The FBI specifically asks cryptocurrency scam victims to provide transaction details and information about the people, websites, applications, and communication platforms involved.

4. Report the Scam in the United States

Depending on the circumstances, you may report the incident to appropriate U.S. authorities.

The FBI encourages cryptocurrency scam victims to file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Cryptocurrency fraud can also be reported to the FTC, and certain investment-related cases may be relevant to the SEC or CFTC.

Keep your complaint or case reference information for your records.

5. Be Careful of Recovery Scams

After a cryptocurrency loss, victims may be contacted by people claiming they have already located their funds.

Some may impersonate law-enforcement officials, lawyers, investigators, or cryptocurrency companies.

The FBI warns specifically about fraudulent cryptocurrency recovery services and recommends caution with companies demanding upfront payments or making unsupported recovery claims.

Never give anyone your seed phrase, private keys, passwords, or authentication codes.

How Canva Recovery Team Can Help

At Canva Recovery Team, we focus on the evidence surrounding a digital asset loss.

Our team can assist with:

Blockchain transaction analysis — examining relevant transactions and wallet activity.

Transaction tracing — documenting how cryptocurrency moved after the reported transfer.

Evidence organization — structuring transaction records, communications, screenshots, and other supporting information.

Case assessment — helping clients understand what the available evidence establishes and what may require additional investigation.

We do not promise guaranteed recovery. Our approach is based on evidence, blockchain analysis, and responsible case assessment.

If You Lost Crypto, Start With the Evidence

Don’t let urgency lead to another payment or another scam.

Preserve your records, secure your remaining accounts, report the incident through appropriate channels, and carefully verify anyone offering recovery assistance.

If you are in the United States and have lost cryptocurrency through fraud or an unauthorized transfer, Canva Recovery Team can help you begin with the evidence.

Recover What Matters. Pursue the Evidence.

[Request a Confidential Case Assessment →]

Canva Recovery Team provides investigative and documentation support based on available evidence. This article is informational and is not legal or financial advice.