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Sent crypto to a scammer? What to do in the first 24 hours

Short answer: Stop sending anything more. Contact the exchange or crypto ATM operator you used straight away, say it was fraud, and ask them to reverse it. Save the wallet addresses, amounts, dates and transaction IDs, then report it to the FBI at ic3.gov and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Ignore anyone who offers to get it back for a fee.

By Agent Lane Editorial · Page dated 3 November 2026

Can I get my crypto back?

Often not, but it’s worth trying fast. The FTC says crypto payments don’t have the same legal protections as credit and debit cards, so it can be hard to get money back, and that once you pay with crypto you usually get it back only if the person you paid sends it back. Some states have passed laws that might help.

First hour: stop the bleeding

  1. Stop paying and stop replying. Don’t send a “fee,” “tax” or “deposit” to unlock anything. That’s part of the scam.
  2. Contact the exchange or crypto ATM operator you used, using the contact details in its own app or website. The FTC says to tell them it was a fraudulent transaction and ask them to reverse it and refund your money.
  3. If you paid by card or bank transfer to buy the crypto, call your bank or card company too.
  4. If they got into your accounts or wallet, change passwords, turn on two-factor login and move what’s left to a new wallet. See exchange account hacked? what to do.

Next few hours: save the evidence

The FBI says the most important details to give it are about the transactions. Write down or screenshot:

  • The crypto addresses you sent to and from.
  • The amount and type of crypto.
  • The date and time of each transfer.
  • The transaction ID (also called a hash): a long string of letters and numbers your wallet or exchange shows.

The FBI also asks for how you met the scammer, your messages with them, the names, emails and phone numbers they used, any websites or apps they told you to use, which exchanges you used, and a timeline. Don’t delete the chats.

Within the day: report it

  • FBI: file a complaint at ic3.gov. The FBI says “do not wait,” and to report even if you don’t have all the transaction details.
  • FTC: report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Aged 60 or over? The FBI says the National Elder Fraud Hotline, 1-833-372-8311, can help you file the complaint.

Then: watch for the second scam

The FBI warns to be wary of anyone claiming they can recover your funds, especially services charging an upfront fee. Expect messages from “lawyers,” “investigators” or “government agents” who seem to know what you lost. See crypto recovery scams. If you’re still unsure whether something was a scam, the 10-question crypto scam checklist can help.

Sources

Checked 3 November 2026 on each organization’s own site.

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