On August 24, 2023, the FBI issued an important alert regarding cryptocurrency scams, emphasizing the need for victims and those aware of such scams to take immediate action. If you suspect that you or someone you know has fallen victim to a cryptocurrency scam, it is crucial to report the incident to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or contact your local FBI Field Office. Ensuring that you provide comprehensive details about the transaction is vital for any investigation.
Reporting Cryptocurrency Scams
When submitting a report, the FBI advises victims to include as much information as possible about the transactions involved. This includes:
- Cryptocurrency Addresses: The unique identifiers associated with the transactions.
- Amount and Cryptocurrency Type: Specify the exact amount and type of cryptocurrency involved.
- Date and Time: The date and time the transaction occurred.
- Transaction ID (Hash): A unique identifier for the transaction, usually a lengthy string of letters and numbers.
For clarity, here’s an example of the essential transaction details:
| Detail | Example |
|---|---|
| Cryptocurrency Addresses | 0x58566904f57eac4E9EDd81BbC2f877865ECd35985 |
| Amount and Cryptocurrency Type | 1.02345 ether |
| Dates/Times | January 1, 2023, 12:01 AM EST |
| Transaction ID (Hash) | 0xfa485de419011ceefdd3cd00a4ff64e52bf9a0dfa528e4fff8bb4c9c |
If you are uncertain about the relevance of the information you possess, it’s better to include it in your report.
How to Reach the FBI
The process of contacting the FBI is straightforward. You should promptly visit the IC3 website and select the option to file a complaint. Time is of the essence when dealing with these types of scams.
Additional Information to Provide
In addition to transaction details, include any other relevant information that could assist the investigation, such as:
- Where and how you first encountered the scammer.
- Your communications with the scammer, including emails, messages, and any identifying information like names or phone numbers.
- Domain names, website addresses, or applications that were recommended by the scammer.
- Any two-factor authentication or one-time passcode information.
- The cryptocurrency exchanges involved in the transactions.
- A timeline detailing the events of the scam.
What If You Lack Transaction Information?
If you do not have specific transaction details, do not hesitate to report the scam to the FBI IC3. Providing whatever information you have can still be beneficial to the investigation.
Recent Alerts
The FBI has previously issued alerts regarding various cryptocurrency scams, including:
- August 11, 2023: Warning about companies falsely claiming they can recover funds lost in cryptocurrency scams.
- March 14, 2023: Alert concerning a rise in cryptocurrency investment schemes.
- March 9, 2023: Notice about criminals stealing cryptocurrency through play-to-earn games.
- October 3, 2022: Warning on cryptocurrency investment schemes.
- August 29, 2022: Alert regarding cybercriminals exploiting decentralized finance platforms.
- July 21, 2022: Warning about scams targeting cryptocurrency owners involved in liquidity mining.
- November 4, 2021: Fraudulent schemes using cryptocurrency ATMs and QR codes.
- April 13, 2021: Increase in cryptocurrency use in business email compromise schemes.
Staying informed about these scams is crucial for protecting yourself and your assets in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency.
