Contacting Exchanges to Recover Stolen Crypto: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

When stolen cryptocurrency reaches an exchange, contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto becomes your most realistic recovery opportunity. While exchanges cannot reverse blockchain transactions, they can freeze accounts containing stolen funds—offering one of the few practical paths to actual recovery when proper procedures are followed.

This comprehensive guide provides the exact steps, templates, and strategies for effectively contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto. Understanding how exchanges evaluate fraud reports, what evidence they require, and how to communicate professionally maximizes your chances of successful account freezes and potential fund recovery.

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Table of Contents

• Why Exchanges Are Key to Recovery
• Which Exchanges to Contact
• Evidence Exchanges Require
• Finding Official Exchange Contacts
• Writing an Effective Fraud Report
• Fraud Report Templates
• The Submission Process
• Following Up Effectively
• Exchange-Specific Procedures
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Frequently Asked Questions

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Why Exchanges Are Key to Recovery

Understanding why contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto offers the best recovery opportunity requires knowing how cryptocurrency exchanges function as intervention points.

Exchanges Control Private Keys

When cryptocurrency reaches a centralized exchange, the exchange holds the private keys, not individual users. This centralized control means exchanges can freeze accounts, preventing withdrawals even though the blockchain transaction has confirmed. While blockchain transactions are irreversible, exchange account access is controllable.

KYC Requirements Create Accountability

Major exchanges require Know Your Customer (KYC) verification—identity documents, address proof, and sometimes photo verification. When stolen funds reach KYC-verified accounts, exchanges can identify account holders, making law enforcement cooperation possible and providing accountability that blockchain wallets lack.

Recovery Success Rates

When victims successfully identify stolen crypto reaching exchanges and report with proper evidence:

• Some reports lead to account freezes
• 5-10% of frozen accounts eventually return funds to victims
• Major exchanges (Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini) have higher cooperation rates
• Reports with law enforcement involvement see better results
• Time is critical—freezing only works before scammers withdraw

Which Exchanges to Contact

Not all exchanges respond equally when contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto. Focus efforts on exchanges most likely to cooperate.

Tier 1: Most Responsive Exchanges

Coinbase / Coinbase Pro: US-based, heavily regulated, established fraud department, good communication, cooperates with law enforcement. Best overall response rates.

Kraken: Strong security focus, responsive fraud team, good reputation for cooperating with legitimate fraud reports.

Gemini: New York regulated, strict compliance, takes fraud seriously, smaller user base means more attention to individual cases.

Tier 2: Moderate Response

Binance / Binance.US: Largest exchange by volume, has fraud department, but high volume means slower response times. Binance.US (US division) more responsive than international Binance.

Crypto.com: Growing exchange with compliance focus, moderate response rates, improving fraud handling.

Bitfinex: Established exchange, has security team, variable response depending on case details.

Tier 3: Limited Response

Smaller International Exchanges: Many smaller exchanges lack dedicated fraud departments, have minimal KYC requirements, or operate from jurisdictions with limited oversight. Still worth contacting but expect lower success rates.

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Evidence Exchanges Require

Successful outcomes when contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto depend on providing comprehensive, organized evidence. Many exchanges do not respond to individual requests and require a legal letter or subpoena.

Blockchain Evidence (Critical)

• Your Original Transaction: Screenshot and transaction hash showing theft from your wallet
• Scammer’s Receiving Address: Where stolen crypto initially went
• Transaction Trail: Complete path from your wallet to exchange address
• Exchange Deposit: Specific transaction showing funds entering their exchange
• Timestamps: Dates and times for all transactions
• Amounts: Cryptocurrency amounts and USD values at time of transactions

Fraud Documentation

• Police Report: Case number and officer contact information
• FBI IC3 Filing: Complaint number if filed
• Scam Details: How the fraud occurred, timeline, methods used
• Communications: Messages, emails, or calls with scammers (if applicable)
• Related Victims: Information about other victims of same scam (strengthens case)

Finding Official Exchange Contacts

Using official channels is essential when contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto. Scammers create fake exchange support to steal additional information.

How to Find Legitimate Contacts

1. Type Exchange URL Directly: Never click links in emails (also watch for phishing sponsored first posts on search results, could be imitating real exchanges)
2. Verify SSL Certificate: Look for padlock icon and correct company name
3. Navigate to Help/Support: Use website’s official support section
4. Look for “Report Fraud” or “Security Incident”: Dedicated fraud reporting options
5. Check Multiple Sources: Verify contact information matches across official website, app, and social media

Official Contact Methods by Exchange

Coinbase: Login → Help → Contact Us → Account Security → Report Fraud OR email security@coinbase.com

Binance: Login → Support → Submit a Request → Security → Report Suspicious Activity

Kraken: Login → Support → New Ticket → Security & Privacy → Report Fraud

Gemini: Email security@gemini.com or use support portal under Security Issues

Lots of these exchanges also respond on X/Twitter (IGNORE COMMENTS, they are filled with spam bots, FAKE recovery services, and fake versions of the verified exchange) – but the REAL profile of an exchange should be linked on the Website of the exchanges (many time in the footer) and you can Direct message them for further directions.

Writing an Effective Fraud Report

How you communicate when contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto significantly impacts response quality and speed. This is more impactful coming from a law firm representing you, especially if its delivered with a formal court order, this requires the exchange to respond – a typical email could possibly be ignored.

Report Structure

1. Subject Line: Clear and specific
Example: “Fraud Report: Stolen BTC Deposited to Your Exchange – Case #[Police Report #]”

2. Opening Summary: One paragraph overview
“I am reporting that stolen cryptocurrency has been deposited to an account on your exchange. I am providing complete blockchain evidence and law enforcement case information, and I request that you freeze the receiving account to prevent further movement of stolen funds.”

3. Detailed Incident Description:

• When theft occurred
• How it occurred (phishing, scam, hack)
• Amount stolen
• Your wallet address
• Scammer’s wallet address

4. Blockchain Evidence Section:

• “Transaction showing theft from my wallet: [TX Hash]”
• “Scammer’s receiving address: [Address]”
• “Transaction showing deposit to your exchange: [TX Hash]”
• “Your exchange address that received funds: [Address]”
• “Amount: [X BTC / Y USD]”

5. Law Enforcement Information:

• Police report number
• Police department and officer contact
• FBI IC3 complaint number
• Any other agency filings

6. Requested Action:
“I respectfully request that you freeze the account that received these stolen funds and prevent any withdrawals. I am available to provide any additional information and can facilitate contact with investigating law enforcement.”

7. Contact Information:

• Your full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Available hours for contact

Fraud Report Templates

These templates help when contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto. Customize with your specific details.

Template 1: Investment Scam

Subject: Fraud Report: Investment Scam - Stolen Funds Deposited to [Exchange Name] - Police Case #[Number]

Dear [Exchange] Security Team,

I am reporting that cryptocurrency stolen through an investment scam has been deposited to an account on your exchange. I am providing complete blockchain evidence and request immediate freezing of the receiving account.

INCIDENT SUMMARY:
- Date of theft: [Date]
- Amount stolen: [X BTC / $Y USD]
- Theft method: Investment scam via [platform/website]
- My wallet address: [Your Address]
- Scammer's receiving address: [Scammer Address]

BLOCKCHAIN EVIDENCE:
- My original transaction (theft): [TX Hash]
  View: [Blockchain Explorer URL]
- Scammer's subsequent transaction to your exchange: [TX Hash]
  View: [Blockchain Explorer URL]
- Your exchange address that received stolen funds: [Exchange Address]
- Deposit amount: [Amount] on [Date]

LAW ENFORCEMENT:
- Police Report: Case #[Number], [Department], Officer [Name], [Phone]
- FBI IC3 Complaint: #[Number]

REQUESTED ACTION:
Please freeze the account that received these stolen funds and prevent withdrawals. I am available to provide additional information and facilitate law enforcement contact.

Contact Information:
[Your Name]
[Email]
[Phone]

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

[Your Name]

Template 2: Wallet Compromise

Subject: Security Incident Report: Compromised Wallet - Stolen [Crypto] Deposited to Your Exchange

Dear [Exchange] Security Team,

My cryptocurrency wallet was compromised and stolen funds have been traced to your exchange. I am providing complete evidence and requesting account freezing.

INCIDENT DETAILS:
- Compromise date: [Date]
- Theft method: [Phishing/Malware/etc.]
- Amount stolen: [X ETH / $Y USD]
- My wallet address (compromised): [Your Address]
- Thief's address: [Thief Address]

BLOCKCHAIN TRAIL:
1. Unauthorized withdrawal from my wallet: [TX Hash]
2. Movement through intermediary addresses: [List if applicable]
3. Final deposit to your exchange: [TX Hash]
4. Your exchange address: [Address]
5. Timestamp: [Date/Time]

EVIDENCE OF OWNERSHIP:
- Transaction history proving my control of original wallet
- [Additional proof as needed]

LAW ENFORCEMENT:
- Police Report: [Details]
- [Other filings]

I request immediate freezing of the account receiving stolen funds.

Contact: [Your Information]

Regards,
[Your Name]

The Submission Process

Follow these steps when contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto for maximum effectiveness.

Step-by-Step Submission

1. Prepare All Evidence First: Gather everything before starting report
2. Use Official Channels Only: Submit through exchange’s official website
3. Complete All Required Fields: Fill out forms thoroughly
4. Attach Documentation: Include screenshots, not just text descriptions
5. Be Professional: Use formal language, no emotional pleas
6. Keep Records: Save confirmation numbers, timestamps, copies of submission
7. Submit to Multiple Contacts: If exchange has both email and web form, use both
8. Note Submission Time: Document when you submitted for follow-up timeline

Following Up Effectively

Persistent, professional follow-up is crucial when contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto.

Follow-Up Timeline

• Days 1-3: Wait for initial response, monitor for automated replies
• Day 4: First follow-up if no response
• Day 7: Second follow-up with urgency note
• Week 2: Third follow-up, mention law enforcement if not done initially
• Weeks 3-4: Weekly follow-ups
• After Month 1: Bi-weekly follow-ups for 2-3 months

Follow-Up Message Template

Subject: Follow-Up: Fraud Report #[Ticket Number] - Stolen [Crypto] on Your Exchange

Dear [Exchange] Team,

I am following up on my fraud report submitted on [Date] regarding stolen cryptocurrency deposited to your exchange.

Case Details:
- Ticket/Case Number: [If provided]
- Amount: [X Crypto / $Y USD]
- Exchange Address: [Address]
- Transaction Hash: [Hash]

Time is critical as the account holder may attempt to withdraw stolen funds. I respectfully request an update on the status of this report and whether the account has been frozen.

I remain available to provide additional information or facilitate law enforcement contact.

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Contact Info]

Exchange-Specific Procedures

Each exchange has unique procedures when contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto.

Coinbase

• Responds fastest to reports with law enforcement case numbers
• Provides ticket numbers—reference in all follow-ups
• Security team separate from customer support
• Average response time: 3-7 days for initial contact
• Won’t confirm whether accounts frozen but will acknowledge report received

Binance

• High volume means slower responses (7-14 days)
• Submit through official support portal only
• Include “urgent” in subject but don’t overuse
• International Binance vs Binance.US have different procedures
• May request additional verification

Kraken

• Known for responsive security team
• Ticket system with priority levels
• Often requests direct law enforcement contact info
• May coordinate between you and police
• Average response: 2-5 days

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these errors when contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto:

• Emotional Language: Stay professional, not angry or pleading
• Incomplete Evidence: Missing transaction hashes or addresses weakens case
• Wrong Contact Channels: Using customer support instead of security team
• Demanding Immediate Action: Request don’t demand, acknowledge their processes
• Multiple Duplicate Reports: Flooding with reports can hurt your case
• Exaggerating Details: Stick to facts, don’t embellish
• No Law Enforcement Report: File police report first, significantly improves response
• Giving Up Too Soon: Many successful freezes take weeks of follow-up

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact exchanges to recover stolen crypto?

Visit the exchange’s official website directly (never click email links), navigate to their security or support section, find “Report Fraud” or “Security Incident” options, and submit a detailed report with blockchain evidence showing stolen funds entered their exchange. Include transaction hashes, wallet addresses, amounts, dates, and police report numbers. Contact security teams specifically, not general customer support. Use official channels only—both web forms and security email addresses if available.

What evidence do exchanges need for fraud reports?

Exchanges require blockchain proof: transaction hash showing your theft, scammer’s receiving address, complete trail to their exchange, specific transaction depositing stolen funds on their platform, amounts and timestamps, proof of your wallet ownership, police report number, FBI IC3 complaint number if filed, detailed scam description, and your verified contact information. Organize evidence professionally with clear labels and screenshots. The more comprehensive your documentation, the better your chances when contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto.

Which cryptocurrency exchanges respond best to fraud reports?

Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini have the best response rates for fraud reports. These US-based, regulated exchanges have dedicated security teams and law enforcement cooperation procedures. Binance/Binance.US also respond but with slower timelines due to high volume. Crypto.com and Bitfinex have moderate response rates. Smaller international exchanges often lack fraud departments entirely. Focus efforts on major exchanges where stolen funds appear—these provide your best recovery opportunities.

How long does it take for exchanges to respond to fraud reports?

Initial responses vary: Coinbase 3-7 days, Kraken 2-5 days, Binance 7-14 days, Gemini 3-5 days. However, initial response is often automated acknowledgment. Actual action on freezing accounts takes 1-4 weeks if they decide to proceed. Exchanges won’t confirm whether they froze accounts due to privacy policies. Follow up weekly for the first month when contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto. Some successful cases have taken 2-3 months of persistent professional follow-up.

Will exchanges tell me if they froze the account?

Most exchanges won’t confirm whether they froze specific accounts due to privacy policies and legal considerations. They typically acknowledge receiving your report and may indicate they’re investigating, but rarely provide specifics about account status or actions taken. This protects both user privacy and ongoing investigations. Continue monitoring the blockchain—if funds don’t move from the exchange address after your report, freezing may have occurred. Law enforcement may eventually notify you if assets are seized and returned.

Should I contact multiple exchanges?

Yes, if your blockchain tracking shows stolen funds reached multiple exchanges, contact all of them. Scammers often spread funds across several exchanges to reduce per-exchange amounts and avoid detection. Submit separate, customized reports to each exchange with evidence specific to deposits on their platform. Don’t send identical mass emails—personalize each report. When contacting exchanges to recover stolen crypto, thoroughness across all involved platforms maximizes recovery chances as different exchanges may respond differently.

Do I need a lawyer to contact exchanges?

You don’t need a lawyer to submit fraud reports to exchanges—most individual victims successfully report directly. However, lawyers can help for: losses exceeding $100,000, complex multi-exchange cases, situations requiring legal demands or subpoenas, coordinating with law enforcement, and cases where exchanges aren’t responding to direct reports. For most cases under $100,000, follow the direct reporting procedures outlined in this guide. Save legal costs unless your case requires escalation beyond standard fraud reporting channels.