How to Report a Scam Wallet to Authorities: Complete Guide 2025

Knowing how to report a scam wallet to authorities is crucial for protecting others, aiding law enforcement investigations, and potentially recovering stolen cryptocurrency. Reporting scam wallets creates public records, helps track criminal networks, enables exchange freezes, and contributes to the growing database of fraud evidence that helps prevent future victims from losing their savings to the same scammers.

This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to report scam wallets to authorities, which agencies to contact, what information to provide, how to report to exchanges and platforms, the importance of public scam databases, and what happens after you report. Taking these steps helps law enforcement build cases against cryptocurrency criminals and protects the broader community.

---

---

Table of Contents

• Why Reporting Scam Wallets Matters
• Information to Gather Before Reporting
• Reporting to FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
• Filing Local Police Reports
• Reporting to Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• Reporting to Cryptocurrency Exchanges
• Submitting to Public Scam Databases
• International Reporting Resources
• What Happens After You Report
• Frequently Asked Questions

---

Why Reporting Scam Wallets Matters

Understanding why to report scam wallets to authorities motivates thorough reporting.

Protect Future Victims

Your report creates permanent public records preventing others from sending crypto to the same scam addresses. When potential victims search wallet addresses before sending funds, your report appears as a warning. This single action can save dozens of people from losing their money to the same scammers.

Public databases like Wallet White Pages aggregate reports, allowing anyone to check wallet addresses for fraud warnings before transacting.

Aid Law Enforcement Investigations

Each report provides evidence for criminal investigations:

• Pattern Recognition: Multiple reports reveal organized crime networks
• Blockchain Evidence: Wallet addresses provide traceable evidence
• Victim Coordination: Connects victims to collective investigations
• International Cooperation: Helps agencies across jurisdictions work together
• Prosecution Support: Reports serve as evidence in criminal trials

Enable Exchange Freezes

When scam wallets interact with centralized exchanges, reports help freeze funds:

• Exchanges monitor for reported scam addresses
• Suspicious deposits trigger compliance reviews
• Accounts linked to scam wallets get frozen
• Frozen funds may be recovered through legal process

Quick reporting increases chances of catching funds before scammers cash out.

Track Criminal Networks

Reports help identify connections between seemingly separate scams:

• Same wallet addresses used across multiple scams
• Patterns revealing organized crime operations
• Money laundering networks and techniques
• Geographic clusters indicating operation locations

Professional blockchain intelligence services like Glacier21 analyze these patterns to map criminal networks, providing law enforcement with actionable intelligence about cryptocurrency fraud operations.

Information to Gather Before Reporting

Collect these details to report scam wallets to authorities effectively.

Essential Wallet Information

• Scam Wallet Address(es): Complete address(es) you sent crypto to
• Blockchain Network: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tron, BSC, Solana, etc.
• Transaction Hashes (TxID): Unique identifiers for each transaction
• Transaction Dates/Times: When you sent funds
• Amounts Sent: How much of each cryptocurrency
• Dollar Values: USD equivalent at time of transaction

How to Find This Information: Check your wallet’s transaction history. Use blockchain explorers (Etherscan for Ethereum, Blockchain.com for Bitcoin, Tronscan for Tron) to view detailed transaction data. Your exchange account history also contains this information if you sent from an exchange.

Scammer Communication Records

• All Communications: Screenshots of conversations (email, text, WhatsApp, Telegram, social media)
• Scammer Contact Information: Phone numbers, email addresses, usernames, profile links
• Platform Where Met: Dating app, social media, wrong number text, etc.
• Scammer Claims: What they said the investment was for
• Fake Platform Info: Website URLs, app names, platform screenshots

Supporting Evidence

• Website Screenshots: Capture entire fake platform before it disappears
• Account Dashboards: Screenshots showing fake balances/profits
• Email/Messages: All correspondence with scammers
• Promotional Materials: Any documents, contracts, or certificates provided
• Payment Receipts: Bank statements, wire transfer records if used
• Timeline Document: Chronological summary of how scam unfolded

Pro Tip: Document everything immediately. Scam websites often disappear quickly. Use archive.org or screenshot tools to capture web pages completely.

---

---

Reporting to FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

The FBI’s IC3 is the primary federal agency for reporting scam wallets to authorities in the United States.

Why Report to IC3

• Federal Jurisdiction: FBI investigates major cryptocurrency fraud
• Centralized Database: Complaints feed into national crime database
• Pattern Analysis: Identifies organized crime operations
• International Cooperation: Works with agencies worldwide
• Recovery Operations: FBI has recovered hundreds of millions in crypto fraud

How to File IC3 Report

1. Visit IC3.gov: Go to www.ic3.gov
2. Click “File a Complaint”: On homepage
3. Complete Complainant Information: Your personal details
4. Enter Subject Information: Scammer details (if known)
5. Describe the Crime: Detailed narrative of what happened
6. Include Wallet Addresses: List all scam addresses
7. Transaction Details: Provide transaction hashes and amounts
8. Upload Supporting Documents: Screenshots, communications, evidence
9. Submit Complaint: Receive complaint number

What to Include in IC3 Report

Clear Timeline: Date scam started, key events, when you sent funds

Complete Financial Details: Total amount lost, cryptocurrency types, transaction hashes

All Wallet Addresses: Every address involved in the scam

Communication Summary: How scammer contacted you, what they claimed

Platform Information: Fake website URLs, app names, platform screenshots

Scammer Information: Any identifiable information (likely fake, but report anyway)

After Filing IC3 Report

• Save your complaint number—you’ll need it for other reports
• Print or save PDF copy of complaint
• IC3 doesn’t respond to individual complaints unless investigation progresses
• If FBI needs more information, they’ll contact you
• Keep all evidence in case investigators reach out

Filing Local Police Reports

Local police reports establish official records of scam wallet fraud.

Why File Local Police Report

• Official Documentation: Creates formal record of crime
• Insurance Claims: Some insurance requires police report
• Tax Deductions: Theft losses may be tax-deductible with police report
• Legal Action: Required for civil lawsuits
• Credit Protection: Helps if identity theft involved

How to File Local Report

1. Visit Local Police Station: Or call non-emergency number
2. Request Fraud/Theft Report: Explain cryptocurrency scam
3. Bring Documentation: Printed transaction details, wallet addresses, evidence
4. Provide Clear Summary: Simplified explanation of how scam worked
5. Include Dollar Amounts: Emphasize USD value lost (more relatable than crypto amounts)
6. Request Report Number: Get official case number
7. Request Copy: Ask for written report copy

What to Expect

Many local police departments have limited cryptocurrency expertise:

• Officers may not understand crypto—explain clearly
• They might say “nothing we can do” about international scams
• Emphasize you need report for official documentation
• Be patient and provide education if needed
• Some departments now have cyber crime units—ask for referral

Even if police can’t actively investigate, the report creates important documentation.

Reporting to Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The FTC tracks consumer fraud and helps with scam wallet reporting.

Why Report to FTC

• Consumer Protection: FTC focuses on protecting consumers from fraud
• Pattern Tracking: Identifies widespread scam trends
• Public Warnings: Issues alerts about active scams
• Civil Enforcement: Can pursue civil action against scammers
• Interagency Coordination: Shares data with other law enforcement

How to Report to FTC

1. Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov: FTC’s complaint website
2. Select “Scams”: Choose category that fits
3. Select “Investment”: Or “Romance” if pig butchering scam
4. Provide Details: Complete form with scam information
5. Include Wallet Addresses: Add crypto addresses in details
6. Submit Report: Receive confirmation

FTC reports take 10-15 minutes and help track national fraud trends.

Reporting to Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Exchange reporting is crucial for scam wallet freezing.

Why Report to Exchanges

Exchanges can freeze scammer funds:

• Real-Time Action: Can freeze deposits immediately
• Account Closure: Shuts down scammer exchange accounts
• Fund Recovery: Frozen funds may be recovered with law enforcement cooperation
• Network-Wide Blocks: Prevents scammer from using platform again

Which Exchanges to Contact

Your Exchange: Where you sent funds from—report immediately

Destination Exchanges: Use blockchain explorer to see where scam wallet sent your funds. If funds went to identifiable exchange (Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, etc.), contact their fraud department.

Major Exchanges to Report To:

• Binance: security@binance.com
• Coinbase: Through support ticket system
• Kraken: support@kraken.com
• KuCoin: support@kucoin.com
• Bybit: support@bybit.com

What to Include in Exchange Report

• Your account information (if applicable)
• Scam wallet address that received your funds
• Transaction hash showing transfer to scam wallet
• Destination addresses where scam wallet sent funds (if you traced them)
• Total amount stolen
• Police report number or IC3 complaint number
• Request for freeze on any deposits from scam address

---

---

Submitting to Public Scam Databases

Public databases amplify the impact of reporting scam wallets.

Important Public Databases

Wallet White Pages (walletwhitepages.com): Cryptocurrency-specific wallet fraud database. Allows checking and reporting of scam wallet addresses. Public reports visible to anyone searching addresses before sending funds.

Chainabuse (chainabuse.com): Multi-chain scam reporting platform. Covers Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other networks. Used by compliance teams at exchanges.

Scam Alert (scam-alert.io): Community-driven cryptocurrency scam database. Reports visible publicly with transaction evidence.

How Public Databases Help

• Immediate Warning System: Potential victims can search addresses instantly
• Aggregated Intelligence: Multiple reports reveal patterns
• Exchange Integration: Many exchanges monitor these databases
• Blockchain Analytics: Firms use reports to build fraud detection models
• Community Protection: Collective vigilance prevents future scams

Professional blockchain intelligence platforms like Glacier21 aggregate data from public databases, law enforcement reports, and proprietary analysis to provide comprehensive wallet risk assessments.

What to Include in Public Database Reports

• Complete wallet address (verify accuracy—one wrong character affects others)
• Blockchain network (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tron, etc.)
• Scam type (investment fraud, romance scam, phishing, etc.)
• Brief description of scam method
• Date of transaction
• Amount lost (optional but helpful)
• Associated website/platform if applicable
• Any other wallet addresses involved

International Reporting Resources

Resources for reporting scam wallets to authorities outside the United States.

United Kingdom

• Action Fraud: www.actionfraud.police.uk (National fraud reporting center)
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Report unauthorized investment firms
• National Cyber Security Centre: Report phishing and cyber crime

Canada

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: www.antifraudcentre.ca
• RCMP: Local detachment for provincial jurisdiction
• Canadian Securities Administrators: For investment fraud

Australia

• Scamwatch: www.scamwatch.gov.au (ACCC service)
• ReportCyber: www.cyber.gov.au (Australian Cyber Security Centre)
• ASIC: Report investment and financial scams

European Union

• Europol: Report through national police (varies by country)
• ESMA: European Securities and Markets Authority for investment fraud
• National Agencies: Each EU country has fraud reporting system

Asia-Pacific

• Singapore: Police (www.police.gov.sg) and ScamShield app
• Hong Kong: Hong Kong Police Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau
• Japan: National Police Agency Cybercrime Division
• South Korea: Korean National Police Agency

What Happens After You Report

Understanding outcomes after reporting scam wallets to authorities:

Immediate Effects

Public Database Listings: Your report appears in searchable databases immediately, warning others.

Exchange Monitoring: Reported addresses get flagged in exchange compliance systems.

Blockchain Analytics Tracking: Professional services add addresses to monitoring lists.

Investigation Database Entry: Law enforcement adds report to case databases for pattern analysis.

Short-Term (Days to Weeks)

Pattern Recognition: If multiple victims report same addresses, investigation priority increases.

Exchange Freezes: If scam wallet deposits to exchange, reported address may trigger account freeze.

Connecting Victims: Law enforcement may contact you if your case connects to active investigation.

Long-Term (Months to Years)

Major Investigations: Large-scale fraud operations take time to investigate and prosecute.

Asset Seizures: Successful investigations may result in fund seizures and victim compensation.

Criminal Prosecution: Your report serves as evidence in criminal trials.

Civil Litigation: May enable class action lawsuits against scam operators.

Realistic Expectations

• Individual Response Unlikely: Agencies receive thousands of reports—don’t expect personal contact unless investigation progresses
• Recovery Rare: Most crypto scam victims don’t recover funds
• Impact Still Important: Your report helps even if you don’t see immediate results
• Preventing Future Losses: Primary benefit is protecting others
• Long Investigation Timelines: Major cases take years to prosecute

---

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I report a scam wallet address?

Report scam wallet addresses to multiple locations for maximum impact: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) for federal investigation, local police department for official documentation, FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov for consumer protection, cryptocurrency exchanges where funds were sent or received, and public databases like Wallet White Pages (walletwhitepages.com), and Chainabuse. Each report serves different purpose—IC3 feeds federal investigations, local police creates legal documentation, exchange reports may freeze scammer accounts, and public databases warn potential victims. Report to all relevant agencies within 24-48 hours of discovering fraud for best results.

What information do I need to report a scam wallet?

Gather complete wallet address(es) you sent funds to, blockchain network (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), transaction hashes (TxID) for all transfers, dates and times of transactions, amounts sent in crypto and USD, screenshots of all communications with scammer, scammer contact information (phone, email, usernames, profiles), platform where scam occurred (website URLs, app names), fake investment platform screenshots showing dashboards/balances, and timeline of how scam unfolded. Use blockchain explorers (Etherscan, Blockchain.com, Tronscan) to find transaction details. Document everything immediately as scam websites often disappear quickly. More detailed information increases investigation effectiveness and helps law enforcement connect cases.

Will I get my money back if I report a scam wallet?

Recovery is rare—less than 2% of cryptocurrency scam victims recover funds. However, reporting improves chances: if reported quickly, exchanges may freeze scammer deposits; successful FBI investigations sometimes result in asset seizures and victim compensation; professional blockchain forensics services like Glacier21 can trace funds to exchanges where legal action may enable recovery. Even without personal recovery, reporting prevents others from losing money to same scam wallets, contributes to criminal investigations and prosecutions, creates documentation for tax deduction of theft losses, and helps build evidence for potential civil litigation. Report immediately regardless of recovery prospects—protecting others is valuable outcome even when personal recovery impossible.

How long does it take for authorities to investigate?

Investigation timelines vary significantly by case complexity. IC3 and FBI prioritize cases based on amount stolen, number of victims, and operation sophistication—major cases can take months or years. Local police often lack resources for international cryptocurrency fraud. Exchange responses vary from days (account freezes) to weeks (investigation cooperation). Public database reports appear immediately. Realistic expectations: most individual reports don’t result in personal contact from investigators unless your case connects to active major investigation. However, collective reports build pattern recognition that eventually leads to enforcement action. Don’t expect rapid personal response, but know your report contributes to larger investigations targeting organized cryptocurrency fraud operations.

Should I report small losses to authorities?

Yes, always report regardless of amount lost. Even $100 scam reports are valuable: they contribute to pattern recognition revealing large-scale operations, help law enforcement understand scam tactics and evolution, prevent others from losing money to same wallet addresses, create public database entries warning potential victims, and document evidence for tax purposes. Small losses often connect to major organized crime networks. Your report might be the piece that completes investigation puzzle. Reporting takes 15-30 minutes and costs nothing but potentially saves others from larger losses. Many victims regret not reporting small initial losses when scammers later steal everything. Report immediately when scam discovered, regardless of dollar amount.

What if the scammer is in another country?

International scammers are common in cryptocurrency fraud (most operate from Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, or West Africa), but report anyway: FBI IC3 coordinates with international law enforcement through Interpol and bilateral agreements. Major operations like “Operation Disruptor” and “Operation Chain React” successfully prosecuted international crypto scammers. Blockchain evidence is jurisdiction-agnostic—funds flow is permanent record regardless of physical location. Exchange cooperation transcends borders when presented with law enforcement requests. Your report helps even if individual prosecution unlikely—builds intelligence on international criminal networks. Professional services like Glacier21 work internationally to trace funds and coordinate with multiple jurisdictions, improving recovery possibilities despite cross-border challenges.