Crypto Scam Recovery Warning
Crypto transfers are usually irreversible, and 'crypto recovery experts' are typically a second scam.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
First 10 minutes
- Stop sending crypto and don't pay 'unlock' fees
- Record all wallet addresses and transaction hashes
- Report to your exchange and national fraud service
First 24 hours
- Revoke wallet permissions if you connected to a suspicious site
- Move any remaining assets to a new wallet you control
- Ignore unsolicited 'recovery expert' offers
Contact your bank or payment provider
- If you bought crypto via your bank/card, report that leg to your bank
Evidence to preserve
- Transaction hashes and destination wallet addresses
- Screenshots of the platform and chats
- The app/website you were directed to
Secure your accounts and devices
- Secure exchange accounts with strong 2FA
- Create a fresh wallet for any remaining funds
Report it
- Report to your national fraud/cybercrime service
- Report to the platform, bank, or provider involved
- Keep any reference numbers you're given
Cryptocurrency transactions are typically irreversible and pseudonymous, which is exactly why scammers prefer them. Once crypto is sent to a scammer, getting it back is rare and never guaranteed.
This reality is exploited by recovery scammers who promise to trace and return your crypto for an upfront fee. They cannot, and the fee is simply a second loss. Report through official channels and your exchange, and treat any unsolicited recovery offer as fraud.
Frequently asked questions
Can blockchain transactions be reversed?
Generally no. Confirmed transactions on major blockchains can't be reversed. Anyone claiming they can 'reverse' or 'unfreeze' your crypto for a fee is almost certainly scamming you.