Can anyone recover stolen crypto for a fee? How do crypto recovery scams work?
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Short answer: Be very skeptical. Anyone who contacts you offering to recover lost crypto for an upfront fee is almost certainly running a second scam. The FBI says private recovery companies cannot issue seizure orders, and the FBI's IC3 never charges or refers you to paid recovery firms. Report the loss at ic3.gov. (FBI IC3; FBI IC3)
Key facts
- In 2025, the FBI's IC3 recorded 10,516 recovery scam complaints and $1.4 billion in reported losses. IC3 notes those losses may include money lost in the earlier scam that led to the recovery contact. (FBI IC3 2025 report)
- People 60 and over reported $540.5 million of those losses, the most of any age group. (FBI IC3 2025 report)
- The FTC says recovery scammers buy and trade lists of people who have already been scammed. (FTC)
- Between February 2023 and February 2024, victims of fake "law firms" offering crypto recovery reported over $9.9 million in losses. (FBI IC3, Jun 24, 2024)
How do crypto recovery scams work?
- They find you. Through direct messages, comments under news articles and videos about crypto, search results, or social media ads. (FBI IC3)
- They borrow authority. They pose as tracing firms, lawyers, or partners of the FBI, the CFPB or other agencies. Some invent agencies, such as an "International Financial Trading Commission." (FBI IC3; FBI IC3)
- They know details. Fake law firms may know the exact amounts and dates of your earlier transfers. (FBI IC3)
- They charge first. A "retainer," "processing fee," "tax" or bank fee, often in crypto or gift cards. Then they disappear, or send a bogus tracing report and ask for more. (FBI IC3; FTC)
- They pose as IC3 itself. In July 2026 the FBI warned of fake FBI agents on Facebook Messenger and Telegram, AI deepfake videos of an FBI leader, and a spoofed IC3 website that collects victims' details. (FBI IC3, Jul 20, 2026)
Can stolen crypto ever be recovered?
"Private sector recovery companies cannot issue seizure orders to recover cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency exchanges only freeze accounts based on internal processes or in response to legal process."
Sometimes funds are frozen or seized, but through law enforcement or legal process, not a paid stranger. The FBI also notes that victims can pursue civil litigation. (FBI IC3) Revoke.cash's own guide for scam victims puts it bluntly: "anyone who promises to do so is likely a scammer themselves." (Revoke.cash)
What are the red flags of a recovery scam?
- They contacted you first, especially if you never reported the crime anywhere. (FBI IC3)
- They want an upfront fee, or payment in crypto or gift cards. "The US Government does not request payment for law enforcement services provided." (FBI IC3)
- They claim to be an "officially authorized partner" of a government agency. The FBI says no law firm is. (FBI IC3)
- They move you to a WhatsApp group, won't appear on camera, or can't show a law license. (FBI IC3)
- They tell you your money is waiting at a foreign bank and you must open an account there. (FBI IC3)
What should I do instead?
- Report the original loss at ic3.gov, typed into the address bar, not from a search ad. Include addresses, amounts, dates and transaction hashes. (FBI IC3; FBI IC3)
- Mention any recovery offers in your report. (FBI IC3)
- Verify anyone claiming to be the FBI by calling your local FBI field office yourself. (FBI IC3)
- Report recovery scammers to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general. (FTC)
- If you're 60 or older and need help filing, the DOJ Elder Justice Hotline is 1-833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311). (FBI IC3)
Frequently asked questions
Does the FBI or IC3 charge a fee to recover stolen crypto?
No. The FBI says IC3 will never ask for payment to recover lost funds and will never refer you to a company that charges for recovery. Law enforcement does not charge victims to investigate.
Will IC3 contact me on social media or by phone?
No. The FBI says IC3 has no social media presence and never contacts people directly by phone, email, social media or chat. Follow-up comes from FBI field office staff or other law enforcement.
Are crypto tracing companies legitimate?
Some tracing work is real, but the FBI says private companies cannot issue seizure orders. Be wary of any firm that advertises recovery, uses vague language, has little online presence, or charges up front.
A law firm says I'm on a government list of scam victims. Is that real?
The FBI lists that claim as a red flag of fictitious law firms. Verify independently and never pay up front.
No affiliate links on this page, by policy. We do not refer anyone to recovery services.
Sources
- FBI IC3, "Increase in Companies Falsely Claiming an Ability to Recover Funds Lost in Cryptocurrency Investment Scams" (I-081123-PSA), 2023-08-11. ic3.gov (accessed 2026-10-24)
- FBI IC3, "Fictitious Law Firms Targeting Cryptocurrency Scam Victims Offering to Recover Funds" (I-062424-PSA), 2024-06-24. ic3.gov (accessed 2026-10-24)
- FBI IC3, "Fictitious Law Firms Targeting Cryptocurrency Scam Victims Combine Multiple Exploitation Tactics While Offering to Recover Funds" (I-081325-PSA), 2025-08-13. ic3.gov (accessed 2026-10-24)
- FBI IC3, "FBI Warns of Scammers Impersonating the IC3" (I-072026-PSA), 2026-07-20. ic3.gov (accessed 2026-10-24)
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, "2025 IC3 Annual Report," April 2026 (p. 53, Recovery Scams). ic3.gov (accessed 2026-10-24)
- FBI IC3, "FBI Guidance for Cryptocurrency Scam Victims" (I-082423-PSA), 2023-08-24. ic3.gov (accessed 2026-10-24)
- Federal Trade Commission, "Refund and Recovery Scams," December 2023. consumer.ftc.gov (accessed 2026-10-24); see also FTC consumer alert, "Have you lost money to a scam? Watch for scammers who say they can help," 2026-08-03. consumer.ftc.gov
- Revoke.cash, "You've Been Scammed, Now What?" (undated). revoke.cash (accessed 2026-10-24)
Changelog
- 2026-10-24: First published.