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If you are in the United States, report suspected cryptocurrency-related crime to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3); you can also contact an FBI field office or local law enforcement when appropriate. Report what you observed rather than claiming that laundering is proven. Include wallet addresses, transaction hashes, amounts, dates, and a concise timeline if you have them. IC3 accepts reports even when there was no financial loss or you do not have transaction details.
If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services. Outside the United States, use the law-enforcement and financial-reporting channels for your location; U.S. agencies and forms may not apply.
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How to report suspected crypto laundering in the United States
- Write down what happened. Make a timeline with dates, times, where the activity occurred, and how you learned about it. Distinguish what you directly saw from what you suspect.
- Collect the transaction details you can access. Note the cryptocurrency or other asset, amount, sending and receiving wallet addresses, transaction ID or hash, and date and time. Add relevant exchange or platform names and account identifiers, if known.
- File a complaint with IC3. Use the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center to report suspected cyber-enabled crime or online fraud. The FBI also lists local field offices as a contact option.
- Keep your supporting records. Save original messages, receipts, screenshots, web pages, and other records securely. IC3 does not accept evidence attachments, so put important facts in the complaint and retain the originals in case investigators request them.
- Save the complaint information. If you later have new details, IC3 says to submit a new complaint that references the earlier one.
Use official channels and avoid publicly posting wallet addresses or accusing a named person. Report specific observations, such as a transfer route or a request to move funds, and let investigators assess what they mean.
What information should I provide?
Transaction information is especially useful, but platform and communication context can help explain what happened. Provide details that you know are accurate; do not guess to fill gaps.
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- Wallet addresses and transaction hashes or IDs.
- Asset type, amount, date, and time for each relevant transfer.
- Exchange, wallet service, website, or app names, plus account identifiers if known.
- Names, aliases, phone numbers, email addresses, usernames, and social media accounts associated with the activity.
- How you first learned about the activity, when relevant.
- A short timeline describing the specific behavior that seemed suspicious.
- Related emails, texts, chat records, receipts, screenshots, and web pages. Preserve the originals where possible.
What if I do not have transaction information?
Submit what you do know. The FBI says to report suspected cryptocurrency crime even if transaction details are unavailable. Describe the people, accounts, platform, communications, or events that brought the activity to your attention, and clearly identify missing details rather than estimating them.
Should I send evidence to IC3?
No. IC3’s FAQ says it does not collect evidence regarding complaints or accept attachments. Include the key facts in the complaint, then keep original records securely. Do not delete or alter the material; investigators may ask for it through an appropriate channel.
What happens after I file an IC3 complaint?
IC3 reviews complaints and may refer them to law enforcement or partner agencies. The agency receiving a complaint decides whether to investigate. Filing a complaint does not guarantee that an investigation will open, and IC3 says it cannot provide complainants with case status or respond to every report. Keep your complaint record so you can refer to it if you submit additional information.
Is a public complaint the same as a suspicious activity report?
No. In the United States, suspicious activity reports (SARs) are part of the Bank Secrecy Act system and are filed by covered financial institutions and other regulated entities—not directly by members of the public. If you noticed suspicious activity through a bank, exchange, or other provider, you can notify that organization through its official fraud or compliance channel as well as reporting relevant facts to law enforcement. The U.S. Department of Justice provides an overview of money laundering and financial reporting context.
Which agency should I contact for related fraud?
For online crime in the United States, IC3 is the FBI’s public reporting route. Other channels may fit specific conduct or circumstances:
- Immediate danger: Contact emergency services or local police.
- Consumer scam: The FTC lists ReportFraud and other reporting options for cryptocurrency scams.
- Securities or commodities conduct: Depending on the facts, the SEC or CFTC may also be relevant. The FTC’s guidance identifies these routes alongside IC3 and the exchange used.
These are U.S.-specific options, not a requirement to file the same complaint with every agency. The FBI’s contact guidance and the DOJ’s computer and internet crime reporting page can help identify appropriate federal channels. Outside the United States, contact the relevant local or national law-enforcement agency and follow your jurisdiction’s financial-intelligence reporting process.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you lost money in a crypto scam
Stop sending money and report the incident to IC3. You may also use the FTC, SEC, or CFTC channels when the conduct fits their remit, and contact the exchange involved through its official support or fraud process. Do not pay someone who promises to recover your cryptocurrency for an upfront fee: the FBI warns that such offers can be another scam. IC3 also says it does not partner with non-law-enforcement entities to recover funds or investigate cases.
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