OaksteadREPORTS

Free guide

How to report a crypto scam to your exchange

If you bought or sent crypto through an exchange like Coinbase or Kraken, tell them what happened. Here's how to reach the real support team and what to give them.

First, avoid fake support

Scammers post fake exchange support numbers in search results, ads and social media. Some call victims pretending to be the exchange, and caller ID can be faked. Only contact support through the exchange's own app, or by typing its web address yourself. Never call a number from a search result or one a caller gives you.

Which exchange to contact

5 steps to report it

  1. 1

    Secure your account first

    If you gave anyone remote access to your device, a 2-step code or your login, change your password, reset 2-step verification, and remove any devices you don't recognize.

  2. 2

    Gather your details

    The email on your account, and for each transfer: the date, amount, coin, the address you sent to and the transaction ID. Add your IC3 submission ID and police report number if you have them.

  3. 3

    Contact support from inside the app

    Open the Help or Support section in the exchange's app or website. If there's an option for fraud or scams, choose it.

  4. 4

    Describe it plainly

    Say what happened, when, and which transfers went to the scammer. Ask them to note the fraud on your account and to tell you what they need from law enforcement.

  5. 5

    Save your ticket number

    Write it down with the date. Police, attorneys and IC3 updates may ask for it.

What to expect

Crypto transfers generally can't be reversed. Exchanges usually freeze funds only through their own review or a legal order from law enforcement or a court, which is why your police report number matters. No real exchange will ask you to pay a fee to get money back.

Our exchange packet (free during early access) puts your account details, every transfer and your report numbers into one document for the exchange's support team. Start with the free IC3 summary.
Start your exchange packet

More free guides

Sources

Last checked against official guidance: November 2026. Coinbase and Kraken are named as examples only. We are not affiliated with any exchange.