Crypto and investment fraud: reclaim your money and report it

You invested in a crypto or financial scheme and can no longer access your money, or an 'advisor' pushes you to pay in more and more? These are typical features of investment fraud. It is important to act quickly and correctly now.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Investment fraud is often hard to reverse (the money frequently flows abroad). Even so: the faster you involve your bank or card provider, the better.

Paid by credit card or direct debit? Then a complaint (chargeback) or reversal may be possible; start it with the bank immediately.

What you should do now

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1. No further payments
Do not pay in anything more, not even a 'fee' or 'tax' to supposedly access your money. That is exactly the scam.
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2. Involve your bank or card provider
Ask for a recall or chargeback and have further debits stopped. Block your card and account if needed (116 116).
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3. Secure evidence
Save screenshots of the platform, chat and email histories, transfers, wallet addresses and the names of the 'advisors'.
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4. Report to BaFin and file a complaint
Report the provider to BaFin (consumer protection) and file a criminal complaint with the police.
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5. Beware of the second wave
If someone calls offering to 'recover' your money for an upfront fee (recovery), it is almost always the next scam. Do not go along with it.

How to spot the scam

Guaranteed, unusually high returns with no risk.
An 'advisor' looks after you closely by phone or chat and pushes for larger deposits.
Your account or dashboard shows nice profits, but a payout never works without a further payment.
Payout only against a 'tax', 'fee' or 'verification'.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get my money back in a crypto scam?

It is often difficult because the money flows abroad. If you paid by card or direct debit, a quick chargeback or reversal attempt is worthwhile. It is also important to secure evidence, report to BaFin and file a complaint.

What is recovery fraud?

The 'second wave': someone contacts you and promises to recover your lost money for an upfront fee. That is almost always fraud again; do not go along with it.

Where do I report a dubious provider?

To BaFin (the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) and with a criminal complaint to the police.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.