Scam Steps
← All scam types

Crypto sent to a non-custodial wallet

Funds sent to a wallet address the scammer controls directly, outside any exchange.

Realistic recovery rate
0–1%

Honest: recovery is effectively zero. Filing still matters for documentation (tax loss, future legal action, aggregate enforcement data) but no individual recovery should be expected. The most common follow-up scam is a fake 'crypto recovery service' targeting your loss — every one of those is itself a scam. Do not pay anyone who promises to recover this.

Do this first

File IC3 immediately. Then read the warning below about recovery scammers. Do not engage with anyone who promises crypto recovery.

Calls to make first

Phone calls move faster than online filings, especially in the first 24–48 hours. Make these calls before, or while, you work through the templated filings below.

  1. 1. AARP Fraud Watch Helpline

    Mon–Fri 8am–8pm ET
    877-908-3360

    What to say: Free helpline staffed by trained volunteers. Walk through your situation; they'll help you decide what to file first. You do not have to be an AARP member or over 50.

    Why this one: If you'd like to talk to a real person before doing any of the filings. They cannot recover funds for you, but they will help you think through the order.

  2. 2. Your local police non-emergency line

    24/7 for non-emergency; online forms available anytime
    Search '[your city] police non-emergency' or 311 in many cities. Online report option exists in most US cities.

    What to say: Say: 'I want to file a police report for fraud. I'm not asking for an investigation — I need a case number for my bank and federal filings.' Get the case number in writing or by email.

    Why this one: The case number is the deliverable. Most departments do not investigate losses under ~$5,000, but the case number is required by many banks for dispute processing and by the FTC identity-theft flow.

Free, official help from a real person

If you'd like to talk to someone before filing, these are free public services. They cannot recover funds for you, but they will walk you through what to do next.

  • AARP Fraud Watch Helpline — 877-908-3360. Free, 7 days/week, you do not need to be an AARP member or over 50. Trained volunteers who specialize in scam recovery guidance.
  • FTC ReportFraud advisor — reportfraud.ftc.gov. After filing, the FTC sometimes connects you with a consumer- advice specialist.
  • FTC IdentityTheft.gov — identitytheft.gov. Best place to start if your Social Security number, accounts, or personal information were exposed.
  • FBI IC3 — ic3.gov. Federal intake for internet-enabled crime.
  • CFPB — consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Use this if your bank refuses your fraud dispute.
Generate a filled plan for my caseBrowse other types