How to File a Cryptocurrency Fraud Report: Essential Structure, Evidence, and Guidelines

If you’ve fallen victim to cryptocurrency fraudsters, it’s crucial to act quickly: gather evidence, document transactions, and report the details to your exchange or law enforcement. Grigory Osipov, director of investigations at «Shard,» explains how to prepare a report that can initiate an investigation and help recover your assets.

When stolen funds are transferred to centralized exchanges, there’s a chance to block them. These platforms are required to verify users under KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations. They collect information about clients and may suspend suspicious transactions in certain situations.

If you notice that your funds have reached a specific exchange, contact customer support as soon as possible—whether via email, chat, or a designated form.

It’s worth noting that most exchanges operate in English, so it’s best to communicate in that language.

The quality of your submission can not only influence whether your report is addressed but also the efficiency of the investigation.

Craft a concise yet informative summary of the incident:

If you’re a citizen of Russia, you can download a standard police report template from the official Ministry of Internal Affairs website or via «Gosuslugi.» You can submit the report electronically through the same platform or in person at your local police station.

**What to Include in Your Report:**

Details about the incident:

Transaction information:

These details can be retrieved using blockchain explorers such as Etherscan, Blockchain.com, or Tronscan.

The thoroughness and accuracy of your report enhance the likelihood of a prompt response from the cryptocurrency exchange or law enforcement agencies. The more detailed the information, the greater the chance of blocking the assets before they can be withdrawn. This data collection can be done independently or entrusted to specialists in crypto investigations.

**Phrases That Might Harm Your Case:**

When addressing law enforcement, it is essential to use precise, legally correct, and emotionally neutral language. Poorly constructed statements can complicate the case review process and may even work against the victim.

**Why a Screenshot Isn’t Enough:**

Many victims limit their evidence to screenshots of conversations with alleged criminals. A screenshot is merely an image; it lacks IP addresses, metadata, digital signatures, and other information necessary to validate its authenticity. Additionally, screenshots can be easily manipulated with graphic editing software.

Therefore, in addition to screenshots, it’s advisable to present the following information in your report to law enforcement:

A complaint can be submitted either directly by the victim or through an authorized representative. These two options differ in content, legal strength, and how they are perceived by law enforcement personnel.

Reports from individuals often contain emotionally charged language, vague descriptions of facts, and a lack of properly formatted evidence—from transaction records to technical data. This complicates the investigation and reduces the chances of the case being pursued.

A report prepared by a lawyer, especially with input from a cryptocurrency investigations specialist, is typically well-structured, references specific legal provisions, and includes an appendices list, relevant screenshots, and technical analysis.

Furthermore, professional reports often come with requests for investigations, tracking deadlines, and options for appealing any inaction by officials.

The technical aspect is also significant: a cryptocurrency expert can accurately document and present blockchain transaction information in a properly formatted expert report, which is critical during investigations into crypto asset incidents. For example, mapping the flow of digital funds, identifying related addresses, and verifying data from open sources can provide authorities with a clearer and more reliable picture of the events.

A well-crafted report is your tool for protection. It documents the fraud, maintains the possibility of asset blocking, and helps avoid potential legal and tax implications.

Even if the losses appear unrecoverable, correctly formatted evidence and precise language will increase your chances of an investigation and holding the perpetrators accountable. Additionally, each report contributes to statistics that shape anti-cryptocurrency fraud policies.

Gather data, format it carefully, and report to the police promptly. Don’t hesitate to engage specialists—the more precise your report is, the higher the likelihood it will be taken seriously.