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How to Recover Cryptocurrency from a Scam in the UK: The Complete Guide
What to do now, what really works, and what to avoid.
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Property Legal, Risk & Compliance
Property Legal, Risk & Compliance
Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond
Fraud · Crypto recovery
Recovering crypto after a scam
First hoursecure & record
Reportpolice & FCA
Freezeat exchanges
Bewarerecovery scams
In short: Crypto sent to a scammer usually can't be reversed, but it can sometimes be traced and frozen, especially if it reaches a regulated exchange or a stablecoin issuer before it's moved on. Act fast: stop paying, secure any remaining funds, record every transaction ID and wallet address, and report it to your exchange, your bank, the police and the FCA. For larger sums, UK courts can grant freezing injunctions and order exchanges to identify account holders. Be very careful of anyone who contacts you offering to recover your money: "recovery" firms are now one of the most common ways victims lose more.
Exchanges
If funds reach a regulated exchange, it can freeze the account once police or a court ask.
Stablecoin issuers
Issuers such as Tether and Circle can freeze USDT or USDC at specific addresses, usually at law enforcement's request.
Blockchain tracing
Every transaction is public, so investigators can follow funds across wallets.
Civil court orders
Freezing injunctions, disclosure orders and claims against "persons unknown".
Bank refunds
If you paid by bank transfer to buy crypto because of a scam, ask your bank about reimbursement rules.
Tax
Losses from theft may affect your capital gains tax position; get advice.
Your first steps
1
Stop all paymentsDon't send more money, including "fees" or "taxes" to release funds.
2
Secure what's leftMove remaining funds to a new wallet with a new seed phrase, change passwords and turn on app-based 2FA.
3
Record everythingTransaction IDs (hashes), wallet addresses, dates, amounts, screenshots, website URLs and chat logs.
4
Tell your exchange and bankExchanges can sometimes freeze funds that reach them. Banks may be able to help if you paid by card or bank transfer.
5
Report to the policeReport to Action Fraud (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), or to Police Scotland on 101. You'll get a crime reference number.
6
Report the scamReport adverts and websites to the FCA, and suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
7
Consider legal actionFor larger sums, a solicitor can seek freezing orders and disclosure from exchanges.
Is legal action worth it?
Expected recovery–
Expected value after costs–
A rough guide only. A solicitor will give you a costs estimate and an honest view of the chances.
Never
Frequently asked questions
Is that "recovery firm" genuine?
A company contacts you offering to recover your lost crypto. Which describes them?
Can stolen crypto be recovered?
Sometimes, if it's traced to an exchange or a freezable stablecoin quickly. Often it can't.
Who do I report crypto fraud to in the UK?
Action Fraud (or Police Scotland), your exchange, your bank and the FCA.
Are crypto recovery companies legit?
Many that advertise or cold-call are scams. Use regulated solicitors.
Does Fraser Bond recover crypto?
No. We're a property agency. This guide is to help you act quickly and safely.
I'm buying property with crypto gains. Can you help?
Yes. We can explain source-of-funds checks and help you buy.
Buying property with crypto proceeds?
Agents and solicitors must check the source of funds. We can guide you through it.
