Lost money to crypto fraud?
Who can help if you lost money to crypto fraud in the UK?
Updated 2026-09-25
Short answer
In the UK, start with the free routes: your bank (if money left a UK account), the exchange that received the funds, and Action Fraud (Police Scotland in Scotland) for a crime reference. Victim Support and Citizens Advice offer free support. If your bank refuses a refund, the Financial Ombudsman can review it. An onchain investigator such as Wallsec can trace where the funds went and prepare evidence the others can act on, and a solicitor can pursue legal action once the funds reach an identifiable party. No one can reverse a confirmed transfer or guarantee money back.
Who helps with what
Your bank or card provider
FreePayments that left a UK bank account or card, including possible reimbursement under UK authorised push payment rules where they apply.
How to reach them: Call the number on your card, then confirm in writing the same day.
The exchange that received the funds
FreeRestricting an account that still holds the funds and preserving records for police. This is the most time-sensitive step.
How to reach them: Use the exchange's official support or fraud form. Include transaction hashes, dates and amounts.
Action Fraud or Police Scotland
FreeThe official crime record that banks, exchanges and solicitors will ask for, and possible referral to a police force.
How to reach them: actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, Police Scotland on 101.
Victim Support and Citizens Advice
FreeEmotional support and practical advice on next steps, debts and dealing with your bank.
How to reach them: victimsupport.org.uk (08 08 16 89 111) and citizensadvice.org.uk.
Financial Ombudsman Service
FreeAn independent review if your bank or a UK-regulated firm refuses a refund or handles your complaint badly.
How to reach them: Complain to the firm first, then financial-ombudsman.org.uk.
An onchain investigator (such as Wallsec)
Fixed written quote after a free first assessmentTracing where the cryptocurrency went, identifying the endpoint (for example an exchange deposit) and preparing an evidence pack others can check.
How to reach them: Wallsec: contact@wallsec.co.uk or +44 20 3996 7980.
A solicitor
ChargeableDisclosure and freezing orders and civil claims, once a trace shows the funds reached an identifiable, reachable party.
How to reach them: The Law Society's Find a Solicitor service lists regulated firms.
How to choose a private firm
If you use a private investigator, check these points before paying anything:
- It is a registered company you can look up on Companies House.
- It gives a written scope and price before any chargeable work.
- It never asks for private keys, seed phrases, passwords or remote access to your device.
- It never asks you to send cryptocurrency to it.
- It explains what it cannot do, rather than promising your money back.
You can check Wallsec the same way on our verification page.
Common questions
Can anyone get my cryptocurrency back?
Sometimes, never guaranteed. A confirmed transfer cannot be reversed. Money comes back through an exchange restricting an account, a bank refund, police action or a court order, and all of those depend on knowing where the funds went.
Who should I contact first?
The exchange that received the funds and your bank, the same day if you can, then Action Fraud for a crime reference.
Is it worth paying for a private investigation?
It can be when you do not know where the funds went, or when a bank, exchange, police officer or solicitor needs the path documented before acting. Wallsec's first assessment is free and we say if a trace is not worth it.
Does Wallsec recover the funds itself?
No. Wallsec traces the funds and prepares evidence. Any return of funds comes through exchanges, banks, police or legal action.
Compare your options
What each route can and cannot do, side by side.
OpenUK fraud help hub
Every guide, grouped by what you need now.
OpenTracing FAQ
What a trace can and cannot show.
OpenNeed to know where your funds went?
The first assessment is free, and we will tell you if a trace is not worth it.