GUIDE · 9 min read
The Truth About Crypto Recovery
What can and can't be recovered after a crypto scam — and how to spot "recovery scam" services.
C
CyberPhoenix Research
Honest answers
- Funds sent to a major exchange address: ~30-70% recoverable if reported within 24-72h
- Funds sent to a self-custodied wallet that's been laundered: usually <10%
- Funds bounced through 5+ hops + mixers: recovery is rare without law enforcement
- Funds you "earned" on a fake platform: never existed in the first place
What actually helps
- Report immediately — every hour matters
- File with FBI IC3 (US), Action Fraud (UK), or your country equivalent — these systems share with VASPs
- Contact the destination exchange's compliance team directly with hashes
- Work with a legitimate, named firm — Cyberphoenix, blockchain forensics shops, qualified counsel
How to spot a recovery scam
- They cold contacted you after your loss — red flag
- They guarantee recovery — red flag
- They want an upfront fee in crypto — red flag
- They claim "inside contacts" at exchanges — red flag
- They use Telegram only — red flag
No legitimate recovery firm operates this way. If in doubt, ask us — we'll tell you free of charge.
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