Bitcoin is powerful, but it’s also a target for scammers.
If you’ve been scammed — or think someone is trying to scam you — reporting it matters. These reports help authorities track criminal activity, protect other Canadians, and in rare cases, even recover funds.
This guide explains exactly how to report a Bitcoin scam in Canada and what to do next.
For more educational support, visit the 1Bitcoin.ca Homepage or browse the Bitcoin Resources Hub.
🧠 Step 1 — Confirm What Type of Scam You’re Dealing With
Before reporting, identify what happened as accurately as possible.
Common Bitcoin scam types include:
- Phishing scam — fake emails or wallet links stolen your credentials.
- Fake investment scam — you sent BTC to a “trader” promising guaranteed “returns.” “Returns” should always trigger caution; review Bitcoin Fees to understand legitimate financial flows.
- Romance scam — online “partners” ask for money or Bitcoin transfers.
- Tech support scam — someone asked for your seed phrase under the guise of help.
- Fake exchange scam — you deposited BTC but withdrawals were blocked. Understand legitimate withdrawal behavior in the Fees guide.
- Impersonation scam — a scammer pretended to be a business or authority.
If you’re unsure which scam you encountered, see Common Bitcoin Scam Types.
📝 Step 2 — Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)
The CAFC is Canada’s primary fraud-reporting agency.
You can report:
- Online
- By phone
- As a victim or witness
You do not need to prove a crime occurred — just provide all the evidence you have.
If you want help understanding Bitcoin terms or what exactly happened, visit the Resources Hub.
🚔 Step 3 — File a Police Report (Yes, You Should)
If you lost money — even a small amount — contact your local police.
Provide:
- Transaction details
- Screenshots
- TXID
- Timeline of scam communication
Need help understanding transactions? See How to Verify a Bitcoin Transaction.
🌐 Step 4 — Report the Scammer’s Platform
Most scammers operate on platforms like:
- Telegram
- YouTube
- TikTok
Submit a report directly to the platform.
For guidance on platform-based scams, read Avoid Bitcoin Scams in Canada.
🏦 Step 5 — Contact the Exchange or Wallet Used in the Scam
If you sent BTC from an exchange (e.g., Kraken, Coinbase, Shakepay), notify their support team immediately.
They may be able to flag the scammer’s address or freeze related accounts if funds move through their platform.
If you need to safely acquire replacement Bitcoin after a loss, consider Bitcoin Express — Canada’s simplest non-custodial purchase flow.
📣 Step 6 — Warn Others and Strengthen Your Defenses
Your experience may prevent someone else from losing money.
Warn:
- Friends & family
- Local community groups
- Online Bitcoin groups
- Reddit subs (e.g., /r/BitcoinCA)
You can also share your case anonymously.
Want to strengthen your own security?
See the Self-Custody & Hardware Wallet Guide.
🔒 BONUS: What If You’re Being Targeted Right Now?
Signs you’re currently being targeted:
- Urgent payment requests
- Asking for your seed phrase
- Fake “support agents” messaging you
- Requests to install remote-access tools
- Pressure to “deposit more to withdraw”
Save everything:
- Screenshots
- Messages
- Wallet addresses
- TXIDs
Then report immediately (CAFC + police).
✅ Summary Checklist
Before you finish, confirm you’ve:
- Reported the scam to CAFC
- Filed a police report
- Notified the platform the scammer used
- Contacted your exchange or wallet provider
- Secured your accounts and changed passwords
- Warned others
- Learned how to avoid similar scams
→ Start with Avoid Bitcoin Scams in Canada
→ Reinforce security via Self-Custody Guide
→ Understand what fees should look like via Bitcoin Fees
Final Thought
Reporting a scam may not always get your Bitcoin back — but it helps stop criminals, protect others, and strengthen the Bitcoin ecosystem in Canada.
If you want to keep learning and stay ahead of fraud, explore:
When in doubt, return to the 1Bitcoin.ca Homepage — we’re here to help Canadians stay safe, sovereign, and informed.
