Bitcoin is powerful, but it’s also a target for scammers. If you’ve been scammed — or think you’re being targeted — reporting it matters.
📣 Why report it?
- To stop scammers from targeting others
- To assist law enforcement in tracking crypto fraud
- To document the event for insurance, legal, or platform action
- And most importantly — because staying silent helps the scammers
This guide walks you through exactly how to report a Bitcoin scam in Canada.
🚨 Step 1: Recognize What Happened
Before you report anything, clearly identify the scam type. Here are a few common ones:
| Scam Type | Example Scenario |
| Phishing scam | Fake email/wallet link stole your credentials |
| Fake investment | Sent BTC to “trader” promising returns, then ghosted |
| Romance scam | Online relationship turned into crypto money requests |
| Tech support scam | “Support” asked for your seed phrase or remote access |
| Ponzi/pyramid scheme | Paid into a scheme with fake payouts or referral pressure |
| Fake wallet/exchange | Deposited BTC, then couldn’t withdraw or site disappeared |
| Impersonation scam | Someone posed as a celebrity, company, or official agency |
Write down the facts: what happened, who you interacted with, when, how much BTC, and any screenshots, TXIDs, or wallet addresses involved.
📝 Step 2: Report the Scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is Canada’s central agency for tracking and investigating fraud.
🔗 Report it here:
👉 www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
What you’ll need to provide:
- Your contact info
- A clear description of what happened
- Any wallet addresses, email addresses, phone numbers used
- Screenshots, TXIDs, links, or documents (if available)
💡 You don’t have to prove a crime was committed. Just report what you know.
🧑✈️ Step 3: File a Police Report (If Money Was Lost)
If you lost money — even a small amount — you should file a police report.
How to do it:
- Contact your local police department
- Bring: transaction details, screenshots, TXID, and timeline
- Mention that you’ve also filed with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
This helps in three ways:
- Creates an official paper trail
- May assist in larger investigations
- Could be helpful if legal action or asset recovery becomes possible
🌍 Step 4: Report to Global Platforms (If Applicable)
Many scammers use major platforms (like Instagram, Telegram, YouTube, WhatsApp) to target victims. Reporting them helps shut their accounts down.
Report the scammer to:
- Instagram / Facebook – Report account or messages
- Telegram – Tap profile > “Report”
- YouTube – Report the channel or video
- WhatsApp – Tap profile > “Report Contact”
Also report fake websites to:
- https://safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish/
- https://whois.domaintools.com/ to find domain owner (if needed)
💼 Step 5: Contact the Wallet/Exchange Involved
If you sent BTC to a scammer via an exchange or wallet service (like Coinbase, Binance, Shakepay, etc.), contact their support immediately.
Give them:
- TXID or wallet address
- Time/date of transaction
- Description of the scam
🚫 While Bitcoin transactions are irreversible, they may be able to flag the scammer’s address or freeze related accounts.
🧠 Step 6: Educate and Protect Others
Once you’ve reported everything:
✅ Warn others — especially if the scammer used a fake brand, influencer, or Canadian platform
✅ Share your experience anonymously on forums like Reddit or BitcoinTalk
✅ Use your story to educate others around you, especially newcomers to Bitcoin
🛡️ BONUS: If You’re Just Being Targeted (But Not Scammed Yet)
That’s great — you caught it early.
Still report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to help build intel on the scam.
Then:
- Block the contact
- Save evidence (screenshots, messages, wallet addresses)
- Warn others in your community
🧾 Summary Checklist
✅ Identify the scam
✅ Gather all evidence (TXIDs, screenshots, wallet addresses)
✅ Report to:
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Local police (if money was lost)
- Online platforms or exchanges used
✅ Educate and warn others
Final Thought
Reporting a scam won’t always get your Bitcoin back — but it does help stop the scammers from hurting others.
📢 Silence helps scammers. Reporting makes a difference.
If you’re unsure what to do next or want to learn more about staying safe, check out our other educational guides on: