I’ve tried everything

1. Watch the wallet’s activity on Etherscan↗ opens in a new tab or another block explorer.If the funds move to a major exchange, notify that exchange immediately and ask about a freeze. Document the transaction information, and update your IC3 file.
2. Map where the money went with MetaSleuth↗ opens in a new tab and save the picture with your evidence.A clear visual trail makes later filings — and any investigator’s subpoena — stronger.
3. Monitor recently forfeited wallet address to see if they trace back to your walletCAS Wallet Tracker↗ opens in a new tabThe government may have your money and you didn't receive notice.
4. Monitor litigation and cases which might involve your stolen moneyCAS Case Tracker↗ opens in a new tabYour money may be tied to law enforcement or litigation actions.

Good to know: Tracing doesn’t move money back — its valuable evidence. A clean, documented trail can help with recoveries.

1. Know what attorneys can actually do: advise on notices and petitions, pursue a civil case when the people or companies behind the scam are identified and have reachable assets, and push a bank or exchange that mishandled a fraud dispute.What they can’t do: make seized money appear, speed up the FBI, or guarantee anything.
2. Verify any attorney through your state bar directory↗ opens in a new tab before signing anything or paying a retainer.The state bar confirms they’re real and in good standing. This is also where recovery scammers pose as lawyers — verify first.
3. Ask about fees up frontIf the loss is small, litigation can cost more than it returns. A good lawyer will tell you that themselves.
4. If you qualify by income, find free civil legal help through LSC.gov↗ opens in a new tab.

1. If your bank stalled or denied a fraud claim, file a free complaint with the CFPB↗ opens in a new tab.Banks must respond to regulator complaints — it often gets a stalled claim moving.
2. File a consumer complaint with your state Attorney General↗ opens in a new tab.AG offices log patterns across victims and sometimes open their own actions — your complaint adds to the pile that triggers one.
3. If a Bitcoin ATM was involved, ask your state banking regulator about refund rules.40+ states passed or introduced crypto-kiosk laws in 2025 — you may have a refund right you don’t know about.

1. Call AARP’s Fraud Watch helpline at 877-908-3360 — available at any age and free.Trained specialists, plus free support groups of people who’ve stood exactly here. Talking to them helps more than most expect.
2. Ask a tax professional about the theft-loss deduction, and bring IRS memo CCA 202511015↗ opens in a new tab.Investment-style scams generally qualify; romance and impersonation scams generally don’t through 2025. It won’t return the money, but it can soften the hit.
3. Keep your evidence file complete and shift into the monthly habit of the next stage (Waiting for Official Updates).The wait is where recoveries are actually won by the people who stay engaged.