1. 1Am I being scammed?
  2. 2I’ve been scammed!
  3. 3I’ve tried everything
  4. 4I’m waiting for the govt
  5. 5The govt has taken action
  6. 6I’m receiving some money
04/ 06

I’m waiting for the government to find the scammers

You’re here if

You’ve filed your reports and taken all actions in your control. You haven't heard anything in week or months. No calls, no updates, and no closure.

What this means

Even in successful situations, investigations and recoveries often take a long time. You should not expect to hear anything even if law enforcement and the government are actively pursuing your case. You may not hear anything until the government has your money.

Recommendation

Put a recurring reminder on your calendar to check for notices and any status changes

It is critical to meet notice deadlines and take timely action if your case status changes. Monitoring the situation and keeping your information updated shouldn't take a lot of time.

Months to yearsthe normal timeframe
Periodic checksWe recommend periodic checks — don't give up and forget
Stay reachablekeep your contact information updated so notices can reach you

Find your situation

This stage can take months or years. Consider case monitoring options and actions you may take if someone reaches out.

A

“I haven’t heard anything”

While this is often a slow and length part of the process, stay attentive and ready.
  1. Monitor forfeiture.gov opens in a new tab for your wallet address and the platform’s name.Check this official list of seized assets at least once a month to see if your money surfaces.
  2. Scan ftc.gov/refunds opens in a new tab and set alerts (like Google Alert) for the platform’s name.News of arrests and refund programs may appear before any letter reaches you.
  3. Monitor CAS Wallet Tracker opens in a new tab for your wallet address and CAS Wallet Tracker opens in a new tab for cases which could be related to your situation.Check at least once a month to see if your wallet or case surfaces.
  4. Keep your evidence files and contact details current.A notice only works if it can reach you.
B

“I received a letter with a victim ID number”

A letter named you in a federal case
  1. Register with the DOJ Victim Notification System (VNS) opens in a new tab using the VIN and PIN from your letter, or call 866-365-4968.VNS sends you automatic updates as the case moves.
  2. Keep your address and email updated in VNS — it’s your responsibility to keep them current.Miss an update because your address was stale, and you could miss a filing window.
  3. Respond to any legitimate victim specialist who contacts you.They’re your direct line into the case. Much of the watching now shifts to them.
C

“A lawyer or class action reached out”

A civil case may be forming
  1. Keep your records organized and in one place.
  2. Verify any attorney through your state bar directory opens in a new tab before engaging with them.The state bar confirms they’re real and in good standing. This is also where recovery scammers pose as lawyers so verify first.
!

“Someone says they can get my money back”

They contacted you, and they want a fee
  1. Beware. This is likely a scam. Scammers buy and sell lists of prior victims. Being contacted is a red flag, not a lucky break.
  2. Never pay upfront and never share your wallet keys or passwords, whatever they promise.
  3. Report them to IC3 opens in a new tab — it strengthens your own file and helps protect the next person on their list.

Good to know: Americans lost $1.4 billion to these “recovery” scams in one year — some even impersonated the FBI’s own complaint center.

Helpful resources

Many resources like the following are free. While you may find useful paid resources, remember that it’s free to report a crime and file a claim.

forfeiture.gov notice search

Search seizure notices by keyword, asset, date, or location.

Search notices →

DOJ Victim Notification System

Free automatic case updates once you’re identified as a victim.

Register →

CAS Wallet Tracker

Search if your wallet has been linked to a fraudulent crypto wallet.

Search wallets →

CAS Case Tracker

Search for litigation and cases which might involve your stolen funds.

Search cases →

ftc.gov/refunds

Active FTC refund program, in one list.

See refund programs →

Etherscan

Watch a wallet’s live blockchain activity yourself.

Watch a wallet →
One rule that never changes: anyone who guarantees your money back or charges a fee to release it is likely a scammer.
← Previous stage

I’ve tried everything