I think I'm in a crypto scam — what do I do?
Crypto investment scams are fast-growing and hard to reverse: (1) Classic patterns: “Guaranteed 5% weekly return”, “Personal broker at CryptoExchangePro” (fake site), “Family member gave me this tip”, “Start with €250 and watch it grow”. (2) Stop all payments NOW: call bank fraud line urgently. Crypto exchanges: request account block at Bitvavo/Bitstamp. Block cards to prevent follow-up damage. (3) Police report mandatory: politie.nl + Fraudehelpdesk 088-786 7372 + AFM Consumer Desk 0800-5400. (4) Crypto recovery: nearly impossible once transferred (no bank protocol). Via Tikkie/iDEAL: 30% chance via chargeback within 14 days. (5) Prevent further damage: scammer often tries “recovery scam” (“we can recover your money for €500 fee”) — also scam. (6) IDV link: Is Dit Veilig? crypto-checker for suspect sites.
Step by step
- 1Stop all communication + paymentsBlock scammer on WhatsApp/Telegram/email. Don't reply to “but your money is almost back”. Block cards via bank app. Secure crypto exchange account (change 2FA).
- 2Call bank fraud lineBunq/Revolut: in-app. ING/ABN/Rabo: customer service fraud dept. Request “chargeback” for recent Tikkie/iDEAL payments (within 14 days ~30% success rate).
- 3AFM Consumer DeskAFM is investment market regulator: 0800-5400 or online complaint. They warn other consumers + investigate structural scam platforms.
- 4Police + FraudehelpdeskOnline investment fraud report via politie.nl. Report number needed for bank claim. Fraudehelpdesk 088-786 7372 for pattern data and advice.
- 5Slachtofferhulp + emotional supportCrypto-scam victims often feel shame. Slachtofferhulp 0900-0101 offers free conversations. Important: don't let shame prevent reporting and family notification.
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
How many people get crypto-scammed?
~7,500 reports in 2025, estimated actual: 25,000+ (massive under-reporting due to shame). Total damage: €160 million, average €15,000 per victim. Strongly growing category.
Can I recover crypto money?
Almost not. Once crypto sent to scammer wallet: irreversible. Exception: police can in rare cases freeze wallet via international request (takes months, success rate <5%). Better: prevent.
How do I recognize crypto scam in advance?
1) Guaranteed returns (real investments don't exist), 2) Pressure to decide fast, 3) Personal broker only helping you, 4) No AFM registration on afm.nl, 5) “Luxury life proof” images. 2+ red flags: stop.
What is a “recovery scam”?
After initial scam someone calls: “We can recover your money for €500-2000 fee”. Also scam. Victims robbed twice. AFM, police, lawyers NEVER charge upfront for recovery.
Do “blockchain forensics” companies really recover money?
In rare cases yes (Chainalysis, etc.) for large amounts + known criminal clusters. Cost €5,000-50,000 upfront. Not recommended for <€50,000 loss. For consumers: police report + Fraudehelpdesk is free equivalent.
How do I recognize fake investment brokers?
Check AFM register: all recognized investment firms there. Not in register + Dutch clients = always illegal. Other markers: high guaranteed return, pressure tactics, social media advertising.
Sources
🔎 Common search queries
Recognise your own search? Our answer above covers all of these variants.
- “crypto scam Netherlands recovery”
- “AFM crypto fraud reporting”
- “investment scam guaranteed returns”
- “Bitvavo Bitstamp scammer block”
- “recovery scam crypto warning”