IF A BANK IS BLOCKING YOUR MONEY

UNITED STATES

Find U.S. consumer complaint resources at the USA.gov consumer complaints portal. It directs complaints to the right agency, tracks patterns, and is free to use.

UNITED KINGDOM

Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service If the bank does not resolve your complaint within eight weeks. Their decisions are binding on participating firms.

AUSTRALIA

Find Australian consumer rights and complaint guidance at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The ACCC explains consumer law and how to escalate disputes.

CANADA

Use the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI) For unresolved banking complaints. OBSI can recommend compensation up to set limits.

EUROPEAN UNION

Contact your national banking supervisor or the ECB consumer complaint portal For issues related to supervised banks.

DOCUMENT FIRST

Before you complain, collect dates, branch names, employee names, reference numbers, and screenshots. A clear timeline turns a vague complaint into a fileable case.

IF YOU LOST CRYPTO OR WERE APPROACHED BY A RECOVERY SCAM

FBI IC3

File a complaint at Ic3.gov, Even if the loss is small. IC3 uses reports to map criminal networks and issue warnings.

FTC

Report fraud at Reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC tracks scams and issues public warnings that can protect others.

ACTION FRAUD (UK)

Report cybercrime and fraud through the National Anti Fraud Network (NAFN) Or call 0300 123 2040.

SCAMWATCH (AUSTRALIA)

Report to the ACCC at Scamwatch.gov.au And get advice on recovery scams and how to protect yourself.

CANADIAN ANTI-FRAUD CENTRE

Report at Antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

CHAINALYSIS REPORTS

Read public reports on crypto crime trends at Chainalysis.com To understand how funds are traced and why recovery is rarely simple.

BEFORE YOU HIRE ANYONE

  • Search the company name plus “scam,” “complaint,” or “review.”
  • Verify the domain is established, not registered last week.
  • Ask for a written engagement agreement before paying.
  • Confirm they report to law enforcement, not just “blockchain experts.”
  • Never pay in crypto, gift cards, or cash apps for recovery services.
  • Speak to your own lawyer before signing anything.
  • Remember: no one can reverse a confirmed blockchain transaction.
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SELF-HELP CHECKLIST

Before you hire a lawyer, a recovery company, or a forensic investigator, walk through this checklist. It will protect you from the second scam.

  • Write down the full timeline of what happened.
  • Collect screenshots, transaction hashes, and wallet addresses.
  • Report the loss to the official fraud body in your country.
  • Search the recovery company name plus “scam” or “review.”
  • Check the domain registration date.
  • Ask for a written engagement agreement before paying.
  • Never pay in crypto, gift cards, or wire transfers to an unknown party.
  • Speak to your own bank and a qualified lawyer before signing anything.
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CONSUMER GUIDES

WHICH? — BANKING COMPLAINTS

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FTC — CRYPTO SCAMS

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ACCC — SCAMWATCH

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CHAINALYSIS — CRYPTO CRIME REPORTS

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