Cryptocurrency fraud and scams have become increasingly common in the UK, with many individuals falling victim to these schemes. If you have been a victim of cryptocurrency fraud or suspect that someone is engaging in fraudulent activity, it is important to report it to the appropriate authorities. In this document, we will outline the steps you should take to report fraud and scams relating to cryptocurrency in the UK.
Step 1: Gather Information
Before you report cryptocurrency fraud, you should gather as much information as possible about the fraud or scam. This includes:
- The name and contact information of the individual or company involved
- Details about the cryptocurrency involved, including the wallet address and any transaction information
- Any emails, messages, or other communications related to the fraud or scam
- Any other relevant information, such as the date and time of the transaction or the amount of money involved
Step 2: Report to Action Fraud
Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting center. If you have been a victim of cryptocurrency fraud, you should report it to Action Fraud by visiting their website or calling their helpline. You will need to provide them with the information you have gathered in Step 1.
Action Fraud will review your report and provide you with a crime reference number. This reference number can be used to track the progress of your report.
Step 3: Report to the Police
In some cases, it may be appropriate to report cryptocurrency fraud to the police. If you believe that the fraud is a criminal matter, you should report it to your local police force. You will need to provide them with the information you have gathered in Step 1 and the crime reference number provided by Action Fraud.
The police will investigate the matter and may contact you for further information.
Step 4: Report to the FCA
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the UK’s financial regulatory body. If you believe that a company or individual is engaging in fraudulent activity related to cryptocurrency, you should report it to the FCA.
You can report cryptocurrency fraud to the FCA by visiting their website or calling their helpline. You will need to provide them with the information you have gathered in Step 1.
Step 5: Report to the Cryptocurrency Exchange
If the fraud or scam involves a cryptocurrency exchange, you should report it to the exchange. Most exchanges have a process for reporting fraud or suspicious activity.
You will need to provide the exchange with the information you have gathered in Step 1. The exchange will investigate the matter and may contact you for further information.
Step 6: Seek Legal Advice
If you have lost money as a result of cryptocurrency fraud or scams, you may wish to seek legal advice. A lawyer who specializes in cryptocurrency law can advise you on your legal options and help you recover your losses.
Conclusion
Reporting cryptocurrency fraud and scams in the UK is an important step in preventing further fraud and protecting yourself and others from becoming victims. By following the steps outlined in this document, you can ensure that your report is properly investigated and that appropriate action is taken. Remember to always be vigilant when dealing with cryptocurrency and to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. If you have specific claims that relate to eGBP Digital Sterling you can email us your concerns here; fraud@egbp.foundation.