Overview
Cryptocurrency scams come in many forms: as a supposed trading platform with high returns, as an “investment group” on a messenger, as an online acquaintance with a supposedly safe investment tip, or as a fake website of a well-known exchange. What they have in common is that those affected exchange money into cryptocurrencies and then transfer it to a wallet that is controlled by the perpetrators.
Following instructions, those affected often set up an account at a regular crypto exchange, buy coins there and send them on. Increasing account balances then appear on the fraudulent platform, but these are only simulated. If a withdrawal is requested, requests for fees or taxes will follow, or contact will end.
Transactions on the blockchain cannot technically be reversed and the recipients usually remain anonymous. This makes enforcing claims challenging. At the same time, the payment channels are publicly traceable: if they lead to a regulated stock exchange, this can be a starting point for investigative authorities. In addition to the immediate perpetrators, we also examine other possible opponents - always depending on the individual case.
Immediate steps
These steps make sense in most cases – regardless of whether you instruct us.
Do not send any further cryptocurrencies and do not transfer any money for supposed fees or taxes. You should also scrutinise offers to “recover” the lost money against advance payment.
Report the incident to your bank and to the crypto exchange through which you bought or sent the coins. For euro payments, a recall can be attempted; the exchange can review the transaction internally and cooperate with the authorities.
Note wallet addresses and transaction IDs (transaction hashes) and save screenshots of the platform and all chat histories. This data is the basis for any tracing of the payment flows.
Remove any installed remote access software and change the passwords for your exchange account, email and online banking. If you have disclosed a seed phrase, any remaining balances should be transferred to a new wallet.
File a report with the police, stating wallet addresses and transaction IDs. Investigating authorities can obtain information from regulated exchanges and, in suitable cases, have assets secured.
Unsure what to do first in your case?
Legal assessment
In the case of deception, claims for damages under Section 823(2) of the German Civil Code (BGB) in conjunction with Section 263 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) and under Section 826 BGB may be available. In practice, the decisive question is whether those responsible can be identified – which is often not the case with anonymous perpetrators abroad.
Offering crypto services and financial services in Germany and the EU generally requires a licence and is subject to supervision, in Germany by BaFin. We examine whether the provider held a licence and what significance a breach has for possible claims.
For the preceding euro payments, we examine whether they were authorised by you and whether an institution involved breached warning or due-diligence duties in the individual case. This applies in particular where third parties initiated payments via remote access.
If coins were purchased via a regulated exchange or sent to an account held there, we examine whether this offers any avenues – for example for information in the criminal investigation or, depending on the individual case, for claims of your own.
Payment flows on the blockchain can generally be traced. Combined with access to the file in the criminal investigation, this may reveal where assets have flowed and whether securing them is a possibility.
Who may be liable
They come into consideration as the direct opposing parties. As they usually act anonymously and from abroad, enforcement is frequently difficult – we address this openly in our assessment.
An exchange that holds the recipient wallet or through which transactions were processed may be liable in individual cases. Liability is by no means a given and depends on the specific circumstances.
In the case of unauthorised payments or where specific grounds for suspicion went unheeded, claims against an institution involved may be available. Whether the requirements are met needs careful examination.
If money was first transferred to third-party bank accounts, claims for repayment or damages against these account holders may be available. Unlike those behind the scheme, they are frequently identifiable.
Individuals who deliberately induced you to invest may also be liable, depending on their role and knowledge, provided their identity and involvement can be proven.
Whether and against whom claims actually exist depends on the individual case and can only be assessed after reviewing the documents.
Preserve evidence
Do not delete anything – not even out of anger or shame. Your account of events is enough for the initial enquiry; documents can be submitted later.
Our approach
Using the form, you describe to us in a few minutes what happened. You can submit documents later.
We review your details, classify the facts and examine against whom claims may be available.
You receive an honest assessment of prospects, risks and costs – and decide for yourself whether to instruct us.
We implement the agreed strategy: towards banks, payment service providers and other parties involved, and in court if necessary.
FAQ
General guidance – it does not replace advice on your individual case.
That depends on the individual case and cannot be promised. Transactions on the blockchain are irreversible, and the perpetrators often remain anonymous. We examine whether there are avenues against identifiable parties and tell you openly how we assess the prospects.
The initial assessment of your enquiry is free of charge for you. We inform you transparently in advance about the costs of any further work, so that you can decide at your leisure.
Most blockchains are publicly viewable, so payment flows can generally be traced. However, this alone does not reveal who is behind a wallet address. If the trail leads to a regulated exchange, investigating authorities can request information there.
This sequence is typical: the purchase takes place on a regular exchange, and the loss only arises when the coins are forwarded to the perpetrators' wallet. The fact that you initiated the transactions yourself does not rule out claims from the outset, but it does affect the legal assessment. We examine this in the individual case.
Caution is required here. Victims are frequently contacted a second time – by supposed authorities, investigators or recovery services demanding an advance payment. Authorities do not charge fees for returning funds; you should not pay in response to unsolicited offers of this kind.
Knowledge centre
Platforms
· Manfred Kühn
The Austrian FMA has warned about Immediate Edge, BaFin lists nine other “Immediate” websites in a warning. What the authorities have published, what that means and what steps those affected should consider now.
Platforms
· Manfred Kühn
On August 10, 2026, the Austrian Financial Market Authority warned against offers from “Quantum AI” – distributed via a website whose address has nothing to do with the brand name. What is proven is why similar names should not be equated and what steps those affected should consider.
Platforms
· Manfred Kühn
On August 4, 2026, the FMA warned against offers from Hextryx Storm (hextryxstorm.digital): According to the authority's findings, the provider offers portfolio management without being authorized to do so. What that means and what steps those affected should consider.
Case review
We will assess which claims may be available and which next steps may make sense.
Your details are treated in confidence. An enquiry does not yet establish a client relationship.
By telephone, by email or via the case review – in confidence and initially without obligation.