Crypto fraud – when do I need a lawyer?

Do you suspect you've been a victim of crypto fraud and are wondering whether you need a lawyer or whether one can help you? The answer is clear: yes — and as early as possible!

As experienced lawyers specialising in cryptocurrencies, we assess your case, secure key evidence, trace payment flows and initiate legal steps — including across borders. We also advise you on potential criminal law risks that the fraud case may create for you personally.

Common fraud schemes at a glance

Not every loss in a crypto investment is automatically fraud. However, there are typical patterns that call for particular caution:

• Fake exchanges with falsified rates and simulated gains
• Phishing attacks on wallets or login credentials
• Pump-and-dump schemes with worthless coins
• Fake airdrops that trick users into revealing their seed phrase
• "Trading bots" with supposedly dream returns that never pay out

First aid in crypto fraud: how to respond correctly

1. Do not make any further transactions — in particular, do not pay any supposed "fees" for withdrawals.
2. Secure evidence: document screenshots, emails, transaction data and chat histories.
3. Protect wallets and access credentials — if phishing is suspected, lock them immediately or transfer your assets.
4. File a criminal complaint — this should be carefully prepared and submitted to the competent authority. We ensure the complaint is complete and coherent.
5. Seek legal advice early — so we can not only assess potential claims but also protect you from your own criminal law risks.

Why a criminal complaint is so important

A criminal complaint serves not only to prosecute the perpetrators but also to document the fraud. This can be decisive in warding off later accusations against you — such as suspicion of money laundering or even terrorism financing, if the coins you lost are used further by the fraudsters.

We also assess whether your own conduct may have unintentionally constituted criminal acts — for example, if funds were forwarded into fraudulent schemes.

Civil law claims: opportunities and limitations

Many victims hope to recover lost funds through civil law. In principle, claims for damages or restitution may exist in certain cases, for example from fraud, unlawful acts or unjust enrichment.

<div class="u-blog-achtung">Important: there is no guarantee that these claims can actually be enforced. Particularly where perpetrators are based abroad or operate through anonymous structures, the hurdles are high. We realistically assess which legal steps make sense — and which do not.</div>

How we support you

• Blockchain analyses to trace payment flows
• International legal enforcement where prospects of success exist
• Cooperation with authorities and support during investigations
• Assessment of criminal law risks and protection against unintentional self-incrimination
• Communication with banks, platforms and the tax office

Tax consequences of crypto fraud

Even if you have been a victim of fraud, the tax office remains relevant: transactions are taxable even if you no longer have access to your coins.

You should therefore document all events carefully. In some circumstances, losses may be claimed for tax purposes — for example as private disposal losses or extraordinary expenses. However, the evidentiary requirements are high and the outcome depends strongly on the specific situation.

Our law firm supports you in communicating with the tax office and correcting incorrect tax assessments.

Conclusion: act quickly and with professional support

<div class="u-blog-fazit">Crypto fraud is not only a financial disaster — it can also trigger criminal law risks. The earlier you involve us as specialised lawyers, the better you can preserve your chances of limiting the damage — while simultaneously protecting yourself from additional legal problems.</div>

Contact us now for a confidential initial assessment via our contact page. Together we will determine which steps make sense and how we can best support you.