Tax law

Crypto fraud - when do I need a lawyer?

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Cryptolawyer.de- Your rights. Your crypto. Your lawyer.
Published on:
22/9/2025
Do you suspect you've fallen victim to a crypto scam? Our experienced lawyers will help you quickly secure evidence and initiate legal action.

Do you suspect you've fallen victim to a crypto scam and are wondering if you need a lawyer or if one can help you? The answer is clear: Yes – and as soon as possible!

As experienced cryptocurrency lawyers, we will review your case, secure crucial evidence, trace payment flows, and initiate legal proceedings – even across national borders. We will also advise you on potential criminal risks that may arise for you personally as a result of the fraud.

Overview of typical scams

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

  • Fake stock exchanges with fake prices and simulated profits
  • Phishing attacks on wallets or login data
  • Pump-and-dump schemes with worthless coins
  • Fake airdrops designed to trick users into revealing their seed phrase
  • “Trading bots” with alleged dream returns that never pay out

First aid for crypto fraud: How to react correctly

  1. Do not carry out any further transactions – in particular, do not pay any alleged “fees” for withdrawals.
  2. Secure evidence: Document screenshots, emails, transaction data, and chat histories.
  3. Protect wallets and access data - immediately block them or transfer assets if phishing is suspected.
  4. Filing a criminal complaint or charge – these should be carefully prepared and submitted to the relevant authority. We ensure that the complaint is complete and comprehensible.
  5. Seek legal advice early on – so that we can not only examine potential claims, but also protect you from your own criminal risks.

Why filing a criminal complaint is so important

Filing a criminal complaint serves not only to prosecute the perpetrators but also to document the fraud. This can be crucial in defending yourself against later accusations—such as suspicions of money laundering or even terrorist financing—if the coins you lost are used by the perpetrators.

We also check whether your own behavior has unintentionally led to criminal acts - for example, if funds were forwarded to fraudulent schemes.

Civil law claims: opportunities and limitations

Many victims hope to recover their lost funds through civil proceedings. In principle, claims for damages or restitution may exist in certain cases, for example, based on fraud, tort, or unjust enrichment.

Important: There is no guarantee that these claims will actually be enforceable. The hurdles are particularly high when the perpetrators are located abroad or operate anonymously. We realistically assess which legal steps are advisable – and which are not.

How we support you

  • Blockchain analytics for tracking payment paths
  • International legal enforcement if there is a prospect of success
  • Cooperation with authorities and support in investigations
  • Assessment of criminal risks and protection against unintentional self-incrimination
  • Communication with banks, platforms and tax office

Tax consequences of crypto fraud

Even if you have become a victim of fraud, the tax office is not exempt: transactions are relevant for tax purposes, even if you no longer have access to your coins.

Therefore, you should document all transactions. Losses may be tax-deductible – for example, as private capital losses or extraordinary expenses. However, the requirements for proof are high, and it strongly depends on the specific situation.

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

Conclusion: Act quickly and with professional support.

Crypto fraud is not only a financial disaster, but can also lead to criminal charges. The sooner you consult us as specialized lawyers, the better your chances of minimizing the damage – and protecting yourself from further legal problems.

Contact us now for a confidential initial assessment. Together we'll determine the best course of action and how we can best support you.

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