Cryptocurrency fraud has been one of the fastest growing cyber crimes in recent years. The majority of victims give up applying because they think the money cannot be recovered on the blockchain; However, the legal process has a chance of success.
Common Scam Scenarios
1. Fake Investment Platforms
Fake sites that attract investments with advertisements and promise "guaranteed income". After a while, withdrawal requests are rejected and the account is frozen.
2. Romance Scam (Pig Butchering)
Scammers who meet on social media / dating apps and make an emotional connection, offering a "great crypto opportunity".
3. Fake Exchanges/Wallets
Fake websites and mobile applications masquerading as official stock exchanges.
4. Pump-Dump Groups
Organized teams in Telegram/Discord groups that artificially inflate and dump the prices of low volume coins.
5. NFT / Airdrop Scams
Fake airdrops saying "Connect your wallet and get your reward"; contracts that drain all assets from the user's wallet.
6. Crypto Earning Bot / Auto-Trader
Bot sales promising "2% daily earnings"; Pyramid systems that do not provide any real income.
Relevant Crime Types
- TCK Article 158/1-f: Fraud by using information systems as a tool (3-10 years imprisonment and judicial fine up to 5,000 days)
- TCK Article 245: Misuse of bank or credit cards
- TCK Article 157: Simple fraud (1-5 years imprisonment)
- TCK Article 282:Laundering of assets resulting from crime
What the Victim Should Do — The First 24 Hours
Blockchain Tracking (Chainalysis / OKLink)
Bitcoin and Ethereum transactions are on public blockchain. Computer forensics experts can track which wallets the funds are transferred to and send a freezing request once they reach the exchange wallets. Many major exchanges (Binance, Coinbase, etc.) cooperate within the scope of judicial assistance.
Information Request from Foreign Stock Exchanges (MLAT)
The public prosecutor's office may request customer information from foreign exchanges within the scope of international legal aid agreements. Although this process may take months, it can prevent funds from being laundered.
Supreme Court Approach
The 8th and 23rd Criminal Chambers of the Supreme Court of Appeals have consistently adopted that the crime of TCK Article 158/1-f fraud through information system will be applied in crypto fraud files and that the penalty is high because it is qualified. Additionally, it may be decided to confiscate the crypto assets obtained.
Material and Spiritual Compensation
The victim may file a lawsuit for tort damages against the perpetrator. Even in cases where the perpetrator cannot be identified, it is possible to detect it within the legal process.
Preventive Measures
- Don't believe promises of "guaranteed returns"
- Do not invest in platforms you do not know without KYC
- Only connect your wallet to reliable contracts
- Do not share seed phrase / private key
- Be suspicious of "investment advisors" met through social media
Crypto scam files require technical knowledge and quick action; support from a lawyer specialized in cryptocurrency law significantly increases the possibility of extradition and conviction.