The moment you realize you've been a victim of crypto fraud is a shock. The perpetrators move quickly, but if you react immediately, you can limit the damage and, in some cases, significantly increase the chances of recovering some or all of your funds. The Apostolidis Law team has handled dozens of international crypto and cash recovery cases, working with forensic investigators, banks and international authorities.

The first 24 hours: Time counts

The first few hours after the fraud is committed are crucial. The process of blocking, freezing and tracing funds must begin as soon as possible, before the perpetrators transfer the funds through multiple crypto wallets or offshore accounts.

Step 1: Immediate legal activation — The office takes over management

The first and most important step is to contact a specialized lawyer immediately. From that point on, you do not need to know "what to do" — the firm takes over on your behalf. The Apostolidis Law team:

  • Immediately assesses the incident
  • Initiates the tracing process (blockchain and banking)
  • Activates legal procedures for interim protection
  • Drafts and files the necessary reports
  • Coordinates communication with banks, payment providers, and exchanges
  • Manages international requests for assistance (where required)

Step 2: Do Not Delete Evidence — Gather All Supporting Material

Until the firm fully takes over, it is critical to preserve all evidence. What should be retained: emails, messages, screenshots, IBANs, wallet addresses, platform name or domain, date, time, and transaction amount. Even details that may seem insignificant can prove crucial for the tracing process.

Step 3: Bank — Report the Fraud and Request Immediate Action

If the payment was made via bank transfer or card: inform the bank immediately that the transaction is fraudulent, request an investigation and, where possible, a temporary transaction freeze, initiate the chargeback or recall procedure. Attention: Do not trust "refund services" or "recovery agents" that request advance payment. They almost always constitute a second scam.

Step 4: Filing an Official Report with the Authorities

To activate international cooperation mechanisms, an official report must be filed without delay with the Cyber Crime Division (Hellenic Police), with the Authority for Combating Money Laundering, and where an international route is involved, through the Greek authorities to Europol / Interpol Cybercrime. The firm coordinates and prepares the reports so that they are complete and usable in subsequent procedural steps.

Step 5: Blockchain and IBAN Tracing

Our team conducts blockchain analytics using specialized tools, fully maps the flow of funds, identifies points where crypto is converted into fiat, and prepares the necessary legal requests for freezing orders. This process runs in parallel with the initial legal actions to ensure that no time is lost.

Step 6: Legal Actions and Interim Measures

Depending on the specifics of the case, the following may take place: applications for temporary freezing of accounts, formal communication with exchanges and payment service providers (PSPs), filing of a criminal complaint and a claim for damages, and activation of international mechanisms for cross-border recovery.

How Apostolidis Law Can Assist

Our firm provides comprehensive and structured support including immediate legal activation, blockchain and banking tracing, drafting and filing of reports, cooperation with international authorities and exchanges, and representation in fund recovery and compensation claims. Our team can be activated immediately, 24/7.