How to report a crypto scam in Spain
Act fast. Call your bank immediately to try to stop the payment, call INCIBE on 017 for free guidance, then file a denuncia with the Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil (usually ratified in person within ~72h).
Report online — the fastest step
You can start a report online with the Policía Nacional (Oficina Virtual de Denuncias) or the Guardia Civil's cybercrime group (GDT), but a formal denuncia generally must be ratified in person within about 72 hours — so plan to appear at a station. Call INCIBE 017 first for guidance.
INCIBE helpline: 017 (free; WhatsApp 900 116 117). Emergency: 112.
Who to report to in Spain
- •Policía Nacional — Oficina Virtual de Denuncias (denuncia often ratified in person within 72h).
- •Guardia Civil — GDT — cybercrime group; report/inform + electronic denuncia.
- •CNMV — warnings + the list of unauthorised entities (chiringuitos financieros).
- •INCIBE — free cybersecurity helpline 017; how-to-report guidance.
Check before you pay
Check the platform's name against the CNMV's list of unauthorised entities (chiringuitos financieros) before acting — the CNMV also relays foreign-regulator warnings. It doesn't recover funds, but a listed firm confirms the scam.
CNMV — unauthorised entities list →Where to get help & support
- •INCIBE 017 (WhatsApp 900 116 117, Telegram @INCIBE017) — free guidance on evidence and how to file.
- •Your bank — call at once to try to stop or recall the payment.
Do this right now
- •Stop all contact and send no more money — including "fees" or "taxes" to withdraw.
- •Call your bank immediately to try to stop or recall the payment.
- •Preserve evidence: screenshots, wallet addresses, transaction hashes, the scam website or app.
- •Report the scam wallet address on Chainabuse.
Spain-specific things to know
- •A formal denuncia generally must be ratified in person within ~72 hours even if started online — plan to appear at a Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil station.
- •Call INCIBE 017 first for free guidance (what evidence to keep, how/where to file) — it doesn't take the denuncia but walks you through it.
- •Check the CNMV warning list (chiringuitos financieros) for the platform's name before acting.
- •Watch for the "recovery scam" second wave — Spanish authorities warn victims are re-targeted by fake fund-recovery services demanding upfront fees; never pay to "unlock" crypto.
⚠️ Beware "recovery" services. Anyone who contacts you promising to get your money back for an upfront fee is almost always a second scam. See the red flags →
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