Q: How can I recover money lost in a cryptocurrency scam related to fake refund offers?
I am a victim of a cryptocurrency scam. I received an email claiming my bank was charged for Norton virus protection, which I never ordered. The scammers offered me a refund. I didn't provide personal information. How can I recover my money and address this scam?
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A:
I’m really sorry you went through this—these scams are designed to be convincing, and many people fall victim to them. The fake Norton refund scam is a common tactic used to trick people into sending money or granting access to their accounts. Even if you didn’t share personal information, the moment any funds are transferred—especially in cryptocurrency—it becomes much harder to recover.
Your first step should be to report the scam to the **Federal Trade Commission (FTC)** at [reportfraud.ftc.gov](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov) and to the **Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)** at [ic3.gov](https://www.ic3.gov). Also, notify your bank or credit card company right away if any related account was linked or charged. If you used a crypto exchange to send the money, contact their fraud department immediately and explain the situation in detail—they may be able to freeze the transaction or offer assistance.
In Texas, you can also file a complaint with the **Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division**. Keep screenshots, emails, and all transaction records to help build your report. While recovery isn’t guaranteed, acting quickly and reporting the scam increases your chances of at least stopping further harm. You’ve taken an important step by recognizing the scam—now it’s time to protect yourself and push back.
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