Nevada Crypto Investment Scam Recovery Demand Letters

NRS Chapter 90 Securities | NRS 671 Money Transmitters | Cryptocurrency Fraud Claims

Nevada Crypto Scam Overview
Nevada Crypto Regulation: Nevada has established a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency through NRS Chapter 90 (Securities) and NRS 671 (Money Transmitters). Crypto investment scams often violate multiple Nevada laws, giving victims several legal avenues for recovery. The Nevada Secretary of State Securities Division actively pursues crypto fraud cases.
Common Crypto Investment Scams
Scam Type Description Nevada Law Violated
Unregistered securities ICOs, token sales promising returns without SEC/state registration NRS 90.460
Ponzi/pyramid schemes Paying early investors with later investor funds NRS 90.570, NRS 598
Fake exchanges Fraudulent platforms that steal deposits NRS 671, NRS 598
Romance scams (pig butchering) Building relationships to solicit crypto investments NRS 598, Common law fraud
Pump and dump Artificially inflating token price then selling NRS 90.570 (manipulation)
Fake mining/staking Promising returns from nonexistent mining operations NRS 90.460, NRS 598
Nevada's Crypto-Friendly but Fraud-Hostile Approach

Nevada has positioned itself as crypto-friendly with legislation like SB 398 (2019) exempting certain blockchain activities from money transmitter licensing. However, this does not protect fraudsters. Investment schemes that promise returns remain subject to securities laws, and deceptive practices violate NRS 598 regardless of the technology used.

Warning Signs of Crypto Scams:
  • Guaranteed high returns (10%+ monthly)
  • Pressure to invest quickly
  • Unable to withdraw funds
  • Unverifiable team or company information
  • No registration with SEC or Nevada Securities Division
  • Paying "taxes" or "fees" to unlock funds
Key Nevada Agencies
Agency Jurisdiction Contact
Nevada Secretary of State - Securities Division Investment fraud, unregistered securities (702) 486-2440
Nevada Attorney General - Consumer Protection Deceptive trade practices (702) 486-3132
Nevada Financial Institutions Division Unlicensed money transmission (702) 486-4120
Nevada Legal Framework for Crypto Fraud
NRS Chapter 90 - Nevada Securities Law

NRS 90.460 - Registration of Securities

It is unlawful to offer or sell any security in Nevada unless:

  • The security is registered with the Nevada Administrator
  • The security or transaction is exempt
  • The security is a federal covered security

Application to Crypto: Most crypto tokens sold as investments are "investment contracts" under the Howey test and must be registered or qualify for exemption.

NRS 90.570 - Fraudulent and Other Prohibited Practices

It is unlawful for any person, in connection with the offer, sale, or purchase of a security, to:

  • Employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud
  • Make any untrue statement of material fact or omit material facts
  • Engage in any act, practice, or course of business that operates as a fraud
NRS 671 - Money Transmitters Act

NRS 671.040 - License Required

No person may engage in the business of money transmission without a license. This includes:

  • Selling or issuing payment instruments
  • Receiving money for transmission
  • Exchanging currency (including virtual currency for some activities)

Note: Nevada's 2019 blockchain exemption (SB 398) exempts some blockchain activities but NOT investment solicitation or custodial services resembling money transmission.

NRS 598 - Deceptive Trade Practices

Crypto scammers invariably violate NRS 598 through:

  • NRS 598.0915(1): False representations about investment characteristics
  • NRS 598.0915(7): Misrepresenting source, sponsorship, or certification
  • NRS 598.0923: Knowingly making false representations
Remedies Under Nevada Law
Statute Remedy Details
NRS 90.660 Securities fraud damages Consideration paid + interest - income received; OR damages if still owns security
NRS 90.660(4) Attorney fees Court may award reasonable attorney fees to prevailing plaintiff
NRS 598.0963 Treble damages Up to 3x actual damages, max $5,000 for willful violations
NRS 598.0993 Attorney fees Prevailing plaintiff may recover
Common law Rescission Unwinding fraudulent transaction; return of all funds
Statute of Limitations
Claim Type Time Limit Notes
NRS 90 Securities fraud 2 years from discovery / 5 years from violation Whichever is earlier
NRS 598 Deceptive practices 4 years From date of violation
Common law fraud 3 years From discovery of fraud
Contract breach 6 years (written) / 4 years (oral) From breach date
Howey Test for Crypto Securities: Under SEC v. Howey and Nevada law, a crypto token is a security if there is: (1) investment of money, (2) in a common enterprise, (3) with expectation of profits, (4) derived primarily from the efforts of others. Most ICOs, yield programs, and staking schemes meet this test.
Evidence Gathering for Crypto Fraud Claims
Essential Evidence to Collect
Evidence Type Why Important How to Preserve
Blockchain transaction records Proves funds were sent and to what address Screenshot block explorer (Etherscan, etc.); export CSV
Wallet addresses Links scammer to funds; may enable tracing Record all addresses used by scammer
Communications with scammer Shows promises made, misrepresentations Screenshot all messages, emails, chats
Website/platform screenshots Documents promises and representations Archive.org, screenshots with timestamps
Bank/exchange statements Shows fiat currency conversions, amounts Download from exchange/bank
Smart contract details May show token mechanics, control Screenshot contract on block explorer
Blockchain Tracing
Tracing Crypto Assets: Unlike cash, cryptocurrency leaves a permanent trail on the blockchain. Professional blockchain analysis firms can trace funds through multiple wallets to exchanges where the scammer may have converted to fiat currency. Exchanges subject to KYC requirements may have scammer identity information obtainable through subpoena.
Documentation Checklist
Before Filing Claims:
  • Total amount invested (fiat and crypto values at time of investment)
  • All wallet addresses where you sent funds
  • All wallet addresses scammer used
  • Complete transaction history (TxIDs)
  • Screenshots of all promises about returns
  • Marketing materials (whitepaper, pitch deck)
  • Identity information about promoters
  • Social media profiles of scammer/company
  • Domain WHOIS information for websites
  • Any withdrawal attempts and responses
Calculating Damages
Damage Component Calculation Example
Principal invested Fiat value at time of investment $25,000
Less: amounts returned Any withdrawals received ($2,000)
Net principal lost Investment minus returns $23,000
Interest (NRS 90.660) Legal rate from date of investment $2,300 (est.)
Exchange/gas fees Fees paid to send crypto $150
Total Securities Damages $25,450
Preserve Evidence Immediately: Scam websites disappear. Social media accounts get deleted. Messages get erased. Screenshot and save everything NOW. Use archive.org to capture websites. Export chat histories. The evidence you preserve today may be impossible to obtain later.
Sample Nevada Crypto Fraud Demand Letters
Sample 1: Unregistered Securities (ICO/Token Sale)
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, NV ZIP] [Email] [Date] [Company/Promoter Name] [Address if known] [Email] Via Email and Certified Mail Re: Demand for Return of Investment - Unregistered Securities Violation Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 90 Investment Amount: $[Amount] Transaction Date(s): [Dates] Wallet Address(es): [Your wallet that sent funds] Dear [Name/Company]: I am writing to demand immediate return of my investment in [Token/Project Name], which was sold in violation of Nevada securities law. FACTUAL BACKGROUND: On or about [Date], I invested $[Amount] in [Token Name] based on your representations that: - [List specific promises made about returns, appreciation, passive income, etc.] - [List any claims about registration, legitimacy, backing] - [List claims about team, technology, partnerships] I sent [Amount] in [BTC/ETH/USDT] to wallet address [Scammer's wallet address], transaction hash: [TxID]. VIOLATIONS OF NEVADA LAW: 1. NRS 90.460 - UNREGISTERED SECURITIES: Your [token/offering] constitutes a "security" under the Howey test because investors (including me) invested money in a common enterprise with the expectation of profits derived primarily from your efforts. You represented [specific promises about returns or appreciation]. This security was not: - Registered with the Nevada Administrator - Exempt from registration under NRS 90.520 - A federal covered security Sale of unregistered securities is unlawful under NRS 90.460. 2. NRS 90.570 - SECURITIES FRAUD: Your offer and sale involved fraud through: - Untrue statements of material fact: [List false statements] - Omission of material facts: [List omissions - e.g., no registration, no audited financials] - Scheme to defraud: [Describe fraudulent scheme] 3. NRS 598.0915 - DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES: Your conduct also violates Nevada's Deceptive Trade Practices Act through false representations about the characteristics, benefits, and risks of this investment. DAMAGES UNDER NEVADA LAW: Under NRS 90.660, I am entitled to: - Return of consideration paid: $[Amount] - Plus interest at the legal rate from [investment date] - Plus reasonable attorney fees Under NRS 598.0963, for willful violations, I may recover treble damages. DEMAND: I demand payment of $[Amount plus interest calculation] within fourteen (14) days. If you do not comply, I will: 1. File a complaint with the Nevada Secretary of State Securities Division 2. File a complaint with the Nevada Attorney General 3. Report to the SEC, FBI IC3, and FTC 4. Initiate civil litigation seeking full damages, treble damages, attorney fees, and costs 5. Pursue blockchain tracing to identify exchange accounts for judgment enforcement RESPONSE REQUIRED: Please confirm receipt and your intent to return my investment by [Date - 14 days out]. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Name] [Phone] [Email] Enclosures: - Blockchain transaction records - Screenshots of investment promises - Marketing materials - Communication history
Sample 2: Crypto Ponzi/Yield Scheme
[Your Name] [Address] [City, NV ZIP] [Date] [Platform/Promoter Name] [Address/Email] Re: Demand for Return of Funds - Fraudulent Investment Scheme Amount Invested: $[Amount] Amount Withdrawn: $[Amount if any] Net Loss: $[Amount] Dear [Name]: I demand immediate return of funds invested in your fraudulent [platform name/yield program], which operated as an illegal Ponzi scheme in violation of Nevada law. THE FRAUDULENT SCHEME: You promoted [Platform Name] as a cryptocurrency investment opportunity promising [X]% returns [weekly/monthly/annually] through [claimed mechanism - trading, staking, lending, mining]. Between [Date] and [Date], I invested a total of $[Amount] based on these representations. I was able to withdraw $[Amount] before the scheme collapsed / you ceased operations / you blocked withdrawals. WHY THIS WAS FRAUD: 1. PONZI SCHEME STRUCTURE: - Returns to early investors came from later investor deposits, not legitimate profits - The promised returns ([X]%) were mathematically unsustainable - When new investment slowed, withdrawals were blocked 2. FALSE REPRESENTATIONS: - You falsely claimed returns came from [trading/mining/staking] - You misrepresented the safety and legitimacy of the investment - You concealed that early investor returns came from later investors NEVADA LAW VIOLATIONS: 1. NRS 90.570: Securities fraud through scheme to defraud 2. NRS 90.460: Sale of unregistered securities 3. NRS 598.0915: False representations in consumer transaction 4. NRS 598.0923: Deceptive trade practices 5. NRS 205.380: Obtaining money under false pretenses (criminal) DEMAND: I demand return of my net loss of $[Amount] within fourteen (14) days. Payment may be made to: [Payment instructions - bank wire, check, crypto wallet] CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE: If you fail to return my funds, I will: 1. Report to Nevada Securities Division, Attorney General, SEC, FBI, and FTC 2. Hire blockchain forensics to trace funds through exchanges 3. Pursue civil litigation for actual damages, treble damages under NRS 598, and attorney fees 4. Cooperate with law enforcement in criminal prosecution I have documented all transactions, communications, and your promotional materials. This evidence has been preserved and will be provided to authorities. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Sample 3: Exchange/Platform Refusing Withdrawals
[Your Name] [Address] [City, NV ZIP] [Date] [Exchange/Platform Name] [Address] [Email] Via Email: [support email] Re: Demand for Immediate Withdrawal of Funds Account: [Account ID/Email] Balance: $[Amount] Withdrawal Requests: [Dates of requests] Dear [Platform Name]: I demand immediate release of $[Amount] in cryptocurrency held in my account, which you have refused to allow me to withdraw. FACTUAL BACKGROUND: I opened an account with [Platform Name] on [Date] and deposited funds totaling $[Amount]. My account currently shows a balance of $[Amount]. On [Date], I submitted a withdrawal request for [Amount/all funds]. You refused, claiming [state their reason - verification needed, security hold, fees required, etc.]. YOUR REFUSAL IS UNLAWFUL: 1. CONTRACT BREACH: Your terms of service [do/do not] authorize indefinite holds on user funds. [If applicable: The verification requirements you now impose were not disclosed at account opening.] 2. NRS 598 VIOLATION: Holding customer funds while demanding additional fees/verification not disclosed at signup constitutes deceptive trade practices. 3. NRS 671 VIOLATION: If you are operating as a money transmitter without proper licensing, your entire operation violates Nevada law. 4. CONVERSION: Your refusal to return my property constitutes tortious conversion. DEMAND: I demand within seven (7) days: 1. Immediate processing of my withdrawal request 2. OR Return of my funds via [alternative method] 3. Written explanation if you claim any legitimate basis to hold funds If you require identity verification, I am prepared to provide reasonable documentation. However, I will not pay additional "fees" or "taxes" as a condition of withdrawal - this is a common scam tactic. CONSEQUENCES: Failure to release my funds will result in: 1. Complaint to Nevada Financial Institutions Division 2. Complaint to Nevada Attorney General 3. Report to FBI IC3 and FTC 4. Civil litigation for conversion, breach of contract, and NRS 598 violations 5. Public reporting of your platform's practices Respond within 7 days. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Account Email]
Filing Claims in Nevada
Regulatory Complaints
Agency What to Report How to File
Nevada Securities Division Unregistered securities, investment fraud nvsos.gov/sos/securities
Nevada Attorney General Deceptive trade practices, consumer fraud ag.nv.gov/Complaints
Nevada FID Unlicensed money transmission fid.nv.gov
FBI IC3 Internet crime, wire fraud ic3.gov
FTC Consumer fraud reportfraud.ftc.gov
SEC Securities fraud (if >$1M or interstate) sec.gov/tcr
Civil Litigation Options
Nevada Small Claims Court:
  • Limit: $10,000
  • Filing fee: $50-$100
  • No attorney required
  • Challenge: Serving defendant who may be anonymous/overseas
Nevada District Court:
  • No dollar limit
  • Attorney recommended for complex claims
  • Can pursue securities fraud claims under NRS 90
  • Discovery available to identify defendants
Practical Challenges with Crypto Scams
Common Obstacles:
  • Anonymous defendants: Scammers often hide identity; may need blockchain forensics
  • Offshore operations: Many scams operate from overseas
  • Disappeared funds: Crypto may be tumbled, converted, or moved to cold storage
  • Service of process: Can't sue someone you can't find or serve
When Recovery is More Likely
Better Recovery Chances If:
  • Scammer has identifiable US presence
  • Funds went to regulated exchange (can subpoena KYC data)
  • Multiple victims (class action potential)
  • Law enforcement already investigating
  • Scammer has other assets that can be seized
  • Acting quickly before assets are dissipated
Blockchain Forensics and Asset Tracing

Professional blockchain analysis can:

  • Trace funds through multiple wallets and mixers
  • Identify exchanges where funds were deposited
  • Link wallet addresses to known entities
  • Provide evidence for civil subpoenas to exchanges
  • Support law enforcement investigations

Forensic services cost $500-$5,000+ depending on complexity. For large losses, this investment may be necessary to identify collection targets.

Attorney Services - Nevada Crypto Fraud Recovery
Lost Crypto to a Scam? Fight Back.

I help Nevada crypto fraud victims pursue recovery through demand letters, regulatory complaints, and litigation. While recovery isn't always possible, taking action creates accountability and may recover some losses.

Services Offered
  • Demand letters to scammers and platforms
  • Nevada Securities Division complaints
  • Nevada AG consumer protection complaints
  • Blockchain analysis coordination
  • Civil litigation for securities fraud and deceptive practices
  • Subpoenas to exchanges for scammer identity
  • Judgment enforcement and asset recovery
Fee Structures
Service Fee
Demand Letter Flat fee $450
Regulatory Complaints $240/hr
Litigation (if defendant identifiable) 33-40% contingency for strong claims
Realistic Expectations
Honest Assessment: Many crypto scams result in zero recovery because scammers are anonymous, offshore, or have already dissipated funds. I will provide an honest assessment of your recovery chances before you invest in legal fees. Some cases are worth pursuing; others are not.
Schedule a Consultation

Book a call to discuss your crypto fraud case. Bring transaction records, communications, and any information about the scammer. I'll assess whether your case has recovery potential under Nevada law.

Contact Information

Email: owner@terms.law

Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes. Recovery is more likely when: the scammer is identifiable and has assets, funds went through a US exchange (which can be subpoenaed), law enforcement is already investigating, or the scam is recent and funds haven't been dissipated. Many scams result in no recovery, but taking action still creates a record that may help authorities prosecute the scammer.
NO. "Recovery scams" target crypto fraud victims. Legitimate attorneys don't cold-call victims. Any service guaranteeing recovery or requiring upfront fees is likely a scam. Legitimate blockchain forensics firms charge reasonable fees and make no guarantees. If someone contacts you offering to recover your crypto for an upfront fee, it's almost certainly fraud.
Recovery from overseas scammers is extremely difficult. However, if funds passed through US exchanges, you may be able to subpoena those exchanges for the scammer's KYC information. Some scammers have US bank accounts or assets. Filing regulatory complaints creates records that may help if the scammer ever enters US jurisdiction.
Local police rarely have crypto expertise. File reports with FBI IC3 (internet crime) and SEC/state securities regulators. Large-scale scams affecting many victims receive more attention. Individual losses under $100,000 rarely prompt active investigation, but your report contributes to pattern recognition that may eventually trigger action.
No. Nevada is actually crypto-friendly and passed legislation exempting certain blockchain activities from money transmitter licensing (SB 398, 2019). However, investment schemes promising returns are subject to securities laws regardless of the technology. The legality of crypto doesn't protect scammers who commit fraud using crypto.
For Nevada securities fraud claims (NRS 90), you have 2 years from discovery or 5 years from the violation, whichever is earlier. Deceptive trade practices claims have 4 years. However, act immediately - scammers disappear, funds get moved, and evidence is lost. The sooner you act, the better your chances.