The short answer
In Malta, report scams to the Police, seek regulatory intervention through the MFSA, or file disputes against licensed providers with the Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services (OAFS). Determine the right body based on whether your issue involves a crime, an unlicensed entity, or a service failure. This portal acts as a guide to help you find the correct reporting pathway effectively.
Navigating the reporting landscape in Malta can be challenging, especially when dealing with crypto-related issues. Understanding which authority to contact is crucial for ensuring that your concerns are addressed by the appropriate body.
The Maltese system divides responsibilities between the police for criminal matters, the MFSA for regulatory oversight, and the OAFS for professional disputes. Knowing these roles helps you report effectively without delay.
01Defining the Roles of Authorities
The Malta Police Force is the designated authority for investigating criminal activity, including fraud and cybercrime. If your assets have been stolen through deception, this is where you file a criminal report.
The MFSA acts as the financial services regulator. Its focus is on maintaining market integrity, overseeing licensed entities, and issuing public warnings about unauthorized activity.
The Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services (OAFS) provides an independent mechanism for resolving disputes between consumers and licensed financial services providers.
- Police: Focus on fraud and cybercrime investigation.
- MFSA: Focus on entity regulation and public warnings.
- OAFS: Focus on dispute resolution with licensed providers.
Source for this section[1] Malta Scam Alert: how to report a scam
02When to Contact Each Body
Deciding where to report depends on the nature of your interaction. If you believe you are dealing with an unauthorized platform, inform the MFSA.
If you have lost money or suspect criminal intent, the Police Force is the correct first point of contact. If you are unhappy with a licensed provider's conduct, first attempt to resolve it with them, then escalate to the OAFS.
- Contact Police: If you are a victim of a scam or have lost money.
- Contact MFSA: If you encounter suspicious, unauthorized financial opportunities.
- Contact OAFS: If you have a legitimate complaint about a licensed financial provider.
Source for this section[1] Malta Scam Alert: how to report a scam
03Preparing Your Report
Effective reporting requires organized evidence. Regardless of the agency, you must provide clear documentation of the incident.
Keep records of your interaction with the entity in question, as these are necessary for authorities to conduct an investigation.
- Screenshots of the website and correspondence.
- Emails, phone numbers, and any provided digital identifiers.
- Wallet addresses involved in the transfer.
- Bank receipts if fiat currency was used.
Source for this section[1] Malta Scam Alert: how to report a scam
04Hypothetical example: complaint routing
Consider a scenario where you have a dispute or suspected fraud.
Case: A user is unhappy with how a licensed exchange processed a trade (dispute) vs. a user was tricked by a fake platform posing as an exchange (crime).
- Dispute with licensed firm: Contact the firm first, then OAFS.
- Suspected fraud: Report to the Police Force.
- Entity unauthorized: Inform the MFSA.
- Immediate danger: Dial 112.
- Gather evidence: screenshots and receipts are key.
Source for this section[1] Malta Scam Alert: how to report a scam
05Limitations and Scope
It is important to note that these bodies do not provide investment advice or act as legal representatives for individuals. Their role is to uphold the regulatory framework and investigate criminal activity within their jurisdiction.
If you cannot locate a firm, first check its exact legal name, the activity being offered and the relevant register. An unmatched name is a reason to seek official clarification, not proof by itself of a crime. Authorisation requirements and the appropriate authority depend on the service; do not assume every crypto-related dispute has identical coverage.
- Authorities do not investigate individual investment losses in isolation.
- Verify entity status via the official MFSA Financial Services Register.
- Do not provide confidential data to unofficial websites.
Source for this section[1] Malta Scam Alert: how to report a scam
06Check the arbiter’s current eligibility guidance before escalating
The Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services says it accepts complaints against providers licensed or authorised by the MFSA, including certain providers whose licences were later suspended or withdrawn. Its current eligibility guidance also addresses suspicious fraudulent payment transactions and customer categories. This does not mean that every offshore crypto website, wallet transfer or investment loss falls within its remit.
Find the legal provider name in your service documents and the MFSA register. Check the arbiter’s official eligibility page and seek clarification from its official enquiry route if the match is unclear. Preserve the complaint you sent to the provider and any reply. Consult the current procedure for prerequisites and time limits rather than assuming that a police reference makes a financial-service complaint eligible.
Sources for this section[2] Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services: complaint eligibility[3] MFSA: Financial Services Register
Checklist
- Assess if the issue is a crime (Police), a dispute (OAFS), or a regulatory matter (MFSA).
- Gather all evidence including screenshots and wallet addresses.
- Contact the provider directly if you have a service dispute.
- Use official contact numbers, not those found in suspicious emails.
- Report criminal activity to the Malta Police Force immediately.
- Check the MFSA register to verify entity status.
- Keep a log of all interactions and reference numbers.
- Call 112 if you are in immediate danger.
Questions people ask
Can I report a crypto scam to all three authorities?
You should report to the authority most relevant to your issue. Police handle criminal fraud, MFSA handles regulatory warnings, and OAFS handles professional disputes with licensed entities.
Does reporting ensure I get my money back?
No. These authorities investigate or mediate; they do not guarantee reimbursement, especially in the context of irreversible on-chain crypto transfers.
Is the OAFS for all crypto complaints?
The OAFS specifically handles disputes involving licensed financial service providers in Malta. It does not cover disputes with unauthorized or foreign platforms.
Safety boundaries
- No legitimate helper needs your seed phrase, private key, password, one-time code, remote access to your device or a wallet connection.
- Nobody can promise that funds will be recovered. Treat any guarantee, or any fee demanded to release funds, with suspicion.
- Find official contact details yourself, through the regulator, bank or platform website, not through a message or advert you received.
- This guide is general education. It is not legal, financial or tax advice and does not assess your situation.
If you want to organise your facts, the initial claim outline on our homepage collects only a short summary and contact details. It creates no client relationship and promises no outcome. Do not send documents or credentials.
Official sources
- [1]Malta Scam Alert: how to report a scam
Checked 4 October 2026 - [2]Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services: complaint eligibility
Checked 4 October 2026 - [3]MFSA: Financial Services Register
Checked 4 October 2026
AI-assisted educational content published by Central Crypto Claim using the official sources listed below. No independent expert review is claimed. This is not legal, financial or tax advice.