1. Coinbase Generally Does Not Refund Scams
- Due to the irreversible nature of blockchain, once cryptocurrency has been sent out, Coinbase cannot reverse the transaction yahoo.com+15otx.alienvault.com+15simplywall.st+15.
- They typically only refund if the loss was caused by a Coinbase system error, not due to a scam you fell victim to support.google.com+1simplywall.st+1.
2. Exception: Insider-Driven Scam (May 2025)
- In May 2025, Coinbase revealed that certain support agents were bribed, leading to phishing scams against customers wsj.com+6coinbase.com+6cointelegraph.com+6.
- Customers who were tricked into sending funds through this insider scheme will be reimbursed after a review is conducted apnews.com+3coinbase.com+3businessinsider.com+3.
3. What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
- Report the incident immediately via Coinbase’s support channels.
- Provide transaction IDs (TXIDs) and details of the scam.
- Coinbase will investigate and determine whether the scam resulted from internal error or phishing linked to the insider breach.
4. Policy Update Highlights
- This reimbursement policy is specific to the May 2025 insider phishing incident.
- It does not apply to general scams, phishing attempts, or mistakes like sending crypto to wrong addresses or fake accounts support.google.com+15otx.alienvault.com+15simplywall.st+15coinbase.com.
Summary
- Most scam losses are irreversible — no guarantee of refund unless fault lies with Coinbase’s systems or agents.
- May 2025 customers affected by insider scams may receive reimbursements after approval .
- Act fast: report via official support, supply details, and let Coinbase investigate.
