https://www.coindesk.com/crypto-tax-2021-guideCrypto investment losses are not "personal casualty losses." Instead, they are classified as investment losses under tax code 165(c)(ii) because they are "transactions entered into for profit, though not connected with a trade or business."
As a result, all crypto losses in scams, thefts, or accidents are complete tax losses. These losses can be claimed on form 8949 as $0 proceeds transactions. This means that if you bought one bitcoin for $15,000 and it was stolen through an exchange hack, you would be able to report a loss of $15,000.
Ponzi scam losses can be treated as itemized deductions and are not subject to the $3,000 capital loss limitation. The amount invested in the scam can be deducted from your taxable income. This treatment is also known as the "Bernie Madoff deduction," named after the former chairman of the Nasdaq stock market, Bernard Madoff, who was convicted for running one of the biggest financial fraud operations in history. The key requirement is that someone must have been indicted for the loss to qualify as a Ponzi deduction.
Just in case this will help anyone.
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