The study examines the use of cryptocurrency for financial crimes, focusing on the top ten cryptocurrency scams, their underlying reasons, and associated theories. It highlights the shift in research focus from malware, bitcoin, and blockchain to fintech-based crimes such as money laundering, pump-and-dump schemes, and phishing. The USA is the leading contributor to cryptocurrency scam research, and both developed and developing countries are concerned about combating crypto fraudsters. The study suggests future research directions, including the socioeconomic impacts of cryptocurrencies, standardized global regulation, and interdisciplinary research. It also emphasizes the need for improved user awareness, enhanced security, and whistleblower protection. The bibliometric analysis reveals that the research field is relatively new, with significant growth in publications since 2018. The University of College London is the most productive institution, and the USA, UK, and Australia are the top contributors in terms of country collaboration. The study identifies key themes such as money laundering, blockchain, regulation, and crime, with cybersecurity and digital forensics needing further development. The content analysis further supports these findings, highlighting the interconnectedness of themes and the need for robust regulatory frameworks to combat cryptocurrency-related financial crimes.The study examines the use of cryptocurrency for financial crimes, focusing on the top ten cryptocurrency scams, their underlying reasons, and associated theories. It highlights the shift in research focus from malware, bitcoin, and blockchain to fintech-based crimes such as money laundering, pump-and-dump schemes, and phishing. The USA is the leading contributor to cryptocurrency scam research, and both developed and developing countries are concerned about combating crypto fraudsters. The study suggests future research directions, including the socioeconomic impacts of cryptocurrencies, standardized global regulation, and interdisciplinary research. It also emphasizes the need for improved user awareness, enhanced security, and whistleblower protection. The bibliometric analysis reveals that the research field is relatively new, with significant growth in publications since 2018. The University of College London is the most productive institution, and the USA, UK, and Australia are the top contributors in terms of country collaboration. The study identifies key themes such as money laundering, blockchain, regulation, and crime, with cybersecurity and digital forensics needing further development. The content analysis further supports these findings, highlighting the interconnectedness of themes and the need for robust regulatory frameworks to combat cryptocurrency-related financial crimes.