Risk Level: High Risk
Fraudsters target previous scam victims, posing as recovery specialists who can retrieve lost funds.
What It Is
Recovery scams target people who have already been defrauded. Fraudsters pose as recovery specialists, lawyers, or government agents who claim they can retrieve lost funds — for an upfront fee. Victims are scammed a second time, often losing additional money on top of their original losses.
How It Works
- Scammers monitor fraud reports, court filings, and victim forums to identify previous fraud victims.
- They contact victims claiming to be recovery specialists, lawyers, or government agents.
- They claim to have identified the original scammer’s assets or funds.
- They request upfront fees for “legal costs”, “government fees”, or “processing charges”.
- After payment, they disappear or request additional fees before “releasing” the funds.
Warning Signs
- Unsolicited contact from someone claiming they can recover your lost funds
- Requests for upfront fees before any recovery takes place
- Claims to be from a government agency but asks for payment
- Guarantees of full recovery — no legitimate service can guarantee this
- Pressure to act quickly before the “opportunity” expires
- Requests for payment via wire transfer, crypto, or gift cards
What To Do
- Do not pay any upfront fees — legitimate recovery services do not charge upfront
- Verify any company through official regulatory registers
- Report the recovery scam to the same authorities you reported the original fraud
- Warn other victims in forums or support groups
- Consult a legitimate fraud lawyer if you want to explore legal recovery options
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there legitimate fund recovery services?
Legitimate legal services exist, but they work on a contingency basis or charge transparent fees after recovery. They will never guarantee recovery, never ask for payment via gift cards or crypto, and will always be verifiable through official registers. Always verify independently.
How did they know I was scammed?
Recovery scammers monitor public fraud reports, court filings, social media posts, and victim support forums. Some original scammers sell victim lists to recovery scam operators. This is why it’s important to be cautious about what personal information you share publicly after being defrauded.