--- title: "Fund recovery scams: can you get money back? | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/recovery-scams source: TapSafely description: "After a scam, people are often targeted again by fake lawyers, hackers or agencies promising to recover lost money for a fee. Here's how to recognise them." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/ Fund-recovery scams # Fund-recovery scams You've lost money to a scam. Then someone contacts you, or appears in comments and search ads, saying they can trace and recover it. They just need a fee first. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 · 3 min read ## In short After a scam, people are often targeted again by fake lawyers, hackers or agencies promising to recover lost money for a fee. Here's how to recognise them. **Top warning signs:** They contacted you first; Upfront fees; Guarantees of recovery. **First thing to do:** Only work with your bank, the police, your financial regulator and well-known, regulated law firms that you find yourself. Example · Email · Illustrative, links disabled International Funds Recovery Bureau We have identified you as a victim of an online investment fraud. Our certified recovery agents have traced your funds and can return them within 7 days. A refundable processing fee of $950 is required to begin. An example scam message with the warning signs highlighted. ## How the scam works Scammers share lists of past victims. Recovery scammers pose as lawyers, “ethical hackers”, regulators or even police, sometimes with official-looking badges and case numbers. They take upfront fees and then vanish, or ask for more. ## Red flags to look for - **They contacted you first.** Especially if they know about your loss. - **Upfront fees.** Genuine help from police or regulators is free. - **Guarantees of recovery.** No one can honestly guarantee this. - **“Hackers” who can reverse crypto transactions.** This isn't possible. ## What to do if you get one 1. Only work with your bank, the police, your financial regulator and well-known, regulated law firms that you find yourself. 2. Don't pay upfront recovery fees. ## If you already paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. Report the recovery scam to the police too, as a separate crime. 2. Tell your bank so it can watch your account. More help: [what to do after a scam, and where to report it in your country](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask Is it ever worth using a recovery company? Be very cautious. Start with your bank and the police. If you consider a law firm, check that it's regulated in your country and never pay based on promises. ## Official sources and further reading We check our guides against advice from government agencies and consumer protection bodies. - [Refund and Recovery Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams) (US Federal Trade Commission) - [Money recovery scams](https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/money-recovery-scams) (Scamwatch, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) - [Recovery pitch](https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/recovery-recuperation-eng.htm) (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre) ### Got a message like this? Paste the message or link Check it free ### Still unsure? Describe what happened and our AI assistant will help, in any language. Ask TapSafely ### On this page 1. [How it works](#how) 2. [Red flags](#red-flags) 3. [What to do](#what-to-do) 4. [If you already paid](#already-paid) 5. [Questions](#faq) 6. [Sources](#sources) ### Seen this scam? Your report helps warn people in your area. [Report it](https://tapsafely.com/report?category=recovery) ## Related guides [Guide ### Crypto and investment scams Guaranteed returns, deepfake celebrity ads and platforms that won't let you withdraw. How investment scams work and how … Read guide](https://tapsafely.com/scams/crypto-investment-scams)[Guide ### Romance scams An online partner who can't meet or video call, then needs money. Learn the warning signs of romance scams and how to ta… Read guide](https://tapsafely.com/scams/romance-scams)[Guide ### Task-based job scams A recruiter offers easy remote work rating products or liking videos. Then you have to pay to unlock your earnings. Lear… Read guide](https://tapsafely.com/scams/task-job-scams)