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.
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
- Only work with your bank, the police, your financial regulator and well-known, regulated law firms that you find yourself.
- Don't pay upfront recovery fees.
If you already paid or shared details
Act quickly. It makes a difference.
- Report the recovery scam to the police too, as a separate crime.
- 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.
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 (US Federal Trade Commission)
- Money recovery scams (Scamwatch, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission)
- Recovery pitch (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)