Recovery Scam Warning: When Scammers Target Victims Again
Last updated: 2026-06-01
Recovery scams target people who have already lost money. A 'recovery agent', 'fund recovery service', or 'crypto tracer' promises to retrieve your funds - for an upfront fee that you will also lose.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited offers to recover lost money or crypto
- An upfront 'investigation', 'recovery', or 'legal' fee
- Claims of special access to banks, police, or blockchains
- Pressure to act before the money 'disappears'
- Contact through chat apps rather than official channels
Safe next steps
- Treat any upfront-fee recovery offer as a scam
- Report through official authorities, which do not charge private fees
- Never pay to recover money already lost
- Be cautious of anyone who contacts you after a loss
What not to do
- Pay any recovery or investigation fee
- Share new bank or card details
- Trust 'agents' who found you after a loss
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Frequently asked questions
Is this kind of message always a scam?
Not always, but the warning signs above mean you should stop and verify through official channels before doing anything. When several signs appear together, treat it as a scam.
What should I do if I already responded?
If you shared details or paid, act quickly: contact your bank or the relevant provider through official channels, change any passwords you entered, and save evidence. See our recovery guides.
Educational guidance only, not legal or financial advice. Examples are paraphrased and simplified.