Recovery Scam
A follow-up scam that targets previous victims by promising to recover lost money for an upfront fee.
How it appears in scam messages
Recovery scams target people who already lost money, promising to get it back for an upfront fee. Legitimate recovery never starts with a fee paid to someone who contacted you.
Example only - do not act on it
Example only: We can recover your lost funds - pay a processing fee to begin.
Why it matters
It re-victimises people at their most vulnerable, doubling the loss.
Common red flags
- Unexpected contact creating urgency or fear
- Requests for codes, passwords, payment, or personal details
- Links or attachments you did not expect
- Sender or domain that does not match the real organisation
Safe next steps
- Stop and verify through official channels you find yourself
- Never share codes, passwords, or card details from a message
- Use the message checker if you are unsure
- Report and block the sender
Related scam-type hubs
Related red flags
Emergency guides
Frequently asked questions
How can I avoid recovery scam?
Slow down, never act on urgency, and verify through official apps or websites you open yourself. Use the free checker if a message seems off.
What if I have already been affected?
Contact your bank or the relevant provider through official channels, change any exposed passwords from a trusted device, and save evidence. See our recovery guides.