Recovery fee request
After a loss, someone offers to recover your money for an upfront 'processing' or 'legal' fee.
Why it matters
Legitimate recovery never starts with a fee to someone who contacted you - it just adds a second loss.
Example only - do not act on it
Example only: We can recover your lost funds - pay a processing fee to begin.
Why scammers use this
It targets people who are desperate to get money back, re-victimising them.
What to do
- Stop and verify who you're really paying through an official channel.
- Never pay a fee to receive money, a refund, a prize, or to 'release' funds.
- If money moved, contact your bank or payment provider immediately.
What not to do
- Don't pay to receive money or 'unlock' funds.
- Don't trust payment screenshots as proof.
- Don't pay via gift cards, wire, or crypto to someone unverified.
How to verify safely
Confirm any payment inside your official banking or payment app; receiving money never requires you to pay, scan, or enter a PIN.
Scams where this appears
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Check a messageFrequently asked questions
Can someone recover my money for a fee?
Be very skeptical. Upfront-fee recovery offers are almost always a second scam. Report through official channels.