Scam Library

Recovery Scams

If you've already lost money to a scam, you may be targeted again — this time by someone claiming to be a recovery specialist, lawyer, or government agent who can get your money back, but only if you pay a fee upfront.

Warning signs

What to watch for

Unsolicited contact from someone who claims to know about your prior loss
Any request for payment upfront to 'recover' lost funds
Pressure and urgency, similar to the original scam
Claims of special government or law-enforcement connections

Stay safe

How to verify

Legitimate recovery of scammed funds is rare and never requires you to pay a fee upfront
Report the original scam to your local consumer protection agency instead of engaging with anyone offering paid recovery help

Already sent money or shared a password?

Contact your bank using the number on the back of your card, or the official number on your statement — not any number from the suspicious message.

Not sure if something you received matches this pattern?

Check a Message