How to recognize fake recovery companies

The second wave

Recovery scams prey on the hardest moment: right after you've lost money and are desperate to reverse it. Lists of fraud victims circulate among fraudsters, so contact often arrives before you've told anyone.

The script

1. They contact you claiming to have found “your case”, or pose as a law firm, government agency, crypto-tracing service, or even your bank
2. They guarantee recovery — sometimes citing “recovered funds held by authorities” that need a fee to release
3. Upfront payment required: “legal fees”, “taxes”, “blockchain unlocking”, paid in crypto, e-Transfer, or gift cards
4. After payment: endless additional fees, then disappearance — or impersonation of your real scammer

Truths to hold on to

• No legitimate agency guarantees recovery — outcomes depend on evidence, timing, and third parties
• Government agencies and police never charge release fees or demand crypto
• Legitimate lawyers and investigators bill transparently and do not cold-call fraud victims demanding immediate crypto payment
• Anyone who knows details of your loss either was involved in it or bought victim lists — both are reasons to be extremely cautious

If you're being targeted right now

Do not pay. Preserve the messages. Report the contact to us under the Recovery scam category and to the CAFC. If you paid a “recovery company”, include that in your report — it materially changes the case strategy.