Fraud Recovery Scams: Don’t Fall for It Twice
Getting scammed is a major bummer, but getting scammed *again* while trying to recover your losses? That’s a whole other level of 😭. Unfortunately, it’s a common tactic used by fraudsters known as a **fraud recovery scam**.
Here’s how it works: you’re contacted by someone claiming to be able to help you get your stolen money back. They might call it a “retainer fee,” “processing fee,” or “administrative charge” but the bottom line is, they want your money.
They may even pretend to be a legitimate organization, like a law firm or government agency.
How to Spot a Fraud Recovery Scam
- Unsolicited Offers: If someone you haven’t contacted reaches out claiming they can recover your funds, that’s a big red flag.
- Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use urgency to push you into action, saying you need to act fast or you’ll lose even more money. This is a classic sign of a scam.
- Phony Checks: Be wary of counterfeit checks, especially if they’re for more than you lost. They might ask you to deposit it and then “return” the overpayment.
- Upfront Fees: Legitimate recovery services don’t charge upfront fees. If someone asks you to pay before they’ve done any work, it’s a scam.
- Fake Credentials: Do your research! Check the legitimacy of any organization or individual claiming to help you. Use a search engine to look for complaints or warnings.
- Government Imposters: Remember, government agencies will never contact you through personal email or social media. They will send official documentation by mail.
Protect Yourself
If you think you’ve been a victim of a fraud recovery scam, don’t hesitate to report it. You can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) and your state attorney general.
While not all complaints lead to action, reporting can help officials identify trends and catch scammers. Don’t let fraudsters take advantage of your situation twice! Stay vigilant and protect yourself from these insidious scams.
