Recovery scams & threats

Fake lawyers and enforcement recovery

A fake law firm or enforcement partner presents forged credentials and reports to request fees and identity data for fund recovery.

Two people talking across a table with a laptop in a cafe

If you have one minute

Pause, then verify independently.

Unverifiable official partnership claims

Before paying

Verify lawyers in official professional registers

See verification steps →

If you paid or shared details

Stop payments and protect disclosed data

See response steps →

Start with these three signs

  • Unverifiable official partnership claims
  • Credential photos replace independent checks
  • Recovery fees directed to private accounts

How the situation unfolds

  1. Contact

    Recovery lawyer videos, unsolicited messages or recovery websites.

  2. The lure

    We have official authorization to prioritize your recovery.

  3. The demand and outcome

    Real lawyer names or logos lend false credibility. Invented official affiliations support service, tax or case processing charges.

Verify these things before paying

  1. Verify lawyers in official professional registers
  2. Call the firm through an independently found number
  3. Check enforcement claims with the named agency

Already engaged or paid?

  1. Stop payments and protect disclosed data
  2. Notify the impersonated firm or agency
  3. Give police forged credentials, agreements and payment records

Contact your payment provider and local police promptly. The responsible institution must confirm whether a payment can be stopped, disputed or returned.

Keep these records

Credentials and firm claims
Supposed reports or authorization
Messages, agreement and URLs
Recipient account and payments

Keep originals and organise working copies. Never give strangers verification codes, banking passwords, private keys or seed phrases.

Original references

  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)Publisher location:United States · EnglishOpen the original reference ↗https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240624

This page summarises public prevention guidance to help recognise methods. It is not an enforcement conclusion about a particular incident. Check the source page for its original title. Procedures and reporting routes vary by jurisdiction. Compiled October 2026.