Victim guide · Protect yourself
Recognising a recovery scam
Warning signs when someone offers to retrieve money lost to fraud.
Published 24 September 2026 · Prepared by Fraud Response Network
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Unexpected contact is a warning sign
People targeted once may be contacted again by someone claiming to be a lawyer, regulator, investigator or recovery specialist. A caller knowing details about an earlier loss does not prove legitimacy.
Question advance payments and guarantees
Be wary of guaranteed recovery, claims that funds are already waiting, or demands for taxes, deposits or release fees. Verify the claimed organisation through independently found official contact details.
Pause and seek independent advice
Do not share passwords, one-time passcodes, seed phrases or remote access. Keep the message and report suspicious contact through official channels.
If you have just transferred money, contact your bank or payment provider through its official channel as soon as possible. No recovery outcome can be guaranteed.
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If you sent money in the last 24 hours, contact your bank or payment provider now using its official contact details.
Immediate steps for a recent transferNo recovery result can be promised. FRN is not a bank, regulator, law firm or police service.