Recovery scams
Watch for a second scam
Anyone who contacts you offering to get your money back for a fee is a scammer, even if they say they’re the FTC, the FBI or a law firm. Real agencies never charge to help.
Signs it’s a recovery scam
- They found you, not the other way round. They know what you lost.
- They want a fee, a “tax”, a “retainer” or a “release fee” before you get anything.
- They ask for your bank, card or ID details “to send your refund”.
- They move you to a private chat app or direct messages.
- They say they’re a “certified recovery hacker”, a “fund recovery firm” or an FTC/FBI/IC3 “recovery unit”.
What to do
Don’t pay and don’t share details. Report the first scam free at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov, and tell your own bank. The FTC, FBI and IC3 never call, text or message you to offer money back.
Natarta flags these messages as “Likely scam” and explains why. Real refund notices that say “no action needed” stay “Looks OK”. Try one below.
Questions
Can a hacker or recovery company get my crypto back?
No one can promise that, and anyone who contacts you offering it for a fee is running a second scam. Report the first scam free at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov, and contact the exchange you used.
Does the FTC or FBI call people to give money back?
No. The FTC, FBI and IC3 never call, text or message you to offer money back, and they never charge a fee. Real FTC refunds are announced at ftc.gov/refunds.
I already paid a recovery company. What now?
Stop paying and stop replying. Call your bank or card company using the number on your card, then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov. See the full steps on our Got scammed page.
Based on public advice from the FTC and the FBI’s IC3, in our own words. Natarta isn’t legal or financial advice.