Scam library · Investment & crypto
Fake crypto recovery scam
You lost money in a crypto investment scam. Weeks later, someone contacts you: a law firm, a 'blockchain forensics' company, or even someone claiming to be with the FBI or a regulator. They've traced your funds and can recover them, for a fee.
These are scammers targeting people who've already been scammed. Sometimes they're the same people.
What the message looks like
From: Digital Asset Recovery Bureau <case@chain-recovery-bureau[.]org>
Subject: Case 7731: Your lost funds have been located
Our forensic team has traced $48,200 in USDT linked to your case and is working with federal authorities to release it.
A refundable compliance fee of $2,400 is required to begin the recovery process.
How this scam works
The FBI has warned about fake law firms that contact crypto scam victims, claim to work with government agencies, and request fees or personal information. Some ask victims to pay in crypto or open new accounts.
Recovery scammers may show fake documents, government seals or 'tracing reports' with real transaction IDs to seem credible. They often ask for an upfront fee, taxes on the recovered funds, or a 'verification deposit'.
Advertising for 'guaranteed crypto recovery' is common on social media and search results.
Feeling embarrassed after a scam is normal, and that's exactly what recovery scammers count on. They know victims want to fix things quietly. Talking to a trusted family member, your bank, or a scam expert first keeps you from losing a second time.
Red flags
- Unsolicited contact about money you lost.
- Guarantees that funds can be recovered.
- Upfront fees, taxes or deposits before you get money back.
- Claims of working with the FBI, FTC or other agencies.
- Requests to pay in crypto or share wallet keys.
How to tell it’s fake
- Know that government agencies don't charge to help scam victims.
- Report the original scam to ic3.gov and ReportFraud.ftc.gov yourself.
- If you want a lawyer, find one yourself through your state bar association.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Stop responding. Don't share wallet keys or ID documents.
If you paid
- If you paid a recovery fee, report it to ic3.gov and your bank or exchange.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared ID or wallet details, protect your accounts, watch for identity theft and visit IdentityTheft.gov.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard in Chrome and Edge on your computer checks emails and sites from 'recovery' companies. It recognizes fake law firm and agency sites and warns before you pay a fee. After a loss, a scam expert's second opinion is the safest next step.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Can lost crypto ever be recovered?
- Sometimes law enforcement seizes funds, but they don't charge victims a fee to return them.
- A law firm contacted me about my case. Is it real?
- Be very careful. The FBI has warned about fake law firms targeting crypto victims.
- Should I report the original scam?
- Yes, to ic3.gov and ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- How did they find me?
- Victim lists are shared and sold among scammers, and some recovery scammers watch for people posting about losses online. Contact from a stranger who knows about your loss is a reason for more caution, not less.