Someone says they have traced my scam money and need a fee to release it. Is this real?

It is almost certainly a recovery scam. The FCA warns that recovery room scams target people who have already lost money and ask for an upfront fee, often called a tax, a solicitor's fee or an administration charge. End the contact, do not pay, and do not share your bank or card details.

They knew exactly how much I lost. Doesn't that mean they're genuine?

No. The FCA says recovery scams may be run by the people behind the original scam, or by people who bought victims' details from them. Knowing about your loss is part of how the scam works, not evidence that it is genuine.

Would the police or Report Fraud pass my case to a recovery company?

No. The FCA says reports of fraud can only be shared between law enforcement agencies. A private firm that says it has received your case from the police, Report Fraud or the FCA is not telling the truth.

I've already paid a recovery fee. Can I get it back?

Possibly. Tell your bank straight away and ask for a fraud claim on that payment. If you paid by UK bank transfer over Faster Payments or CHAPS, the reimbursement rules apply, and you should claim as soon as possible and within 13 months. If you paid by card, ask about a chargeback, and for a credit card payment over £100, a section 75 claim. Report it to Report Fraud as well.

Are all paid services that help with scam refunds fraudulent?

No. Some regulated firms and self-service tools help people prepare a complaint to their bank or the ombudsman. The differences are that they do not cold-call you, they do not claim to be working with the police or the regulator, they do not say they have traced your money, and they are open that the bank complaint and the ombudsman are free to use yourself. Never pay a fee to anyone who contacted you first about money you have lost.

Start My Claim

Someone Says They Can Get My Scam Money Back for a Fee. Is It Real?

An offer to recover scam losses for an upfront fee is very likely a second scam. The FCA's warning signs, how to check a firm, and the fr…