Recovery Scams: When One Scam Turns Into Two
Mariana Raymond
Apr 28, 20253 min read
Imagine this: You’ve just lost money to a scam. You’re hurt, angry, maybe even embarrassed. Then, just when you’re trying to pick up the pieces, someone reaches out. They say they can help. They know who took your money, they can track them down, and even better- they promise to get your money back.
You feel hopeful. You want to believe it.
But here's the catch: this is another scam.
What Is a Recovery Scam?
A recovery scam is when someone pretends to help a scam victim recover their stolen funds- only to scam them again. It’s a cruel twist, targeting people when they’re already feeling vulnerable.
These scammers often pose as government officials or law enforcement, cybersecurity experts, financial recovery specialists, or even other “victims” who claim they successfully got their money back.
They usually ask for upfront fees to “start the process”, payments for “court costs” or “service charges”, or personal information and bank details.
Once they get what they want, they disappear- and now the victim is out even more money.
Red Flags to Watch For
Recovery scammers are sneaky, but there are common warning signs:
- They ask for money upfront before anything is recovered
- They guarantee success- no legitimate service can promise this
- They rush you or use fear tactics (“Act now or lose everything!”)
- Their contact details are vague or unverifiable
What You Can Do Instead
- Don’t pay anyone who contacts you offering to recover stolen money. Real authorities don’t charge for investigations.
- Report the original scam to your local fraud or cybercrime agency. Many countries have official reporting portals (like the FTC in the US, Action Fraud in the UK, or your national cybercrime unit).
- Contact your bank or payment provider immediately. They may be able to freeze or reverse transactions if reported quickly.
- Talk to someone you trust. Scammers thrive on isolation. A second opinion can help you see red flags more clearly.
- Search online: Type the company or contact name plus the word “scam”- you’d be surprised how often others have shared warnings.
Scammers try to catch people when they’re unsure. If someone reaches out with promises to fix things, take a moment. Ask questions. Check their story. Talk to someone you trust. And if it doesn’t feel right, report it.
A little caution goes a long way and your smart choices help protect others too.
How can Truecaller help?
Truecaller offers more than just our renowned Caller ID and spam-blocking features; we provide a fortress against fraud. Our technology helps you identify unknown calls and messages, allowing you to block scam attempts proactively, by both calls and texts.
At Truecaller we have made it our mission to build trust in communication. We do our best to help you navigate a world where fraud and unwanted communication are a part of your daily life. Stay updated about recent scams, and watch the latest YouTube videos on how you and the 450 million-strong community of people using Truecaller every month can stay protected. You'll find us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Mariana Raymond
Apr 28, 20253 min read
