After a broker or wallet loss, the inbox often fills with people who sound like solicitors. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned that fictitious law firms target crypto fraud victims — especially older people — by offering to recover funds while stealing more money or personal data. The script travels well: invented partnerships with agencies, forged letterheads, and a calm voice that already knows the exact amounts and dates you sent.
Red flags the FBI has listed match what victims report elsewhere. The “firm” claims to be an official partner of a government body (no private firm holds that status for US agencies). It invents regulators with impressive acronyms. It wants payment in cryptocurrency or prepaid gift cards. It says you are on a government victim list, parks your money in a foreign bank that needs a new account, or drops you into a WhatsApp group with “processors” who demand identity and bank fees. Video proof of a real practising certificate is somehow never available.
Due diligence is dull on purpose. Search the lawyer and firm on the official bar or solicitors’ register for the country they claim. Call the number on that register, not the one in the message. Real counsel explain retainers and jurisdiction in writing you can verify; they do not unlock a pre-funded USDT balance after one more transfer. A PDF with a crest is not a filing.
Stop the chat, keep the evidence, and report through official channels rather than hiring the next voice that promises a full refund for one more fee. See also our note on fake recovery lawyers and “foreign account” fees.
Start at Get help for reporting routes. Read Fake recovery before you pay anyone selling a guaranteed clawback.
This article is for general information only. It is not legal or financial advice. Details change. If you have lost money, contact your bank or card issuer and use the routes on the help pages.