The Second Scam: How Fake Recovery Experts Target People Who Already Lost Money

Weeks after a loss, a "lawyer," "FBI agent" or "asset recovery" firm calls promising to get the money back, for a fee. It's often the same people coming back for more.

Red flags

• They contacted you first after the loss, by call, text, social media or email.

• They want an upfront fee, "tax," "release fee" or crypto payment.

• They guarantee recovery or claim special access to frozen funds.

• They say they're from the FBI, IC3, DOJ or a court and ask for money or bank logins.

• They ask for remote access to your computer or phone.

• Their name isn't in the state bar directory, or doesn't match it.

• They go quiet after getting your personal information.

Check before you trust anyone

• Look up any attorney in the state bar directory (in Missouri, mobar.org LawyerSearch) and call the number listed there, not the one they gave you.

• Check any advisor on FINRA BrokerCheck or the SEC adviser search.

• Get any fee agreement in writing, with no upfront payment for recovery.

• Confirm any government contact by calling the agency's official number yourself.

• Remember that real DOJ victim payment programs never charge victims.

The rule: The FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule bans charging upfront fees to recover money lost to an earlier scam. No real lawyer or agency charges you first to get your money back.

Where real help lives, for free

• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-372-8311

• AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: 877-908-3360

• Legal Aid of Western Missouri: lawmo.org

• Missouri Bar Lawyer Referral: 573-636-3635

• Missouri Attorney General: 1-800-392-8222

Report a recovery scammer

• FBI: IC3.gov

• FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov

• Your state attorney general

• For a fake or dishonest lawyer: your state's attorney discipline office

Netivo teaches online safety and scam prevention for every generation, and helps families find the right agency when something goes wrong. Netivo does not give legal or financial advice and never charges victims to recover money. Questions or want a session for your group? Email inquiry@netivo.xyz.