Fake FBI Recovery Scam: Don’t Get Scammed Twice

The FBI is warning about a scam that can be especially cruel. After someone has already lost money to a scam, another person may contact them claiming to be with the FBI or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

They may say:

“We recovered your money.”
“We can help you get your money back.”
“We just need some information from you first.”

It sounds like help. But it may be another scam.

THREE THINGS TO REMEMBER

1. Be suspicious of anyone who contacts you offering to recover money.

Don’t assume someone is legitimate just because they know you were previously scammed.

2. Never pay someone to recover your lost money.

The FBI says IC3 will not ask you for payment to recover lost funds.

3. Verify it yourself.

Don’t use a phone number, email address, link, or contact information supplied by the person who contacted you. Go to the official IC3 website yourself.

Pete’s Bottom Line

Getting scammed once does not mean you have to get scammed twice.

If someone suddenly appears promising to recover your money, stop.

Don’t pay them.
Don’t give them personal or banking information.
Don’t let urgency or an official-sounding title pressure you.

Verify first. Always.

Learn more or report suspected internet crime at IC3.gov