Should I pay a recovery agent to get my money back?
No. Legitimate recovery never requires an upfront fee. Unsolicited 'recovery agents' who guarantee results are almost always scammers targeting victims a second time.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
After a scam, you may be contacted by people claiming to be recovery agents, lawyers, regulators, or police who can retrieve your money for a fee. They can't. Genuine help comes from your bank and official fraud services, which don't charge upfront fees or guarantee recovery. Paying a recovery agent typically means losing more money.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited contact offering to recover your losses
- Guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee
- Claims to be an official body but contacts you privately
- Pressure and secrecy
What to do now
- Don't pay any upfront fee
- Work only with your bank and official fraud services
- Block and report the recovery agent
Frequently asked questions
How did the recovery agent know I was scammed?
Scammers trade lists of previous victims and monitor public complaints. If you've been scammed or posted about it, expect recovery-scam attempts.