Romance Recovery Scams
Follow-up scams targeting romance fraud victims with promises to recover lost money for a fee.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
A romance recovery scam targets people who lost money to a romance scam, offering to recover the funds — or even reunite them with their 'partner' — for an upfront fee. It is a second exploitation of the same victim.
How it works
Out of the blue, a 'recovery agent', 'investigator' or 'lawyer' contacts you claiming they can trace and return your money. They request fees for investigation, legal costs, or 'releasing' funds. Nothing is recovered.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited offer to recover romance-scam losses
- Guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee
- Claims to be an investigator, lawyer or agency contacting you privately
- Pressure and secrecy
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
We specialise in recovering romance-scam funds. Pay a [amount] retainer and we guarantee results.
Payment methods used
- Crypto
- Bank transfer
- Gift cards
Who is usually targeted
- Previous romance scam victims
What to do immediately
- Do not pay — no legitimate recovery requires upfront fees
- Block and report the contact
- Get support through recognised victim services
Evidence to preserve
- Contact details and messages
- Any documents
- Payment demands
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any legitimate way to recover romance-scam money?
Work only with your bank and official fraud reporting services, which never guarantee recovery or charge crypto/gift-card fees. Treat any unsolicited 'recovery' offer as a second scam.