If you’ve recently realized you were on a “Suckers List“—or if you’ve been the victim of a scam in the past—you need to be on high alert. Scammers have a cruel follow-up move called the Recovery Scam.
It’s often called the “Double Tap” because it targets people who are already hurting, offering them a glimmer of hope just to take even more money. Here is how to spot the trap before it springs.
What is a Recovery Scam?
A recovery scam happens when a fraudster contacts a previous scam victim claiming they can help recover the lost money, track down the original scammer, or provide a “refund” from a government fund.
The catch? You have to pay an upfront fee for their “services,” taxes, or legal paperwork. Once you pay, the “helper” vanishes.
The 3 Most Common “Recovery” Personas
Scammers are excellent actors. They will usually reach out pretending to be one of these three figures:
- The Hero Lawyer/Private Investigator: They claim to have tracked down the scammers who took your money and just need a “retainer fee” or “filing fee” to start the legal process to get it back.
- The Government Official: They might claim to be from the FTC, the FBI, or a “Consumer Protection Task Force.” They tell you that your name was found on a seized list and a settlement check is waiting for you—if you just pay the “processing tax.”
- The Tech Support Specialist: If you were scammed via a computer virus or fake software, they’ll claim they can “remotely access” your bank account to deposit a refund directly. (Hint: They aren’t depositing money; they’re stealing your login info).
Red Flags: How to Know It’s a Fake
| Look for… | Why it’s a Scam |
| Upfront Payment | Real government agencies and legitimate law firms will never ask for money via wire transfer, gift cards, or crypto to return stolen funds. |
| They Contacted YOU | If you didn’t reach out to them first, it’s a scam. Legitimate agencies don’t cold-call victims to offer refunds. |
| Urgency & Secrecy | They’ll tell you not to tell your bank or family because it’s a “sensitive investigation.” This is to prevent anyone from talking sense into you. |
| Requests for Remote Access | Never let a stranger “dial in” to your computer to show you a refund or help you log into your bank. |
What to Do If You’re Contacted
If someone reaches out promising to get your money back, take these steps immediately:
- Hang Up or Delete: Don’t engage. Don’t try to “scam the scammer.” Just cut the cord.
- Verify Independently: If they claim to be from the FBI, look up the official FBI field office number yourself and call them. Never use the “callback number” the person gives you.
- Report It: Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov to let the authorities know you’re being targeted again.
- Accept the Reality: It is incredibly painful, but in the vast majority of cases, once money is sent via wire or crypto, it is gone. Accepting this is the best way to protect yourself from losing even more to a recovery scam.
Trixie’s Pro-Tip
The scammers who took your money the first time are often the exact same people calling you to “recover” it. They kept your file and waited a few months for the dust to settle before trying their second act.
Don’t let them win twice.