Offer to recover lost money: warning signs and what to do
What to do
Do not pay anyone who promises to get back money you lost to a scam. Only the police and the courts can trace and freeze stolen money, and they do not charge a fee to do it.
Warning signs
- Offers to recover money you lost to a scam.
How this scam has played out
"We will recover your lost money" offers
After a scheme collapses, victims are approached by people who promise to recover the money for a fee. After CBEX collapsed, Nigeria's SEC said there was nothing it could do to recover the funds. Anyone charging a fee to get lost money back is very likely running a second scam.
Source: Vanguard (Apr 2025), SEC Nigeria
Received a message or offer like this? Check it before you pay.
Check it nowHelp and helplines
- National emergency 999
- Police Cyber Support for Women 01320-000888
- Visa check for Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Ami Probashi, paid) 16768
This guide is a warning about a pattern; it does not accuse any particular person or organisation.