Scammers Are Targeting People Who Already Lost Money — Here’s How the Second Scam Works

Scammers may contact previous fraud victims and promise to recover their missing money for a fee. Knowing details about the original loss doesn’t prove the caller is legitimate. CC7/Shutterstock

Losing money to a scam can leave someone embarrassed, angry, and desperate for a way to undo the damage. Unfortunately, scammers know that, and some deliberately target people who have already been victimized with an offer that sounds almost irresistible: “We can get your money back.” These recovery scams can arrive by phone, email, text, social media, or even through convincing-looking companies claiming to specialize in recovering stolen funds. The person contacting you may know surprisingly specific details about the original fraud, making the offer seem far more legitimate than a random scam call. Before paying anyone who promises to recover money you’ve already lost, understand why the second scam can sometimes be even more financially damaging than the first. Here’s everything you need to know.

Your Information May Already Be Circulating Among Scammers