FBI Warns of Fake Law Firms Targeting Crypto Scam Victims
The FBI is sounding the alarm about cybercriminals posing as law firms and lawyers. These fraudsters offer cryptocurrency recovery services to victims of investment scams but end up stealing even more funds and personal information.
Posing as Lawyers
The FBI reveals that these criminals trick victims by claiming they work with government agencies like the FBI and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). They also mention real financial institutions and money exchanges in their communication to appear legitimate. This tactic gives a false sense of authorization and capability to trace and recover lost funds.
Common Claims by Scammers:
- Requesting personal or banking information to "help" get the money back.
- Asking victims to state the judgment amount they are seeking from the initial fraudster.
- Requesting victims to pay a portion of fees upfront, with the balance due when funds are recovered.
- Directing victims to pay back taxes and other fees to recover their funds.
Surge in Fake Recovery Services
The FBI reports a rise in such scams recently. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), victims of these secondary cryptocurrency recovery scams have paid over $9 million to fraudsters between February 2023 and February 2024.
Real vs. Fake: Recovery of Lost Digital Assets
State-level authorities and federal intelligence agencies can, under certain circumstances, track stolen crypto, freeze it, and possibly divert it to safe wallets to be redistributed back to victims. These services are free, and victims are not contacted proactively with requests to provide more personal information or to pay fees.
It’s crucial to remember that no private sector entity is authorized to issue seizure orders. Anyone making such claims on social media, in internet ads, and comments is likely a scammer looking for fresh victims. Always research thoroughly a company claiming to recover stolen crypto before sharing any personal information or sending payments.
What to Do if You're a Victim
If you have fallen victim to such scams or suspect that you have been contacted by fraudsters, it is recommended to:
- File a report at the IC3 portal.
- Include as many details as possible about the scammer and financial transaction information.
Stay vigilant and protect your personal information to safeguard yourself against these fraudulent activities.
