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ZeroScam
1 confirmed active threats

🔄Recovery Scams

Recovery scams target previous victims with promises to get money back for fees. Often run by the same criminals who originally scammed you. Legitimate recovery is rare and free through FBI IC3 and FTC.

1
Patterns Documented
1
Confirmed Threats
0
High Risk
$16.6B
Reported Losses, 2024 (IC3)

Data sourced from FBI IC3 2024 Annual Report. Data reflects complaints submitted to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and may not represent all incidents. ZeroScam is an educational tool and is not affiliated with the FBI.

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Threat Levels

CONFIRMED THREATActively reported to FBI IC3
HIGH RISKSignificant victim reports
EMERGINGRecently identified pattern

Common Questions About Recovery Scams

Can I get money back after being scammed?
Sometimes via bank chargebacks. Report to FBI IC3 and FTC (free). Most crypto/wire losses are unrecoverable. Be wary of "recovery services."
Are crypto recovery services legit?
Almost never. "Recovery experts" are usually scams — often run by original scammers. Blockchain is irreversible.
How do recovery scams find victims?
They buy victim lists, monitor forums, or are the same people who scammed you originally.
Where do I report scams for free?
FBI IC3 (ic3.gov), FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov), state attorney general, your bank, and the platform where it happened.

📖 How to Use This Database

  • Browse patterns to learn scammer tactics before you encounter them
  • Share specific pattern pages with family members who may be targeted
  • Use our scanner to check suspicious messages against all 85 patterns
  • Report scams to FBI IC3 and FTC using links on each pattern page

⚖️ Important Information

This database is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Pattern data is derived from publicly available FBI IC3 reports and ongoing research.

ZeroScam does not guarantee detection of all scams. Always exercise caution and verify independently before sending money or personal information.

Not legal or financial advice. If you have been victimized, contact local law enforcement and file reports with FBI IC3 and FTC.

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73% of Americans report being targeted(Pew Research, 2025 survey)

$470M reported in text-related fraud(FTC, 2024)

$16.6B in total reported losses(FBI IC3, 2024)