Scam teardown
The fake "we'll get your money back" call or message
By Lajhem Cambridge · Founder, Lorna · Published Oct 31, 2026
Quick answer
No. Real government agencies and real helpers never charge you to get your lost money back. If someone says they can recover money you lost to a scam, but you have to pay a fee or share your bank details first, it's a scam.
What it looks like
After you lose money to a scam, a new person reaches out:
"We can get your money back."
Then they ask for a fee first:
- "retainer fee"
- "processing fee"
- "administrative charge"
Or your bank details, to "deposit the refund."
They know you lost money. Scammers buy lists of people who have already been scammed, hoping to scam them again.
They want money first. Real agencies and real helpers will never ask you to pay to get your money back.
Or your bank details. It's best not to share bank, card or Social Security numbers.
Who they say they are
The FBI
A government agency
A consumer group
A law firm
They can reach you any way:
- Phone call
- Text
- Social media
- Chat apps
- Letter
Good to know: the FBI's crime complaint center (IC3) says it will never contact you directly by phone, email, social media or apps, and will never ask for payment to recover lost money.
Your calm next step
It's best not to pay anyone who says they can get your money back.
Keep your numbers private. It's best not to share bank, card or Social Security numbers, and not to tap their links.
Check for yourself. Look up the agency's phone number yourself. It's best not to use any number they give you. To reach the FBI's crime complaint center, type www.ic3.gov into your browser yourself.
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general. If you already paid, act quickly. Age 60 or older and need help filing with the FBI? Call the Elder Justice Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
Not sure?
Text Lorna and describe the call before you call anyone back. Lorna will help you check if it's real.
Sources
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), "FBI Warns of Scammers Impersonating the IC3," July 20, 2026
- Federal Trade Commission, "Have you lost money to a scam? Watch for scammers who say they can help," August 3, 2026
- Federal Trade Commission, "Refund and Recovery Scams"
- Commodity Futures Trading Commission, "Don't be Re-Victimized by Recovery Frauds"
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