After you have been scammed, you are vulnerable. And unfortunately, scammers know this. That is why recovery scams are so common — they target people who have already lost money and promise to get it back for a fee. So how do you tell if a recovery service is legitimate or just another scam?
In this guide, we’ll cover the key warning signs and how to verify a recovery service before you commit.
Warning Sign 1: Guaranteed Outcomes
First, no legitimate recovery service can guarantee results. Fraud recovery is complex — it depends on evidence, jurisdiction, payment method, and many other factors. So if a company promises they will get your money back no matter what, that is a major red flag.
Instead, a legitimate service will give you an honest assessment of your options and explain the limitations.
Warning Sign 2: Upfront Fees Before Any Assessment
Also, be cautious if a service demands full payment before even reviewing your case. Legitimate recovery firms typically offer a free or low-cost initial assessment first. Then, if they can help, they’ll provide a clear scope of work with transparent pricing.
However, note that some legitimate services do charge upfront for investigation work. The key difference is transparency — they explain exactly what the fee covers.
Warning Sign 3: Requests for Wallet Access or Private Keys
In addition, never give your private keys, recovery phrases, or wallet passwords to anyone. A legitimate recovery service does not need access to your crypto wallet. Instead, they work with transaction records and blockchain evidence.
So if someone asks for your private keys, stop immediately — that is a scam.
Warning Sign 4: No Written Scope of Work
Moreover, a legitimate service will provide a written agreement that outlines:
- What they will do (investigation, legal referral, reporting assistance)
- What they cannot guarantee
- How much it costs and when payment is due
- How to terminate the agreement
If they only work with verbal promises or vague emails, walk away.
How to Verify a Recovery Service
Before hiring anyone, take these steps:
- Check their business registration — Are they a registered company? Can you verify their address?
- Read independent reviews — Look for reviews on Trustpilot, Google, or BBB. However, be aware that some reviews may be fake.
- Ask for references — A legitimate service should be able to provide case examples (with client consent)
- Verify their team — Do they have real people with verifiable backgrounds?
- Check our scam directory — See if they or similar companies have been reported
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Also, ask these questions directly:
- What specific services do you provide?
- What are your fees and when are they due?
- Can you guarantee results? (If yes, walk away)
- What happens if you cannot recover my funds?
- Do you provide a written agreement?
- Can I speak with a previous client?
Your Next Step
If you are looking for a legitimate recovery service, start with a free case review. We’ll give you an honest assessment of your situation, explain what we can and cannot do, and provide a clear written scope if we can help.
Also read about what happens during a free case review or scam platforms to watch out for.
Request a free case review