FBI Issues Warning: Fake Lawyers Target Crypto Scam Victims with Recovery Hoax

A new wave of fraud is sweeping through the crypto space, and it’s hitting those who’ve already been burned. According to a recent alert from the FBI, scammers are now impersonating lawyers and legal firms, reaching out to past victims of cryptocurrency scams with promises of recovering lost funds — only to rob them again.

🛑 The Setup These con artists pose as attorneys affiliated with made-up agencies or fake government partnerships, using forged documents and convincing websites to build trust. Victims are often lured into WhatsApp group chats with so-called “bank processors” — all part of the illusion.

The catch? Victims are pressured to pay upfront fees, typically in crypto or gift cards, before any “recovery” begins. By the time they realize it’s a scam, their money is gone — again.

🔍 How They Operate What makes this scheme especially dangerous is how well-researched it is. Fraudsters often know the exact details of previous scams — how much was lost, when it happened, and even the names of the original scammers. This level of detail makes their pitch feel legitimate.

They also use stolen letterheads from real law firms and claim to have special ties to government bodies — a major red flag, since no private firm holds such designations.

Victims are then directed to register accounts at what appear to be foreign banks. These sites look professional but are actually elaborate traps designed to extract more funds.

🛡️ FBI’s Advice The Bureau urges everyone to adopt a “Zero Trust” mindset when approached with unsolicited recovery offers. If someone refuses to show ID, appear on camera, or provide licensing info — walk away.

Keep records of all communications, save emails, and record video calls when possible. These details can help investigators track down the perpetrators.