A "recovery agent" wanted more money. I said no.

After binary options fraud, a “law firm” emailed with court-style letterhead and promised to recover my losses.

I paid a retainer, then filing fees, international service, even crypto for a “bailment release.”

Invoices kept coming; no docket appeared when I called the courthouse.

The bar association had no attorney by that name—the same criminals had sold me hope twice.

Fake recovery lawyers copy litigation language for advance-fee fraud.

Real counsel itemises work and uses proper escrow; they do not guarantee asset return from anonymous scammers.

I clung to any story where I was not powerless.

Reverse image search on the “partner” photo returned a stock lawyer portrait from a photo site.

Cynicism about any help slowed real healing; trusting again took time.

I verify bar numbers independently and refuse crypto for legal fees from cold outreach.

• Legitimate lawyers do not guarantee recovery from offshore fraudsters.
• Report fake firms to the state bar and FTC.

For more help, see our Report a scam page and Spot and avoid scams guide.