Recovery scam

A recovery scam is a form of deception aimed at people who have previously lost money. Help is offered in return for an advance payment or fees, after which the promised result fails to come. It targets a group that is already vulnerable. Whether a specific offer falls under it is something that has to emerge case by case.

What it may indicate

An unsolicited offer to arrange something for you against an advance payment, especially shortly after something went wrong, can be an indication of a setup that plays on the earlier situation. It need not be. Caution is in order, and clarity only emerges after investigating the party behind it.

Shortly after an unpleasant experience, someone received a message from a party offering to arrange something against an advance. Once the advance was paid, contact stopped. Whether this was a constructed structure can only be established by investigating the party and the payments.

What is a recovery scam?

A form of deception aimed at people who lost money earlier, offering help against an advance payment after which the promised result fails to come.

Why are recovery scams especially harmful?

Because they target a group that is already vulnerable after an earlier loss. An unsolicited offer against advance payment can invite caution; clarity comes from investigating the party behind it.

Waar let ik op bij een aanbod na een nare ervaring?

Een ongevraagd aanbod met een vooruitbetaling kort na een vervelende gebeurtenis kan opvallen. Het is een aanwijzing tot voorzichtigheid, geen oordeel. Onderzoek naar de partij geeft uitsluitsel.