Frequently Asked Questions: What Scam Victims Ask Us Most

Is it too late? How much does it cost? How do I know you are real? We answer the questions every scam victim asks — honestly, in plain language, with no obligation.

Every week we speak with scam victims from all over the world. The questions they ask are remarkably consistent. We have compiled the most common ones here and answered each one as clearly and honestly as we can. If your question is not listed, contact us directly — a member of our team will respond promptly.

Is it too late to recover my money?

Not necessarily. Recovery options depend on how the money was sent and how much time has passed, but we have helped clients begin proceedings months after the initial loss. Wire transfers have a narrow 24–72 hour window for recall, but cryptocurrency fraud can be traced and acted upon much later using blockchain forensics. The honest answer is: contact us and we will assess your specific situation. We will tell you clearly what is and is not possible.

Can a lawyer actually get my money back from a scammer?

In many cases, yes — though not always, and we will never promise an outcome we cannot guarantee. The likelihood of recovery depends on how the money was sent, how quickly you act, and whether the funds can be traced to accounts accessible through legal process. Wire transfers reported within 72 hours, cryptocurrency sent to regulated exchanges, and funds held in US-based accounts all have higher recovery potential. We will evaluate your case and give you an honest picture of your options.

How much does it cost to hire an asset recovery attorney?

We offer a free initial consultation with no obligation. For qualifying cases, we work on a contingency or structured fee arrangement — meaning our compensation is tied to the outcome of your case. We will explain our fee structure clearly in writing before any engagement begins. We never ask for upfront payment via cryptocurrency, gift card, or wire transfer. If any firm asks for that, it is a scam.

How long does asset recovery take?

Recovery timelines vary significantly. Emergency injunctions to freeze assets can sometimes be obtained within 24–48 hours. Cryptocurrency tracing investigations typically take 4–12 weeks to complete. Full civil litigation that results in a judgment and collection can take 12–24 months or longer depending on jurisdiction and the complexity of the case. We provide realistic timeline estimates based on your specific situation at the outset of every engagement.

How do I know your firm is legitimate and not another scam?

This is a smart and important question and we are glad you asked it. You can verify our attorneys through your state bar association's public directory — this is free and takes less than two minutes. Our office has a verifiable physical address you can look up independently. We never ask for upfront payment via cryptocurrency, gift card, or wire transfer. We provide written fee agreements before any work begins. We welcome your scrutiny because we have nothing to hide.

Can I recover money lost in a romance scam or pig butchering?

Yes, in many cases. Romance scam and pig butchering recovery often depends on how funds were transferred. Cryptocurrency sent to identifiable exchanges, wire transfers reported quickly, and credit card payments all have legal recovery pathways. These are among the most common cases we handle. The cryptocurrency transactions in pig butchering operations leave a permanent blockchain record, and forensic tracing can often identify where funds went — including exchanges where subpoenas can reveal real account holder identities.

Do I need to file a police report before consulting you?

No. You can consult with us at any time regardless of what reports you have or have not filed. However, we strongly recommend filing reports with the FBI at ic3.gov and with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov as soon as possible, as these create official records that support both criminal investigations and civil cases. A local police report is also useful and is often required by banks for fraud investigations.

What is the difference between what you do and what the FBI does?

The FBI investigates and prosecutes scammers criminally on behalf of the government. We pursue financial recovery through the civil court system on your behalf as an individual victim. These two processes can run simultaneously and can complement each other. When law enforcement seizes scammer assets through criminal prosecution, victims who have filed civil suits may be positioned to participate in asset forfeiture distributions. We can help you navigate both processes effectively.