6-Step Recovery Framework

Our Recovery Process

A transparent, step-by-step approach to recovering your stolen funds

How Fund Recovery Works

Our recovery process combines digital forensics, financial investigation, legal coordination, and persistent effort. Every case is unique, but we follow a structured approach designed to maximize recovery success. From the moment you contact us, our team works methodically through each phase, adapting strategies as new information emerges and conditions change.

We have refined this six-step framework over years of handling complex fraud cases across dozens of countries. Each step builds upon the previous one, creating a comprehensive recovery strategy that addresses every angle: tracing the flow of funds, identifying the parties involved, coordinating with institutions that hold the assets, and executing the legal and procedural mechanisms needed to return your money. Throughout the entire process, you are kept informed and involved in every decision that affects your case.

1

Free Case Evaluation

Duration: 1-3 days

You provide details about the scam, including transaction records, communications with scammers, and any other relevant information. Our team reviews your case and provides an honest assessment of recovery likelihood based on:

  • Type of scam and payment method used
  • Amount of time elapsed since the fraud
  • Quality and completeness of available evidence
  • Jurisdictions involved
  • Identifiable destination of funds
  • Whether the scam operation is still active or has shut down
  • Historical success rates for similar case profiles and scam patterns

We provide you with a clear understanding of the process, expected timeline, and potential outcomes. No obligation to proceed.

During this phase, you will speak directly with a case evaluation specialist who will walk you through our assessment in plain language. You will receive a written summary of our findings, including a candid appraisal of your case's strengths and challenges, so that you can make a fully informed decision about whether to move forward. There is never any pressure to proceed, and the evaluation itself is entirely free and confidential.

2

Evidence & Transaction Analysis

Duration: 1-2 weeks

If you decide to proceed, we conduct a thorough analysis of all available evidence:

  • Transaction records and blockchain data
  • Communication logs with scammers
  • Website information and screenshots
  • Email headers and metadata
  • Banking or payment processor records
  • Social media profiles and digital identities used by the perpetrators
  • Cross-referencing scammer details against known fraud databases and prior cases

This phase establishes the complete fraud pattern and identifies the best recovery approach.

As a client, you will experience this phase as a collaborative process. Your dedicated case manager will contact you to clarify details, request any additional documentation, and explain what the evidence reveals about your specific situation. You will receive an initial investigation report that maps out the fraud timeline, identifies the key parties and transactions involved, and outlines the strategic approach we recommend for the recovery effort ahead.

3

Blockchain & Digital Tracing

Duration: 2-4 weeks

For cryptocurrency cases, we use advanced blockchain forensics to trace your funds. Our analysts employ industry-leading tools and methodologies, including Chainalysis Reactor for transaction graph analysis, Crystal Blockchain for cross-chain tracing, and proprietary clustering algorithms that identify wallet ownership patterns. We perform multi-hop tracing across decentralized and centralized platforms, following even the most complex transaction chains:

  • Follow transactions across multiple wallets and blockchains, including cross-chain bridges and layer-2 networks such as Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism
  • Identify when funds reach centralized exchanges where KYC regulations enable account holder identification
  • Analyze mixer and tumbler services including CoinJoin transactions, Tornado Cash interactions, and other obfuscation techniques using probabilistic de-mixing algorithms
  • Map connections to known scam operations using threat intelligence databases and dark web monitoring
  • Identify cash-out points and conversion methods, including peer-to-peer platforms, OTC desks, and fiat off-ramps
  • Trace funds through DeFi protocols, liquidity pools, and decentralized exchanges where assets may be swapped or staked
  • Perform address clustering analysis to link multiple wallets to the same entity using common-spend heuristics and behavioral pattern recognition

For traditional payment fraud, we trace funds through banking networks, payment processors, SWIFT transfer records, and financial intermediaries. This includes analyzing wire transfer routing, identifying correspondent banks, tracing card payment processing chains, and working with payment gateway providers to reconstruct the complete movement of funds from your account to their final destination.

During this step, you will receive detailed tracing updates showing exactly where your funds have moved. Our team translates complex blockchain data and financial routing information into clear visual maps and written summaries so you understand the progress being made. If funds are identified at a recoverable location, we immediately begin preparing the groundwork for the next phase while continuing to trace any remaining unaccounted assets.

4

Legal & Financial Coordination

Duration: 3-8 weeks

With funds traced, we coordinate recovery efforts across multiple institutional channels:

  • Contact cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and regional platforms to freeze identified accounts and initiate asset recovery procedures
  • Coordinate with major international banks, including correspondent banks involved in wire transfer routing, to flag fraudulent transactions and trigger internal investigation protocols
  • Prepare legal documentation for regulatory complaints with bodies such as the SEC, FCA, ASIC, and other national financial regulators
  • Work with financial crime units including the FBI's IC3, Europol's European Cybercrime Centre, INTERPOL, and national fraud reporting agencies when appropriate
  • File claims through relevant dispute resolution processes including credit card chargebacks, ACH reversals, and SWIFT recall requests
  • Navigate multi-jurisdictional requirements, coordinating across different legal systems, time zones, and regulatory frameworks
  • Engage with payment processors such as PayPal, Stripe, Wise, and Western Union to pursue recovery through their internal fraud departments
  • Coordinate with fintech companies, neobanks, and e-money institutions that may hold or have processed the stolen funds

This phase requires coordination with multiple parties and depends on their cooperation timelines.

For you as the client, this phase involves periodic updates as we engage with each institution. Your case manager will explain which entities we are contacting, what responses we receive, and what each response means for your recovery prospects. You may be asked to provide additional authorization documents or identity verification to support institutional requests. We handle all the complex coordination, but you are always informed about who we are working with and what progress is being achieved.

5

Recovery Action

Duration: 4-12 weeks

We execute the recovery strategy:

  • Work with cooperating institutions to return frozen funds
  • Pursue chargebacks when applicable
  • Coordinate legal recovery actions if necessary
  • Monitor ongoing tracing as funds continue to move
  • Negotiate settlements when appropriate
  • Escalate unresponsive institutions through regulatory channels and formal complaint mechanisms
  • Prepare comprehensive forensic reports that can be submitted as evidence in civil or criminal proceedings

Recovery timelines vary significantly based on the cooperation of financial institutions, exchanges, and the complexity of the case.

This is the phase where recovered funds begin to return to you. Your case manager will walk you through the logistics of receiving returned assets, whether that involves bank wire transfers, cryptocurrency returns, or other mechanisms. In cases where partial recovery is achieved first, we continue pursuing the remaining balance. You will receive a detailed accounting of all recovered amounts, the sources of each recovery, and a clear explanation of any amounts that remain outstanding and the continuing efforts to recover them.

6

Ongoing Client Updates

Throughout the process

Communication is critical. Throughout every stage, we:

  • Provide regular progress updates via your preferred communication channel
  • Explain each step in clear language, avoiding unnecessary jargon
  • Respond promptly to your questions, typically within 24 hours
  • Adjust strategy based on new developments
  • Keep you informed of any challenges or delays
  • Provide written case summaries at key milestones so you have a permanent record of progress
  • Offer guidance on protecting yourself from further scam attempts, including secondary recovery scams that target prior victims

You'll have a dedicated case manager as your single point of contact throughout the entire recovery process.

Our commitment to communication means you will never feel left in the dark. Whether your case resolves quickly or extends over several months, you will hear from your case manager at regular intervals with substantive updates, not just generic status messages. We also provide post-recovery support, including guidance on securing your accounts, strengthening your digital security practices, and understanding the warning signs of future fraud attempts so you can protect yourself going forward.

Documents & Information That Help Your Case

The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your case becomes. However, do not let a lack of documentation stop you from reaching out. Even partial information gives our investigators a starting point, and we are experienced at building comprehensive case files from limited initial evidence. Many of our most successful recoveries began with clients who believed they had very little to work with.

Financial Records

Financial documentation forms the backbone of any recovery case. The more transaction data you can provide, the faster and more accurately we can trace the flow of your funds. Key financial records include:

  • Transaction confirmations: Receipts, confirmation emails, or screenshots showing payments you made to the scammer, including dates, amounts, and reference numbers
  • Bank statements: Statements from any bank accounts used to send funds, highlighting the relevant transactions with dates and recipient details
  • Crypto wallet addresses: Any wallet addresses you sent cryptocurrency to, transaction hashes (TXIDs), and screenshots from your wallet application showing the transfers
  • Payment receipts: Confirmation records from payment services such as PayPal, Wise, Western Union, MoneyGram, or any other transfer service, including tracking numbers and reference codes
  • Credit or debit card statements: Records of card transactions made to fraudulent merchants or platforms, including merchant names and transaction dates

Communication Evidence

Communications between you and the scammer provide critical intelligence about the fraud operation. These records help us identify the perpetrators, understand their methods, and build a stronger case for recovery. Important communication evidence includes:

  • Emails: Full email threads including headers, showing the complete history of your interactions with the scammer and any promises or instructions they provided
  • Chat logs: Conversations from WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Facebook Messenger, or any other messaging platform, ideally exported as text files or comprehensive screenshots
  • Screenshots: Screen captures of any interactions, dashboards, fake profit displays, withdrawal errors, or other visual evidence from the scam platform
  • Phone numbers: Any phone numbers used by the scammers, including country codes, along with call logs showing dates and duration of conversations
  • Social media profiles: Links to or screenshots of social media accounts used by the scammers, including profile names, photos, and any posts or advertisements that led you to the scam

Platform Information

Details about the fraudulent platform or operation itself help us connect your case to broader scam networks and strengthen recovery efforts. The more you can document about the scam operation, the better. Useful platform information includes:

  • Website URLs: The exact web addresses of the scam platform, including any subdomains or alternate URLs they used, even if the site has since gone offline
  • Screenshots of the platform: Images showing the scam website's interface, login pages, dashboards, and any fake account balances or trading activity that was displayed to you
  • Account details: Your username, account ID, email address used to register, and any other account information from the fraudulent platform
  • Promotional materials: Advertisements, brochures, videos, or social media posts that were used to promote the scam, including any testimonials or endorsements they displayed
  • Contracts or agreements: Any terms of service, investment agreements, or other documents you were asked to sign or agree to, whether digital or physical

Transparency & Honesty

We believe in complete transparency about what we can and cannot do. Trust is earned through honest communication, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in everything we do:

No Guaranteed Outcomes

Every case is different. While we have a 96% success rate, we cannot guarantee recovery in advance. We provide honest assessments based on the specific circumstances of your case. Recovery depends on many factors outside our control, including institutional cooperation and the actions of the perpetrators.

Realistic Expectations

We explain potential challenges upfront and set realistic expectations about timelines and likely outcomes. If a full recovery is unlikely, we tell you honestly and discuss what partial recovery may be achievable. We would rather set conservative expectations and over-deliver than make promises we cannot keep.

Clear Communication

We avoid jargon and explain technical processes in understandable terms. You'll always know what we're doing and why. Every update you receive will be substantive and meaningful, giving you a genuine understanding of your case's progress rather than vague reassurances.

Honest Assessments

If we believe recovery is unlikely, we tell you. We don't take on cases where we cannot provide value. Our reputation is built on integrity, and we would rather turn away a case than accept money for work we do not believe will produce results.

We Decline Cases We Can't Help

Not every case is recoverable, and we are upfront about that reality. During the initial evaluation, if we determine that the circumstances of your case make recovery improbable, we will tell you directly and explain our reasoning. We may also refer you to other resources, including law enforcement channels or consumer protection agencies, that may be better positioned to assist you.

Complete Fee Transparency

You will always know exactly what our services cost before you commit to anything. We explain our fee structure clearly during the initial consultation, including what is covered, what triggers additional costs, and how fees relate to the recovery outcome. There are never hidden charges, surprise invoices, or unexplained deductions from recovered funds.

Why Early Action Matters

The sooner you act after discovering a scam, the better your chances of recovery. Speed is the single most important factor in determining whether stolen funds can be traced and returned. Every day that passes gives scammers more time to move, convert, and disperse your assets through increasingly complex channels:

  • Funds are traceable: Before scammers have time to move or launder stolen assets through multiple wallets, accounts, and jurisdictions
  • Accounts can be frozen: Exchanges and banks can act before funds are withdrawn, converted to cash, or transferred to untraceable destinations
  • Evidence is fresh: Websites, accounts, and records may still be accessible before scammers delete their digital footprint
  • Legal timeframes: Some recovery mechanisms have strict time limits, including chargeback windows, regulatory complaint deadlines, and statute of limitations periods
  • Pattern identification: Ongoing scam operations can be disrupted to help other victims, and active operations are easier to trace than defunct ones

Understanding how time affects recovery chances is critical. Here is what typically happens at different intervals after a scam occurs:

Within 24 hours: This is the golden window for recovery. Funds are often still sitting in the initial receiving wallet or bank account. Exchanges and banks can freeze accounts almost immediately when notified. Evidence is fully intact, and the scam operation is likely still active, making identification and tracing straightforward. Recovery rates are highest when we begin work within the first day.

Within 1 week: Funds may have been moved once or twice, but the trail is still fresh and relatively simple to follow. Most exchanges retain frozen assets during this period. Scam websites are usually still online. The chances of a successful recovery remain strong, particularly for cases involving centralized exchanges or traditional bank transfers.

Within 1 month: Scammers have typically begun layering funds through multiple wallets, accounts, or jurisdictions. Some evidence may have been deleted. However, blockchain records are permanent, and bank records are retained. Recovery is still very much possible, though the investigation requires more time and effort to unravel the transaction chain.

Within 3 months: Significant fund movement has usually occurred. Scam platforms may have shut down and relaunched under new names. Some institutional records may require formal legal requests to access. Recovery becomes more challenging but is still achievable in many cases, especially when the client has preserved good documentation of the original transactions.

After 6 months or more: Funds have typically been dispersed, converted, or withdrawn through multiple channels. The scam operation has likely changed identities. However, blockchain transactions remain on the public ledger permanently, and institutional records are retained for years. We have successfully recovered funds in cases that were months or even over a year old. Do not assume your case is hopeless because time has passed. Contact us for an honest assessment.

If you've been scammed, don't wait. Contact us immediately for a free case evaluation. Even if time has passed, recovery may still be possible, and the sooner we begin, the better your chances.

Factors That Influence Recovery Outcomes

Every recovery case is shaped by a unique combination of factors. Understanding these variables helps set realistic expectations and allows our team to develop the most effective strategy for your specific situation. While no single factor determines the outcome in isolation, together they paint a picture of each case's recovery potential.

Time Since the Scam

The elapsed time between the scam occurring and recovery efforts beginning is often the most critical factor. Funds traced within hours or days have the highest recovery rates. As time passes, assets are moved through more layers, making tracing more complex. However, even older cases can yield results when other factors are favorable, particularly when blockchain records provide a permanent trail.

Payment Method Used

The method of payment significantly affects recovery options. Bank wire transfers can sometimes be recalled. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargeback processes. Cryptocurrency transactions, while irreversible on the blockchain, are highly traceable to exchange cash-out points. Cash payments, gift cards, and certain peer-to-peer transfers present the greatest challenges due to limited traceability and fewer institutional recovery mechanisms.

Quality of Evidence

Strong documentation dramatically improves recovery prospects. Transaction records, communication logs, screenshots, and platform details give our investigators concrete data points to work from. Cases where clients have preserved comprehensive evidence allow us to build stronger institutional requests and more compelling regulatory complaints. Even partial evidence is valuable, as our team is skilled at filling gaps through forensic investigation.

Cooperation of Institutions

Recovery often depends on the willingness and speed of financial institutions, cryptocurrency exchanges, and payment processors to cooperate with freeze requests and fund returns. Most major exchanges have compliance departments that respond to legitimate recovery requests, but response times and policies vary. Some institutions require court orders, while others act on well-documented fraud reports. Our established relationships with major platforms help expedite this process.

Jurisdiction Complexity

Cases involving multiple countries introduce additional complexity due to differing legal systems, regulatory frameworks, and institutional requirements. A scam originating in one country, with funds routed through banks in a second, and cashed out through an exchange in a third, requires coordinated efforts across all three jurisdictions. Our experience working across 45+ countries allows us to navigate these complexities, but multi-jurisdictional cases typically require longer timelines.

Amount Involved

While we pursue recovery regardless of amount, the sum involved can influence institutional responsiveness and the viability of certain recovery channels. Larger amounts often receive priority attention from exchange compliance teams and law enforcement agencies. For smaller amounts, we focus on the most cost-effective recovery channels to ensure the effort remains proportionate. We always discuss the economics of recovery honestly during the initial evaluation so you can make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked About Our Process

What if I don't have all the evidence?

Do not let incomplete documentation prevent you from reaching out. Many clients come to us with limited records, and our investigators are experienced at building comprehensive case files from partial information. A single transaction ID, wallet address, or email from a scammer can be enough to begin an investigation. During the evidence analysis phase, we guide you through identifying and gathering additional documentation you may not have realized you had, such as email confirmations from banks, browser history records, or app notification logs. Our forensic tools can also uncover information that supplements what you provide, including blockchain transaction histories, domain registration records, and publicly available data about known scam operations. The key is to start the conversation. We will honestly tell you whether the evidence available is sufficient to pursue recovery.

Can you help if the scam happened months ago?

Yes, we can still help in many cases where significant time has passed. While early action always improves the odds, recovery is not limited to recent scams. Blockchain transactions are recorded permanently and can be traced regardless of when they occurred. Bank and exchange records are typically retained for several years. Many of our successful recoveries have involved cases that were weeks or months old when clients first contacted us. The feasibility depends on the specific circumstances: where the funds went, whether they have been converted or cashed out, and whether the relevant institutions still have actionable records. During the free case evaluation, we assess these factors honestly and tell you whether your case has viable recovery potential despite the time elapsed. We have recovered funds in cases that were over a year old, so we encourage you to contact us regardless of timing.

Do you work with law enforcement?

We cooperate with law enforcement when it benefits our clients' recovery efforts, but we are not a law enforcement agency ourselves. Our primary focus is recovering your funds, not criminal prosecution. When appropriate, we share relevant findings with agencies such as the FBI, Europol, INTERPOL, and national cybercrime units, particularly when our investigation uncovers information about active scam networks that could help protect other victims. Our detailed forensic reports are often valuable to law enforcement investigations, as we perform the kind of granular financial tracing that many agencies lack the resources to conduct for individual cases. If you have already filed a police report, that documentation can support our recovery efforts. If you haven't, we can advise you on the most effective reporting channels for your jurisdiction. Importantly, our work complements but does not replace law enforcement action, and we never interfere with active criminal investigations.

What happens if recovery isn't possible?

We are committed to honesty at every stage, and that includes being straightforward when recovery is not achievable. If during our investigation we determine that the funds cannot be recovered, whether due to the nature of the payment method, the actions taken by the scammers, or the lack of institutional cooperation, we inform you promptly and explain exactly why. We do not continue work on a case when we believe further effort will not produce results. In such situations, we provide you with a comprehensive case report documenting everything we found during the investigation. This report can be valuable for insurance claims, tax loss documentation, or future law enforcement proceedings if circumstances change. We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from secondary scams, particularly fake recovery scams that specifically target people who have already been victimized, and we advise on steps to strengthen your financial security going forward.

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