Is 'Claims Justice' asking for a 'fund release verification fee' legit or another scam?

asked 26d ago14 views89 answers
0

Hey everyone, I'm pretty desperate here. Last year, I got totally fleeced in a crypto investment scam. Lost about 12k USD, which was a huge chunk of my savings. I reported it to the police here in Austin, but honestly, didn't hear much back. Then, a few weeks ago, I got an email out of the blue from a company called 'Claims Justice'. They said they found my case, and had 'recovered' my funds. My heart literally jumped. They sent me some official-looking documents, even a 'case number' and stuff. They said for them to release the funds, I just need to pay a 'fund release verification fee' of about $800. They want it in crypto, specifically USDT. I'm so torn. On one hand, it feels too good to be true, and I'm already out so much. On the other, what if it's real? What if I miss my only chance to get my money back? Is this fee normal? Or am I about to get scammed a second time by Claims Justice?

Mentioned in this discussion
Claims Justice· scam
#recovery-scam#crypto-scam#claims-justice#advance-fee#usdtasked by Christopher Allen · Austin, USA

89 Answers

42

Oh man, Christopher, I'm really sorry to hear you're going through this again. It's a classic setup for a recovery scam, unfortunately. 'Claims Justice' is well-known for this tactic. The core red flag here is the advance fee for fund release. Legitimate recovery services, especially legal ones, will *never* ask you to pay a fee in crypto for 'verification' or 'release' before you've seen or confirmed the funds are indeed recovered and accessible to you. They usually take a percentage *after* successful recovery, or charge a clear, fixed retainer for their work, not weird 'verification' fees. The request for USDT specifically also raises huge alarms because it's untraceable once sent. Please do not send them any money. Your best bet is to report this attempt to a consumer protection agency like the BBB if you're in the US, or Action Fraud if you were in the UK, as this is a secondary scam trying to prey on your initial loss. Stay vigilant, these guys are ruthless.

Michael Schafer · Dusseldorf, Germanyanswered 26d ago
28

Ugh, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, Christopher. It's truly awful that these scumbags target people who are already hurting. What Michael said is absolutely spot on. If they're asking for money *before* you see your funds, it's almost always a scam. It's like pouring salt in the wound. Don't fall for it again. Your gut feeling that it's too good to be true is probably right. Sending you strength from Cardiff.

Amelia Walker · Cardiff, United Kingdomanswered 26d ago
19

Mate, 12k is rough, I can only imagine. But yeah, if they're asking for any kind of 'fee' to 'release' funds you haven't seen... big red flag. Like, massive. No legit company works like that. They'd charge you once the money's *actually* in your account, or they'd be up front about their fees from the start, usually based on time or a fixed project rate. USDT payment? Nah, that's just them trying to vanish without a trace with your cash. Don't do it.

Oliver Brown · Nottingham, United Kingdomanswered 26d ago
35

This sounds EXACTLY like what happened to my friend last year. She lost money in a forex scam and then some 'recovery agent' called her, promising everything back. They wanted a 'transaction unblocking fee' and she, desperate, paid it. Guess what? No funds, no 'agent' ever again. You're being targeted again, Christopher. Claims Justice is a known scam operation. They likely got your info from a leaked victim list. Do NOT send them anything. You'll just lose more.

Samantha Lopez · Philadelphia, USAanswered 26d ago
25

Oh my god, Christopher, I just felt a chill reading your post. I was scammed for almost 7k by some fake investment thing last year too, and then I got emails from 'Funds Recovery Group'. They kept saying they'd help, but every step they wanted another fee – a 'due diligence fee', then a 'tax processing fee'. I thankfully didn't pay the last one, but I did pay the first one out of sheer hope. And it was just more money down the drain. Please, please don't fall for this 'fund release verification fee'. They just want to take more from you. It's sickening.

Samantha Garcia · Philadelphia, USAanswered 26d ago
22

Hold on a minute, a 'fund release verification fee' paid in crypto? That's as clear a warning sign as you can get. If they had your money, they'd either send it to you and then bill you, or deduct their fee from the recovered amount. Asking for an upfront payment, especially in a non-reversible form like crypto, means they're not recovering anything, they're just trying to take more. These recovery scams specifically target people who are already vulnerable. Think about it: if they *really* had your funds, why couldn't they just deduct their $800 from your $12k? Because they don't have your $12k. Stay safe, mate.

Thomas Clark · Leeds, United Kingdomanswered 26d ago
17

Yeah, nope. Red flag central. Any legit recovery service that 'found' your funds wouldn't then ask for an upfront 'verification fee' in crypto. They'd either send you the money and then send an invoice, or they'd deduct their fee from the recovered amount. This is them trying to double dip. Don't transfer anything, it's just another scam. Happens too often out here in Dubai too.

Aisha Sheikh · Dubai, UAEanswered 26d ago
11

Totally agree with everyone else. This is a classic 'recovery scam' setup. They know you're vulnerable because you've already been scammed. They probably bought your details from the original scammers on some dark web forum, or got them from a breached database. No legit firm asks for an upfront fee like this, especially not in USDT. They'll just vanish the second you send it. Don't bother. Focus on reporting the original scam, and this new one, to your local authorities and the FTC.

Daniel Taylor · Leeds, United Kingdomanswered 26d ago
29

Oh, Christopher, this hits hard. I almost fell for something similar after I lost a decent amount in a fake trading platform. A company contacted me, saying they were 'Payback Ltd' and had my funds. They asked for a 'tax clearance fee' through a sketchy bank transfer. My partner actually stopped me from sending it just in time, thank god. Your situation with 'Claims Justice' and the 'fund release verification fee' is the exact same pattern. It's designed to make you feel like you *have* to pay it to get your money back. But it's not real. It's a trick. Don't send them one single penny.

Grace Walsh · Belfast, Irelandanswered 26d ago
15

Another one to add to the 'scam list'. These 'recovery' companies are just bottom feeders, mate. They prey on people who've already been through hell. 'Claims Justice' is known for this. There's no 'fund release verification fee' or any other arbitrary fee that a real service would ask for *before* you see your money. If they want crypto, it's because it's irreversible. Don't get caught twice. Cut all contact with them and block their emails. Sorry you're going through this, it sucks.

Ethan Gagne · Victoria, Canadaanswered 26d ago
1

This sounds precisely like a common recovery scam. The crypto scammer claims they can get your money back, but only if you pay a 'fee' first. 'Claims Justice' is likely another shell company. They prey on victims' desperation. Never pay upfront fees for fund recovery; legitimate services take a percentage *after* funds are returned, and even then, it's rare for crypto scams to be recovered this way. Report *them* to the FTC and your local police.

Ming Chan · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 26d ago
2

Oh mate, that sounds rough. I can totally see why you'd be hoping this is real, especially after losing so much. It's just awful that scammers target people when they're already down. Don't let them pressure you. $800 is a lot of money to risk again. Maybe try and get a second opinion from someone you trust before doing anything?

Jack Thompson · Sydney, Australiaanswered 26d ago
3

STOP. Do not send them any more money. This is a classic double-scam. The first scam took your crypto, this is the 'recovery scam'. They create official-looking documents to fool you. The request for payment in crypto (USDT) is a massive red flag, especially for a 'fee'. They will never release any funds, they will just take your $800 and disappear. Block them immediately.

Tess de Groot · Amsterdam, Netherlandsanswered 26d ago
2

Yeah, I fell for something similar after a Forex scam. They had all the paperwork, same story. Felt like a fools errand after paying another few hundred quid. Then 'poof' they vanished. These 'Claims Justice' outfits are a dime a dozen. Report them to Action Fraud if you're in the UK. It won't get your money back, but it might stop them scamming someone else.

Jack Green · Edinburgh, United Kingdomanswered 26d ago
1

Hmmm, 'Claims Justice' asking for crypto in crypto to release crypto? That's a bit too neat and tidy, isn't it? My BS detector is going off big time. Why would they need a 'verification fee' for funds they supposedly already recovered? This sounds like a trap to get another $800 from you. Check if they are even a registered company anywhere. I doubt they are.

Ava Walker · Perth, Australiaanswered 26d ago
2

My expertise is in financial recovery, and what you're describing is a textbook recovery scam. These entities operate by mimicking legitimate processes. They'll send fake legal documents, case numbers, even fake court orders. The crypto payment requirement for a 'fee' is a huge giveaway. Legitimate recovery firms, if they exist for crypto scams, work on contingency and take a cut *after* successful recovery. Check the CFTC for any official advisories on recovery fraud.

Daniel van der Merwe · Durban, South Africaanswered 26d ago
1

OMG, I'm so sorry you're going through this again. That first scam sounds brutal. When I lost money on a fake app, I got contacted by a 'recovery specialist' too. They wanted a 'processing fee'. I was so tempted, but my husband talked me out of it. Turns out it was another scam. It's heartbreaking how these people operate. Keep your guard up, friend.

Jia Lee · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 26d ago
2

It's completely understandable that you're feeling hopeful and also very wary. Losing money like that is devastating, and a glimmer of hope can feel huge. However, the 'fund release verification fee', especially paid in crypto, is a huge warning sign. Legitimate recovery operations usually don't ask for upfront fees like this. Please be very careful and consider it a very high risk.

Anna Wagner · Dresden, Germanyanswered 26d ago
1

This is exactly what happened to me last year. Lost about £5k to some online trading platform. Then 'MoneyBack Hero' emailed me saying they'd recovered it. Asked for a 'service charge' of £400 to release it. Sent them the money via Western Union. Never heard from them again. They are all scammers, preying on the fact we want our money back. You're not alone.

Daniel Kelly · Galway, Irelandanswered 26d ago
2

Oh dear, that sounds like a really tough situation. It's completely natural to feel torn when you're facing a potential way to get your savings back. However, please, please be cautious. That fee structure sounds very suspicious. Maybe try reaching out to a consumer protection agency in your area for advice before sending any more money?

Anna Smit · Breda, Netherlandsanswered 26d ago
1

I got hit by a similar thing after a phishing scam cost me nearly 2 grand. This outfit called 'Funds Recovery Group' contacted me. Said they'd tracked the funds and just needed a 'compliance fee' of £350. It sounded official, right? Paid it. Then radio silence. They're parasites. My advice? Cut all contact. They're just cleaning you out again. Report it to the police, but don't hold your breath.

Daniel Brown · Birmingham, United Kingdomanswered 26d ago
2

Wait — are they asking you to pay crypto *to* them in crypto? That's... definitely not how fund recovery works. Especially not for a 'fee'. If they recovered your funds, they'd be sending them to *you*. This smells like a scam from here to the moon. Seriously, don't send them another cent. Check out the BBB for reviews on 'Claims Justice' – I bet you won't find anything good.

Lea Schmidt · Frankfurt, Germanyanswered 26d ago
1

As a cybersecurity analyst, I can confirm this is a common scam pattern. The 'recovery fee' is the hook. They use official-sounding names and documents to build false trust. If funds were genuinely recovered, the process would involve secure, traceable transfers directly to your bank account, not a crypto fee to an unknown entity. Always verify recovery companies through independent bodies like the BBB or regulatory authorities.

Daniel Dlamini · Durban, South Africaanswered 26d ago
2

Ugh, reading this brings back bad memories. I lost my emergency fund to a fake job offer scam and then got hit by a 'recovery scammer' who wanted a 'processing fee' via Zelle. I almost paid it, but my gut said no. Turned out to be a massive scam. They are professional liars. Thank goodness I didn't send them the money. So sorry you're in this position. Stay strong.

Amelia Morin · Montreal, Canadaanswered 26d ago
1

It is incredibly disheartening to hear about your experience. Please know that your feelings of hope mixed with suspicion are valid. However, in these situations, the 'too good to be true' often is. Requesting a fee, particularly in cryptocurrency, before releasing funds is a major red flag for recovery scams. I would strongly advise against sending any more money.

Noor Al Mansoori · Abu Dhabi, UAEanswered 26d ago
2

This is a classic recovery scam, often run by the same people who perpetrated the original fraud or their associates. They make it sound official with case numbers and documents, but it's all theatre. The 'fee' is simply another way to extract money. Legitimate law enforcement or financial authorities would not ask for fees in crypto for fund recovery. Be extremely wary. Report them to the CFTC.

Lucas Meijer · Rotterdam, Netherlandsanswered 26d ago
1

My mate Barry got scammed out of a few grand on some dodgy app last year. Couple months later, he got an email from 'Payback Ltd' saying they'd recover it. They needed him to pay a 'transfer fee' of about 500 quid. Sounded legit, he paid it. Surprise, surprise – he never saw a penny. These companies are vultures. Don't fall for it again, mate.

Milan Janssen · Almere, Netherlandsanswered 26d ago
2

Oh no. This sounds exactly like the 'Refund Police' scam that tried to get me a few months back. They sent fake court documents and wanted a 'legal processing fee' via bank transfer. I almost did it, but then I saw a warning on a forum like this. It's a complete scam. They are counting on you being desperate. Please, please do not send them any money.

Samuel Lau · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 26d ago
1

This is a common tactic. They promise recovery and ask for an upfront fee. Never pay these fees. If you want to try and recover funds, the best bet is to work with official channels, like reporting to Action Fraud (UK) or the relevant authorities in your jurisdiction. But honestly, crypto scams are notoriously difficult to trace and recover. Consider the $800 gone and block 'Claims Justice'.

Leon Koch · Hannover, Germanyanswered 26d ago
7

This is a classic bait-and-switch. 'Claims Justice' sounds official, but companies like this prey on victims of scams. They don't recover funds; they're a scam themselves. The crypto payment request is a massive red flag. Real recovery agencies don't operate like this. Never pay upfront fees for recovery services. You can report them to the FTC.

Matthew Hall · Miami, USAanswered 26d ago
5

Oh wow, I'm so sorry you went through that. Losing that much money is devastating. It's completely understandable why you'd be tempted by this 'Claims Justice' offer. It's heartbreaking how these scammers find us. Hang in there, don't let them get another cent from you.

Thomas Taylor · Bristol, United Kingdomanswered 26d ago
6

Hmm, I've seen this before. They promise the moon after you've already lost money. Asking for a 'fee' to release recovered funds? Sounds like a scam within a scam. Especially demanding crypto. Be super careful. Did you check if 'Claims Justice' is even a real registered company?

Anna van den Berg · Tilburg, Netherlandsanswered 26d ago
4

This sounds exactly like the type of thing my cousin fell for last year. She lost £5k to a similar 'recovery' firm. They promised her money back from an investment scam and then asked for a 'processing fee' in Bitcoin. It was another scam, sadly. So disappointing that these people exist.

Rachel Walker · Glasgow, United Kingdomanswered 26d ago
3

Don't worry, you're not alone in this. It's brutal getting scammed, and even worse when you think there's a way out and it turns out to be another trap. Keep your wits about you. That fee sounds very suspicious. Just wanted to send some support your way.

Jack O'Brien · Dublin, Irelandanswered 26d ago
11

STOP. Do not send them any money, especially in crypto. This is absolutely a scam. They are called 'Claims Justice', but they are the exact opposite. They find people who have already been scammed and then scam them again with fake recovery fees. They are criminals. Report them to Action Fraud if you're in the UK, or your local police's cybercrime unit.

Aoife Walsh · Cork, Irelandanswered 26d ago
8

I fell for something similar. Lost my savings too, about 8k euros. Then 'MoneyBack Hero' contacted me. They promised to get my money back from the original scammers. I paid them a 'legal fee' of 500 euros, thinking it was legit. Never saw a cent back. Just more debt and heartache. I hope you don't make the same mistake.

Camille Laurent · Lille, Franceanswered 26d ago
5

Yeah, that 'fund release verification fee' in USDT is a massive red flag. Legitimate recovery operations (which are rare, btw) usually take a percentage *after* funds are recovered, not upfront fees. These guys are probably just the same scammers, or a related group, trying to get another bite at your wallet. Don't trust 'Claims Justice'.

Isla Anderson · Sydney, Australiaanswered 26d ago
7

This is textbook advance-fee fraud. Recovery scams are rampant, especially targeting victims of crypto fraud. 'Claims Justice' is almost certainly a fake entity designed to exploit your situation. They don't have your funds; they want yours. A key indicator is the upfront payment, especially in untraceable crypto. Check the BBB for their 'rating' - likely non-existent or terrible.

Logan Gagne · Montreal, Canadaanswered 26d ago
6

I deal with recovery scams quite a bit in my work. That 'fee' is a dead giveaway. They create a sense of urgency and hope, then ask for money to 'release' what they claim to have recovered. It's a lie. They don't have anything. Please, please do not send them any more money. It's a second scam. You can search for legitimate fund recovery services, but be extremely cautious and do due diligence.

Grace Goh · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 26d ago
4

Oh man, that sounds awful. I can only imagine how you must feel, wanting that money back so badly. It's really tough out there. Stay strong, and don't let these scammers get you again. Sending you lots of luck. Maybe check if the CFTC has any advice on this kind of thing?

Sean Sullivan · Waterford, Irelandanswered 26d ago
7

I got the exact same email last month. They even used my late wife's name, Sarah, in the email to try and make it personal. They called themselves 'Funds Recovery Group' and asked for a 'processing fee' of 600 euros via bank transfer. I almost did it. My gut told me no, thank goodness. It's sickening.

Liam Jansen · Utrecht, Netherlandsanswered 25d ago
9

I was in your shoes. Lost my retirement savings to a fake forex platform. Then 'Payback Ltd' contacted me. Said they could get it back. Asked for a 'service fee'. I paid them $1000 in ETH. They vanished. I reported it to my local police in Abu Dhabi, but they said it's hard to trace crypto scams. Learned my lesson the hard way. Don't pay these people.

Layla Ahmed · Abu Dhabi, UAEanswered 25d ago
6

This is a trap. A very common one. These 'recovery firms' like 'Claims Justice' are just the scammers themselves or their associates. They invent a recovery story to get you to pay them more money. That fee is fake. You'll never see your original money again, and you'll lose this fee too. Don't fall for it.

Louise Laurent · Nice, Franceanswered 25d ago
8

I got scammed out of 15k CAD by a fake crypto exchange. Felt like the end of the world. Then a company called 'Refund Police' contacted me. They said they could recover my funds for a small upfront fee. I paid it. They disappeared. So, no, 'Claims Justice' is almost certainly another scam. Please, do not send them any money. You can check the BBB or even search for 'refund recovery scam' on Google to see patterns.

Brian Hall · Portland, USAanswered 25d ago
7

This is exactly how they get you. I lost about $5,000 to a pig butchering scam last year. Felt like a total idiot. Then I got contacted by a 'recovery specialist' promising to get my money back. They wanted a 'court filing fee' of $500. I did some digging online and found similar stories where people paid and never heard back. Real recovery services usually take a cut of what they *actually* recover, not upfront fees. Be super wary.

David Koch · Dusseldorf, Germanyanswered 25d ago
5

They emailed me too, but under a different name. Claimed they were working with the authorities to recover my losses from a fake trading platform. Asked for a 'transaction fee' via Zelle. I told my wife, Carol, and she said it sounded fishy. Thankfully, she talked me out of it. These recovery scams are everywhere.

Ashley Garcia · Chicago, USAanswered 25d ago
8

OMG, the exact same thing happened to me! I lost £8k to a romance scam, then 'Claims Justice' emailed me saying they had recovered it. They wanted a 'transfer fee' of £400. I was so close to paying it, I was so desperate. My brother stepped in and told me to check their website. It was bare bones and looked fake. I didn't pay. Please, please don't pay them.

Omar Iqbal · Dubai, UAEanswered 25d ago
7

This is a well-known scam tactic. They identify victims through scam databases or by monitoring public records of fraud reports. 'Claims Justice' is not a legitimate recovery agency. They are a scam. The 'fee' is designed to defraud you again. For any genuine recovery efforts, you'd typically work with law enforcement or a highly reputable, licensed asset recovery firm that takes a success-based fee. Never pay upfront for recovery.

Felix Wagner · Frankfurt, Germanyanswered 25d ago
10

I can confirm this. 'Claims Justice' is a scam. They, along with entities like 'MoneyBack Hero' and 'Funds Recovery Group', are part of a network that targets fraud victims. They don't recover anything. They invent stories and demand fees. The crypto payment is a huge red flag, as it's difficult to trace. If you want to report them, look into the IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) in the US.

Charlie Harris · Canberra, Australiaanswered 25d ago
8

The modus operandi is classic. 'Claims Justice' is not a legitimate recovery service; it is a common scam designed to prey on victims of previous fraud. They operate by contacting individuals who have already lost money, claiming they can recover it, but then demand an upfront fee. This fee is the actual scam. They will never recover any funds. In fact, they are likely the same people who ran the original crypto scam or are affiliated with them.

Do not send them any money. This is a secondary scam. The primary goal is to get more money from you. Report them to the relevant authorities, but understand that recovery of the initial loss is extremely difficult, especially when it involves unregulated crypto markets.

David Schneider · Dusseldorf, Germanyanswered 25d ago
7

Oh wow, I'm so sorry to hear about your crypto loss. That sounds absolutely devastating, losing that much savings. It's completely understandable why you'd be tempted by an offer like this. When you're in that deep, any glimmer of hope feels huge. But please, please be super careful. 'Claims Justice' sounds like a lot of other recovery outfits that are just scams themselves. They promise the moon and then ask for more money upfront. It’s a common tactic to get more cash from people who are already hurting. Stay strong, don't send them any more money. It might be your only chance to get *some* money back, but it's probably not going to be from them.

Michael Pillay · Cape Town, South Africaanswered 25d ago
7

Hold on there, mate. This is textbook. That '$800 fund release verification fee' in crypto? It’s a massive red flag. Legitimate recovery services, if they even exist, don't work like this. They don't ask for payment upfront for a 'release'. They might take a percentage of what they recover *after* it's recovered, but this is different. These 'Claims Justice' outfits are almost always scams. They're hoping you're desperate enough to pay again, to people who are probably connected to the original scam artists. Don't fall for it a second time. Report them, yes, but don't give them a cent.

Daniel O'Brien · Cork, Irelandanswered 25d ago
6

I know *exactly* how you feel. I was scammed out of $7k last year by what I thought was a trading platform. They promised guaranteed returns. When I asked for my money back, they froze my account and then disappeared. A few months later, I got an email from something called 'MoneyBack Hero', claiming they had traced my funds and could get them back for a small 'processing fee'. It felt so real, I almost paid it. But my gut just screamed no. I told myself that if it was that easy, everyone would get their money back. I never sent them anything. It was a scam, just like this 'Claims Justice' one. They are looking for another bite at the cherry. Stay away. Trust me.

Hannah Ng · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 25d ago
6

Hey, that's rough about the crypto scam. It's tough when you lose money like that, and it's natural to want it back. But this 'Claims Justice' thing? Sounds really fishy, to be honest. Asking for a fee upfront, especially in crypto, is a huge warning sign. Most legit places would take a cut *after* they successfully get your money back, not before. I've seen similar stories online where people pay these 'recovery' fees and then never hear from the company again, or the company just vanishes. It's probably another scam trying to get you to pay them. I'd really try to ignore that email and not send them any funds. Keep fighting the good fight, but maybe look into other avenues than these 'recovery' firms.

Levi de Vries · Nijmegen, Netherlandsanswered 25d ago
6

Okay, deep breaths. I've been exactly where you are. Got hit by a phishing scam, lost a good chunk of change. Then, like magic, an email from a 'recovery service'. They wanted an 'admin fee' to release my 'frozen' funds. Sound familiar? I was so tempted, I even had my credit card out. But I stopped myself. I remembered my dad always saying, 'If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.' I did some digging on that company. Turns out, they were also a scam, often working with the original scammers. I never paid. My original loss is still out there, but at least I didn't get robbed a second time. This 'Claims Justice' is almost certainly the same deal. Don't pay them. It's a trap. Your money is likely gone, but don't throw more good money after bad.

Emily Lopez · Dallas, USAanswered 25d ago
5

Man, that's brutal. I feel for you, losing that kind of money is a nightmare. And then to get hit with this 'Claims Justice' BS? It’s predatory. They prey on people like us who are already down. That '$800 fee' is exactly how they get you. They make it sound official, send you fake documents, and then hit you with a demand for payment. I got an email from a place called 'Refund Police' after I lost money on a fake online store. They wanted a 'compliance fee'. I sent it, stupidly. Never saw a dime back. Just got another email a month later asking for a 'tax payment'. That’s when I knew for sure. So yeah, Claims Justice is a scam. Don't send them anything.

David Johnson · New York, USAanswered 25d ago
5

I'm so sorry, that sounds like an awful experience. It's easy to get caught up in the hope of getting your money back, especially after such a big loss. When I lost money to an investment scam a few years ago, I got similar emails from 'Funds Recovery Group'. They promised they had tracked the scammers and could get my funds back, but I had to pay a 'legal processing fee' first. It was about the same amount as your fee. I was so close to paying, but I hesitated. I did some quick searching online and saw tons of warnings about them being a scam. I'm so glad I didn't pay. Please, don't give 'Claims Justice' your money. It's a scam designed to take advantage of your situation.

Anna Meijer · Breda, Netherlandsanswered 25d ago
5

This is a well-established scam pattern. The entities like 'Claims Justice' are not recovery agencies; they are secondary scam operations. Their primary function is to exploit victims of primary scams by charging advance fees for services they never render. The 'official-looking documents' and 'case numbers' are fabricated. The request for payment in cryptocurrency (especially USDT) is a significant indicator, as it makes the funds difficult to trace and recover. Legitimate recovery efforts typically involve legal processes or authorized financial institutions, not upfront crypto payments to unknown entities. Your best recourse is to report this, but do not expect recovery from these 'claim' services.

Fatima Sheikh · Al Ain, UAEanswered 25d ago
5

That sounds exactly like what happened to my brother-in-law. He lost about £5k to some online trading scam, and a month later got an email from a company claiming they were affiliated with the UK police and could recover his funds. They wanted a 'service fee' of a few hundred quid to release it. He was ready to pay, but I convinced him to check with Action Fraud first. They told him it was a common scam tactic. So he didn't pay. Thankfully, he didn't get scammed again. 'Claims Justice' is likely another one of these fake recovery scams. The key is that they ask for money *before* they deliver anything. That's the big red flag.

Conor O'Neill · Waterford, Irelandanswered 25d ago
4

Okay, listen. This 'fund release verification fee' is the oldest trick in the book for these types of scams. They lure you in with the promise of getting your lost money back, and then they hit you with a fee to 'release' it. It's a scam on top of a scam. Think about it: if they truly recovered your funds, why would they need you to pay a fee *before* you get them? They'd just deduct their fee from the recovered amount. This 'Claims Justice' is not legit. They are criminals trying to get more money from you. Report it, but DO NOT PAY. Check the BBB website for reviews on 'recovery scams' – they have tons of info. Seriously, the BBB is a good resource for checking company legitimacy.

Aoife Quinn · Belfast, Irelandanswered 25d ago
4

You're not alone. I got scammed about $5k on a fake job site last year. A few weeks after reporting it, I got an email from a group calling themselves 'Payback Ltd'. They said they had identified the scammers and needed a 'verification fee' to release my 'winnings'. It was about $600. I was so desperate. I almost sent them the money. But then I thought about it – why would they be able to get my money back when the police couldn't? And why did they need *me* to pay *them*? It didn't add up. I didn't pay, and I've never heard from them again. It was definitely a scam. This 'Claims Justice' sounds exactly the same. Don't give them your money.

Jack Williams · Cardiff, United Kingdomanswered 25d ago
4

This is precisely the kind of situation that makes me angry. These scammers prey on vulnerability. 'Claims Justice' is not a real recovery service. They are operating a classic advance-fee fraud. They have no intention of recovering anything for you. The fee they request is their profit. If you pay, they will likely invent further fees or simply disappear with your money. The fact that they demand payment in cryptocurrency is also a common tactic to obscure their identity and the flow of illicit funds. The original crypto scam likely sold your contact information to these 'recovery' scammers. It's a brutal cycle, but do not fall for it.

Yi Chan · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 25d ago
4

Gosh, that's a tough spot to be in. I was duped by an online shopping scam last year and lost about $300. Felt awful. Then I got an email from a company that looked super professional, claiming they were a 'consumer protection agency' and could help me get my money back from the original scammer for a small 'investigation fee'. It was only $50, and I almost paid it because I was so annoyed about losing the money. But something felt off. I’m glad I didn't. I reported the original scam to the CFTC, though I know that's more for financial products. Still, it's good to report. This 'Claims Justice' sounds like a complete scam, same tactic. Don't send them crypto!

Oliver Wilson · Perth, Australiaanswered 25d ago
3

I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's incredibly disheartening to lose money and then be targeted again. This 'Claims Justice' sounds very suspicious. The whole 'fund release verification fee' is a classic scam tactic. They promise you the money you lost, but then they require you to pay them *first*. Why would a legitimate recovery service ask you to pay them *before* they've actually recovered anything? It doesn't make sense. They are counting on your desperation. I'd be very wary. It's more likely they are part of the same scam network or just another group trying to exploit you. Please don't send them any money.

Raphael Martin · Nantes, Franceanswered 25d ago
3

I have seen this scam dozens of times. 'Claims Justice' is not a legitimate entity. They are scammers. The entire premise is fraudulent. They present themselves as having recovered your funds from a previous scam, which is a lie. Then they demand an upfront fee, usually in cryptocurrency, for a 'release' or 'verification'. This fee is their profit, and they will not recover any money for you. Often, these secondary scammers are connected to the original scammers, or they buy lists of victims. The best course of action is to ignore them and report them to any relevant consumer protection agencies you can find, but do not engage financially.

Daniel Pillay · Bloemfontein, South Africaanswered 25d ago
3

Oh goodness, that sounds absolutely dreadful. I can understand why you're so torn – when you've lost so much, you want to believe anything that offers a way back. But seriously, run for the hills! This 'Claims Justice' sounds like a total scam. They dangle the carrot of your lost money, then ask for a fee. It’s like pouring salt in the wound. My neighbour got exactly the same thing after falling for an online trading scam. They called themselves 'Funds Recovery Group' and wanted a fee to release his 'frozen' investment. He paid them, and guess what? Poof. Gone. Never heard from them again. So please, whatever you do, don't send 'Claims Justice' any money.

Chloe Laurent · Strasbourg, Franceanswered 25d ago
3

This is incredibly common, sadly. The crypto scam you fell for probably sold your details. These 'recovery' companies are just a second layer of scam. They promise what they can't deliver and ask for upfront fees. It's a known tactic. If they had actually recovered your funds, they would take their fee out of the recovered amount, not ask for it upfront. It's a bait-and-switch. Don't trust them. Report them to whoever you can, maybe the FTC or your local police again, but don't expect anything from 'Claims Justice'. Be really skeptical of anyone promising you money back like this, especially if they want payment first.

Aisha Al Marri · Al Ain, UAEanswered 25d ago
3

Wow, that's a really tough situation. It’s completely natural to want your money back and to jump at any chance, but this 'Claims Justice' sounds highly suspect. Asking for a fee to 'release' funds is a classic scam move. They're essentially trying to scam you again. If they were legitimate, they'd take their cut from the money they recover, not ask for an upfront payment. It sounds like they're just trying to get more money out of you. I'd be very, very careful here. Maybe check online reviews or consumer protection sites before even considering it? But honestly, my gut says it's another scam.

Lucas Tremblay · Edmonton, Canadaanswered 25d ago
5

This is a classic recovery scam tactic. 'Claims Justice' sounds like a lot of these outfits – they prey on people who've already lost money. They invent a fictional recovery process and then demand fees. The crypto payment request is a huge red flag. Legitimate recovery services, if they even exist, usually operate on a success fee basis *after* funds are returned, not upfront.

I'd check the BBB for any complaints. Also, look for reviews on independent scam alert sites. Don't send them any money.

Aisha Sheikh · Sharjah, UAEanswered 25d ago
3

Oh man, i know this feeling. That tiny spark of hope when you get an email saying your money's back. It's brutal. I fell for something similar after losing my savings to a forex scam. They said they needed a 'processing fee'. NGL, I paid it. It was maybe 500 quid. Dumbest move i ever made. It was gone, and so was that second payment. These 'recovery' outfits are worse than the initial scammers. Stay strong, don't send another penny.

Leo Bernard · Nantes, Franceanswered 25d ago
3

Wait — 'Claims Justice'? Sounds like a scam name to me. And asking for money *before* releasing funds? Especially in crypto? That's a huge no-no. If they recovered your money, why do they need you to pay them first? They should be able to deduct their fees from the recovered amount, assuming it was legit, which it probably isn't. Be super careful here.

Louis Moreau · Toulouse, Franceanswered 25d ago
4

Echoing what others are saying. The structure you've described—an unsolicited 'recovery' service demanding upfront fees, particularly in cryptocurrency, for released funds—is a textbook recovery scam. Agencies that genuinely help recover lost funds from fraud (which is rare, and often requires legal action) don't operate this way. They typically work on contingency, taking a percentage only *after* successful recovery and without asking for advance payments for 'verification' or 'release'.

Report this interaction to Action Fraud in the UK. They track these patterns. Do not engage further with 'Claims Justice'.

Emily Wilson · London, United Kingdomanswered 25d ago
3

I feel you. After losing my cash to a fake trading platform last year, I got contacted by a company that promised to recover it. They wanted a 'transfer fee'. I was so desperate, I sent them $300. My wife kept saying it felt off, but I ignored her. Turns out she was right. Total scam. They just took the money and vanished. These guys are professionals at spotting vulnerable people. Don't fall for it like I did.

Logan Anderson · Winnipeg, Canadaanswered 25d ago
4

This 'Claims Justice' sounds highly suspect. The scenario is a very common follow-on scam targeting fraud victims. The core principle of these scams is to create a false sense of security and then extract more money. They might even use sophisticated tactics to make their communications look legitimate, perhaps even spoofing official-looking domains or creating fake credentials.

If they claim to have recovered your funds, ask them to prove it. Request a direct wire transfer to your bank account, with their fees deducted. If they refuse or insist on crypto and upfront fees, it's a scam. You can check with the CFTC if you suspect any financial regulatory elements, but honestly, this smells like a pure phishing/advance-fee fraud.

Sophie Brown · Darwin, Australiaanswered 25d ago
4

This is a really common scam. They find people who have been scammed, often by looking at public records or buying lists, and then pose as recovery specialists. The story is always the same: 'we've got your money, just pay a small fee to get it back.' The fee is requested in crypto because it's untraceable and irreversible.

Seriously, if it sounds too good to be true, it absolutely is. These outfits are bottom feeders. You've got a better chance of winning the lottery than getting money back from these 'claim justice' types. Don't send them anything.

Ava White · Gold Coast, Australiaanswered 25d ago
3

My uncle lost about R10,000 to a fake investment scheme. A month later, he got an email from someone claiming they had traced the funds. They said they were from 'Funds Recovery Group' and needed a 'processing fee' of R1500. He was so excited, he almost paid it. Luckily, his neighbour, who works in banking, told him it was a scam. He was so close to being scammed again. These people are vultures.

Naledi Ndlovu · Cape Town, South Africaanswered 25d ago
3

Oh please, not another one. 'Claims Justice'? That sounds like a joke name for a scam operation. And demanding a fee *before* they release your funds? Especially in crypto? That's the biggest red flag there is. If they really recovered your money, they could take their fee from that amount. This is a typical advance-fee fraud. Don't fall for it. Trust me, I've seen this pattern too many times.

Lina Bauer · Dusseldorf, Germanyanswered 25d ago
4

I got scammed out of $5k on a fake shopping site last year. Then, maybe two months later, I got an email from 'MoneyBack Hero' saying they could help me recover it. They wanted $400 for 'legal processing'. I was so tempted, I really was. My husband told me to wait, to check them out first. So I did. Found tons of horror stories online. They were exactly like this 'Claims Justice' thing you're describing. We dodged a bullet, thank god.

Mia Tremblay · Victoria, Canadaanswered 25d ago
3

This screams scam. Why would they need a 'verification fee' in crypto specifically? If they have your money, they can deduct their fee from it. This is how legitimate services work. This upfront fee model is a common trick for recovery scams. They prey on the hope of victims. Did you check if 'Claims Justice' is even a registered company? If you search for them on the BBB website, you might find complaints or lack of accreditation.

Amelia Roy · Winnipeg, Canadaanswered 25d ago
5

This is EXACTLY what happened to me after a fake crypto investment went south. Lost about 10k. Got an email from 'Refund Police' – yeah, really. They said they had recovered my funds and needed a small 'administration fee' to release it. This fee was payable in Bitcoin. I was so close to sending it. My sister talked me out of it. She told me to check with Action Fraud (I'm in the UK). They confirmed it was a scam. So glad I listened to her.

Aaron Goh · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 25d ago
4

Wow, this is a textbook recovery scam. The unsolicited contact, the promise of recovered funds, the upfront fee (especially in crypto!), and the urgency are all huge red flags. Legitimate recovery specialists, if they even exist for crypto scams (which are notoriously hard to trace and recover), would typically operate on a success-fee basis, taking a percentage of the recovered amount *after* it's in your possession. They wouldn't ask for advance payment for 'verification' or 'release'.

My advice: If you want to pursue recovery, find reputable legal counsel specializing in financial fraud. Do NOT pay 'Claims Justice'. You can also report this to the CFTC; they handle a lot of crypto-related fraud.

Amelia Harris · Bristol, United Kingdomanswered 25d ago
4

This is a well-known scam. 'Claims Justice' is likely a fake entity designed to scam people who have already been victimized. They operate by making a convincing-sounding offer to recover lost funds, then demand an upfront fee, often in cryptocurrency, which is hard to trace. The fee is presented as a 'verification' or 'release' charge.

Never, ever pay an upfront fee to a recovery service. They are not recovering anything; they are just trying to get more money from you. Report them to any relevant consumer protection agency in your area.

Lina Schmidt · Cologne, Germanyanswered 25d ago
3

Oh god, this sounds so familiar. After I lost my savings to a bogus online casino, I got contacted by this outfit called 'Payback Ltd'. They promised to get my money back and asked for an 'international transfer fee'. Thankfully, my brother-in-law, who's a bit of a finance whiz, told me to back off immediately. He said it's a common trap for people who've lost money. They just take your 'fee' and disappear. So glad I didn't send them anything.

Alice David · Montpellier, Franceanswered 25d ago
4

This is a very common advance-fee scam. They pose as recovery specialists after you've reported a loss. The request for a 'fund release verification fee' payable in crypto is a massive red flag. Legitimate recovery operations (which are rare and difficult) usually work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover your funds, and their fee is a percentage of what they recover, taken *after* the funds are returned to you.

Do not send any money to 'Claims Justice'. You can report this to the BBB or your local police fraud unit. They often have resources for victims of these follow-on scams.

Jacob Morin · Montreal, Canadaanswered 25d ago
4

Yeah, this is definitely a scam. The whole 'Claims Justice' thing, asking for a fee to release funds you already lost? It's a classic trap. I got hit by a similar thing after a phishing attack drained my bank account. This company wanted a 'security deposit' to unlock my supposedly 'frozen' funds. It sounded legit for like, two seconds. My spouse, who's way more sensible than me, checked them out online and found tons of warnings. They're called recovery scams. They just want to get more money from you.

Lea Wolf · Cologne, Germanyanswered 25d ago
4

This 'Claims Justice' is absolutely a scam. The model is simple: victim loses money, victim reports loss, scammer finds victim (often through stolen databases or public records) and offers to 'recover' funds for an upfront fee. The fee is often requested in crypto because it's irreversible and untraceable. They might even send fake documents that look official.

If you want to report this type of scam, you can try Action Fraud in the UK, or check with your local police department's fraud division. They track these patterns. Don't pay them a cent.

Amelia Gagne · Toronto, Canadaanswered 25d ago
3

This sounds exactly like the 'Funds Recovery Group' scam I heard about. They contact you after you've lost money, say they've recovered it, and then ask for a 'processing fee' to release it. Usually, it's in crypto. It's designed to look legit, with official-sounding names and documents. But it's a second scam targeting people who are already victims. Never pay an upfront fee to anyone promising to recover lost funds. It's almost always a lie.

Michael Neumann · Frankfurt, Germanyanswered 25d ago
5

Ugh, this sounds SO familiar. Nearly fell for something similar after a Forex scam lost me a few grand last year. 'Claims Justice' is almost certainly another outfit preying on victims. The whole 'fee to release funds' is the classic tell. Real recovery services, if they even exist for crypto scams (which is rare, sadly), don't operate like this. They usually take a percentage *after* funds are recovered, not upfront. And demanding payment in crypto? Red flag on top of red flag.

Don't send them another cent. If you want to report it, I'd try Action Fraud in the UK if they have any cross-border links, or maybe the CFTC in the US if the original scam involved commodities or futures. They might not recover your initial loss, but reporting these scam outfits helps them track patterns.

Tess de Groot · Breda, Netherlandsanswered 25d ago
3

Oh wow, reading this hit me right in the gut. I can only imagine how stressed you must be, going through that initial loss and then this glimmer of hope that turns out to be possibly another scam. It's a horrible position to be in.

My partner actually went through something similar a few years back, and he was so close to paying a 'processing fee' to a company that promised to get his money back from a fake investment. Thankfully, I talked him out of it at the last minute. It just felt off, you know? That feeling is usually right.

Don't beat yourself up about it. These scammers are good at what they do, and they target people when they're most vulnerable. Take a deep breath. You're smart for asking here before sending more money. Maybe look into resources on the BBB website? Sometimes they have warnings about these types of recovery scams.

Julia Bakker · Amsterdam, Netherlandsanswered 25d ago

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