A company called 'Global Asset Protection' contacted me, asking for a 'refundable security deposit' to recover my crypto. Is this a new type of recovery scam?
Hi everyone, I'm pretty stressed out right now. About six months ago, I fell for a really nasty pig butchering scam and lost almost everything I had, around low five figures, all in crypto. I was so embarrassed I didn't even tell my family. I reported it to the local police here in Singapore and also tried to file a report with the FBI IC3 online, but haven't heard much back from anyone.
Then, out of the blue, I got an email from a company calling themselves 'Global Asset Protection'. They said they had 'traced' my lost funds and could recover them. They even showed me some transaction IDs that looked vaguely familiar, saying they were 'frozen assets'. But now they're asking for a 'refundable security deposit' of about 2k USD before they can release my funds. They say it's to 'cover legal and regulatory compliance' and will be returned once the funds are transferred. It sounds too good to be true, and after what happened, I'm super paranoid. Is this just another scam targeting me again?
85 Answers
This is a common tactic called an 'advance-fee fraud,' specifically a recovery scam in your case. Criminals often sell victim lists to other scammers, which explains how 'Global Asset Protection' got your details and knew about your previous loss. The mention of 'transaction IDs' and 'frozen assets' is designed to build false credibility. No legitimate firm, whether a law firm or a licensed recovery agency, will ask for an upfront payment or a 'refundable security deposit' to recover funds. Their fees are typically contingency-based, meaning they are paid a percentage only upon successful recovery. Your best course of action is to cease all communication with them and report this attempt to the authorities you've already contacted.
Hao, this is a classic red flag, unfortunately. Any legitimate asset recovery service, especially one dealing with complex international crypto fraud, will not ask for an upfront 'refundable security deposit' or any kind of advance fee for 'legal and regulatory compliance.' That's their primary business model. They get paid *after* they successfully recover your funds, typically a percentage. Asking for a fee *before* any recovery is made is practically the definition of an advance-fee scam, which is exactly what recovery scams are. They're just preying on your vulnerability after you've already been hurt. Don't engage further, and definitely do not send them any money. It's truly heartbreaking how these criminals target victims again.
Oh man, Hao, I'm so sorry this is happening to you again. I was also targeted by a 'recovery firm' after I lost money in a dodgy investment scheme. They called themselves "Funds Recovery Group" and had a really slick website. They even knew details about my initial loss, which freaked me out. They wanted a "platform activation fee" for like, 1.5k USD. I almost paid it because I was desperate, but my wife stopped me. Best decision ever. It was 100% a scam. They just disappear once you pay. Please be super careful.
Hard no, dude. This is scam #2. Any company that says they can recover your money but needs money *from you* first is just taking advantage. It's like asking for a deposit to get your stolen car back. If they can really do it, they'd take their cut from the recovered funds, not demand more from an already victimized person. The 'refundable' part is just a hook to make it sound less risky. Spoiler: it's not refundable. Keep your wallet locked down.
Hao, I totally get why you'd be desperate right now, especially after what you went through. It's incredibly cruel that these people are trying to hit you again. But please, please don't fall for this 'security deposit' thing. It's a classic tactic. They sound like they know what they're doing with those transaction IDs, but honestly, if they could actually trace your funds, they'd have a much more professional and less financially risky approach for *you*. Sending positive vibes your way, stay strong.
Spot on with what Aisha said. This is pure advance fee fraud. I've seen it time and again, unfortunately. The 'refundable security deposit' is just a way to extract more money from you. The moment you pay it, they'll either disappear or come up with *another* excuse for *another* fee – 'tax clearance', 'bank transfer fee', 'regulatory release', you name it. The cycle never ends until you stop paying. Don't become a victim twice. Report them, block them, and move on.
Hey Hao, that's just terrible that they're preying on you again. It really makes me mad how these scumbags operate. Look, what everyone else is saying is true. If someone wants money from you *before* they've done anything to help you recover what you've lost, it's a scam. Full stop. It sucks, I know, because it offers a sliver of hope, but that hope is just another trap. Don't fall for it. You've been through enough. Just ignore them.
Ugh, this literally happened to me last year after I got caught up in a forex trading scam. A company called 'Wealth Recovery International' emailed me saying they could help. They had all my details, too, which really unnerved me. They wanted a 'case initiation fee' and promised it was 100% refundable if they failed. I almost took out a loan to pay it, I was so desperate. Luckily, my bank flagged it as suspicious. They were right. It's a scam. You just lose more money. Don't make my almost-mistake, Hao.
Mon dieu, Hao, another one. It's sickening. I had a similar experience after I lost about 10k euros in a fake crypto investment. 'Claims Justice' contacted me, super professional, talking about chargebacks and legal action. But then they wanted a 'legal retainer' upfront, like 3k euros. My friend, who's a lawyer, told me absolutely not. Legitimate firms operate on contingency for these types of cases. They get paid *after* they win, not before. You should trust your gut feeling; it sounds like another scam.
So sorry to hear you're going through this again, Hao. It takes a special kind of awful person to do this. But yeah, if they ask for money upfront, especially for something vague like 'security deposit' or 'compliance fees,' it's pretty much a guarantee they're not legit. It's a hallmark of these recovery scams. Don't beat yourself up for even considering it, it's a normal reaction when you're feeling desperate. Just make sure you don't send them anything. Block their emails and numbers. You deserve better.
Oh, absolutely, this screams scam. The 'refundable deposit' is a classic tactic. They want to squeeze more money out of you because you're already desperate. They prey on that feeling. No legitimate recovery outfit works like that. They'd take a percentage of what they recover, not upfront fees for 'compliance'. Be very wary.
Ugh, that sounds like a nightmare. I'm so sorry you're going through this again. Losing money is awful, but feeling like you're being targeted again must be ten times worse. Stay strong, you're not alone in this. There are good people out there who will help. Don't let these scammers get you down.
This is a well-known scam pattern. They 'find' your money, then demand a fee to release it. It's a second layer of fraud. 'Global Asset Protection' sounds completely made up, btw. If you're looking to report something like this in the UK, Action Fraud is the official channel. They might not recover your funds, but they log these cases.
Wait — 'refundable security deposit'? That's some serious BS right there. If they *traced* your funds, they should be able to get them released through normal channels or by showing proof of ownership. Asking for money upfront, especially with the promise of it being returned, is a massive red flag. I'd bet my bottom dollar this is another scam.
I fell for something so similar after my crypto was stolen. They promised recovery, wanted a fee, and then vanished. It's like a bad echo. You're right to be paranoid, it's a defense mechanism that will keep you safe. Don't send them a cent. These recovery scams are brutal.
Yeah, that 'Global Asset Protection' sounds fishy. I got a similar email after I got scammed on a fake investment app. They said they were a 'special task force' recovering lost funds. Wanted an 'admin fee' first. I told them to pound sand. They just want to scam you again. Don't fall for it.
This is a classic 'advance fee fraud' variation specifically targeting victims of previous scams. 'Global Asset Protection' is likely an alias for the same scammers or a similar group. Legitimate recovery firms, if such a thing truly exists for crypto (which is highly dubious), do not operate this way. They work on contingency, taking a percentage *after* successful recovery, and require extensive verifiable proof of claim, not a security deposit.
- Red Flag 1: Upfront fees for recovery.
- Red Flag 2: Promises of 'traced' or 'frozen' funds without verifiable legal backing.
- Red Flag 3: 'Refundable' deposits are a psychological trick to lower your guard.
Never pay them. If anything, report this new contact to the FBI IC3 as well.
Oh no, another one? That's just awful. They are vultures, going after people who are already hurting. That 'refundable deposit' is definitely a scam tactic. They want to get you to pay them again. Please, please don't send them any money. It's heartbreaking how these people operate.
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. It's completely understandable why you're stressed and paranoid. Trust your gut – that feeling that it's too good to be true is usually spot on. These recovery outfits are notorious for being scams themselves. You did the right thing reporting it to IC3, even if it feels slow. Keep pushing if you can.
Sounds like a load of old codswallop. 'Global Asset Protection' – never heard of them. 'Refundable security deposit' – yeah, right. They're just trying to get another bite at the cherry. If they could recover your funds, they wouldn't need you to pay them first. Just ignore them and block them. Don't engage.
Ugh, I got one of those too after I lost my money! Mine was called 'Crypto Recovery Specialists' or something equally creative. They wanted an 'international transfer fee' upfront. I almost fell for it because I was so desperate. Thank goodness I stopped and thought about it. It's just another scam. Stay strong!
This sounds exactly like the scams I see pop up constantly. They prey on people who have already lost money. The 'refundable deposit' is the key. It's designed to make you feel like it's a safe transaction. It's not. If they truly had a way to recover funds, they would take a cut of the recovered amount, not ask for money beforehand.
Oh dear, this is exactly what happened to my neighbour. He lost a significant amount in a similar crypto scam and then got contacted by a 'recovery firm'. They asked for an upfront 'legal fee', and he paid it. Of course, the money never reappeared, and the firm vanished. It's a common second scam. Please, whatever you do, do not send them any money. Report them to the Monetary Authority of Singapore if you can, or even the UK's FCA if they claim to be regulated there, just to flag them.
Yeah, I'm with the others here. 'Refundable security deposit' sounds like a load of rubbish. If they're so good at recovering funds, why do they need *your* money to do it? They should be taking a cut of what they get back for you. That whole thing stinks. I wouldn't trust it as far as I could throw it.
This is 100% a scam. I've seen so many posts like yours. They call themselves 'asset recovery specialists' and want an upfront 'fee' or 'deposit'. They will take your money and disappear. You did the right thing by questioning it. Never, ever pay money to someone who claims they can recover lost funds, especially crypto. It's just another scam targeting victims.
Don't do it! I got a similar email after my own experience. They promised the world and asked for a fee for 'processing'. It's a classic bait-and-switch. They want to scam you again. Your paranoia is justified. Legitimate law enforcement or regulatory bodies don't operate like this. Stick to official channels like the FBI IC3 or your local police.
This is a variation of the 'advance fee' scam. You've been targeted by a pig butchering scam, and now you're being targeted by a recovery scam. These recovery firms are almost universally fake. They'll ask for money for 'legal fees', 'transfer charges', or 'security deposits', and then they'll disappear, taking your money. The fact that they mention 'frozen assets' and 'compliance' is just buzzwords to sound legitimate. If you want to report them, you can try the FTC in the US, as they handle fraud complaints.
Hang in there. It's completely normal to feel this way after what you've been through. You're right to be skeptical. That 'security deposit' sounds like a total scam. No one legitimate is going to ask for money upfront like that to recover funds. They usually take a percentage of what they recover. You're doing great by reaching out here. Keep your guard up!
Yep, that's a scam, plain and simple. They're called 'recovery scams' and they're specifically designed to target people who have already lost money, especially to crypto scams. The 'refundable security deposit' is a huge red flag. They know you're desperate and hoping to get your money back, so they exploit that. Don't send them anything. Seriously. Check out the FBI IC3 website for more info on these types of scams.
This is a well-known recovery scam. They target previous scam victims. The 'refundable security deposit' is a classic advance-fee fraud tactic. They will take your money and never recover anything. Legitimate recovery agencies (if they even exist for crypto) would take a percentage of the recovered funds *after* the funds are in your possession, not upfront fees. Report this new contact to the FBI IC3, just like you did with the initial scam. Also, consider reporting to the FCA in the UK if they claim to operate there.
This sounds very much like a common follow-on scam. The scammers who executed the initial pig butchering often sell your contact information to other scam networks. The 'tracing' and 'frozen assets' narrative is a classic manipulation tactic to prey on victims' desperation. The request for a 'refundable security deposit' is a dead giveaway. Genuine recovery services, if they exist and operate legally, do not ask for upfront fees like this, especially not for a 'refundable' amount that is often never returned. They might take a percentage *after* successful recovery, but never a deposit to start. Your intuition is correct – this is almost certainly another scam.
Oh man, I feel you. Went through something similar. Lost about 15k AUD to a fake trading platform last year. Reported it, filed everywhere. Then, a couple of months later, these guys popped up, same deal – 'we've found your funds, just need a small fee for processing'. It was 'Funds Recovery Group' or something equally fishy. Paid them $1500. Surprise! Never saw a cent back, and they went dark. Don't send them anything. These are the same scum, just dressed up differently.
A 'refundable security deposit' for recovering funds? Red flag number one. Most legitimate operations, if they even exist in this shady crypto recovery space, work on contingency – a percentage of the *recovered* funds. Asking for money upfront, especially with a flimsy excuse like 'legal compliance,' is a classic scam move. They've probably got nothing. They're hoping you're desperate enough to pay. Be very careful.
I'm so sorry you're going through this again. It's incredibly disheartening to be targeted twice. Please, please don't send them any more money. That 'refundable deposit' is a classic scam tactic. They exploit the hope you have left after a huge loss. Maybe try reaching out to a consumer protection agency in your area? Or even check with the FCA in the UK, they sometimes have advice on dealing with these kinds of recovery scams.
This is exactly what happened to me. After I lost money on a fake crypto exchange, I was contacted by a company claiming they could retrieve it. They were based in Cyprus, I think. They asked for a 'transfer fee' which I paid, and then they asked for a 'tax payment'. I never saw any of my money again. It was another scam. They are targeting people who have already been scammed. It's cruel.
Been there. Lost a bunch to a forex scam and then got hit by a 'recovery scammer' who wanted an 'admin fee'. Told them to shove it. Honestly, the best advice I got was to check with the FTC. They might not get your money back directly, but they can sometimes flag these groups. It's a long shot, but better than sending more cash to thieves. It took me a good year to even talk about this stuff, so props to you for reaching out.
I feel sick reading this. This is exactly what happened to me last year. I lost money on one of those fake investment apps, then this 'recovery' company contacted me. They had all my details – name, email, even the amount I lost. They said they'd recovered my funds and just needed a 'compliance fee' of $1000. I paid it. Of course, the money never appeared and they ghosted me. So yes, this 'Global Asset Protection' sounds like another scam. They prey on our desperation.
This scenario is unfortunately very common. The initial scammer often sells victim data to recovery scammers. 'Global Asset Protection' sounds like a typical front. The term 'refundable security deposit' is a significant red flag. Legitimate efforts to recover lost funds, especially crypto, are complex and often involve legal processes. If any service operates legally, they typically charge a success fee or work with law enforcement/regulatory bodies directly, not demand upfront 'deposits' from victims. Report this communication to the FBI IC3 as another attempted fraud.
Oh geez, that sounds just awful. I'm really sorry you're dealing with this again. It's like they smell vulnerability. A 'refundable security deposit' is definitely a huge warning sign. Don't send them a cent more. After my own bad experience with a fake investment platform, I learned the hard way that if it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Stick to official channels, even if they seem slow. You did the right thing reporting it.
Ugh, these people. I got hit by something similar after losing money on a fake ICO. This company, I think it was called 'Claims Justice' or something equally bland, said they could get my crypto back. Asked for an 'escrow fee'. Luckily, my wife, who works in finance, said it sounded like absolute rubbish and made me double-check. Turns out it was a well-known scam. If these guys are asking for a deposit before you see anything, it's 99.9% a scam. Don't do it.
I fell for a similar thing. Lost money in a crypto scam, then got an email from a 'recovery firm'. They promised to get my funds back for a 'small fee'. I was desperate, so I paid them $500. It was gone in minutes. They took the money and blocked me. My bank said they couldn't do anything because it was crypto. This 'Global Asset Protection' sounds exactly like them. Please don't give them any money. Report them to the FTC, even if you don't get your money back, it might help stop them scamming someone else.
This smells fishy. Very, very fishy. 'Refundable security deposit' is the classic bait. I lost about $800 to a fake crypto mining rig company, then got contacted by a supposed 'asset recovery specialist' who wanted $200 upfront. I didn't pay, thankfully. Did some digging, turns out they were just another layer of the scam. The fact they showed you *vaguely familiar* transaction IDs is also super suspicious. They likely just found public blockchain data. Don't trust them.
Don't do it. Seriously. It's a trap. These recovery scams are becoming incredibly sophisticated. They often target people who have already reported being scammed, knowing you're likely more vulnerable and desperate. That 'refundable deposit' is almost always never refunded. They just want to extract more money from you. Your best bet is to report this new contact to the FBI IC3 as well. It might feel like shouting into the void, but it helps build a case against them.
Hello. I work in IT security and see these types of scams daily. The 'Global Asset Protection' company is almost certainly a scam. The process they describe is not how legitimate fund recovery works. They are using your existing distress and a fabricated sense of hope to trick you into paying them. The 'transaction IDs' they showed you are likely public information from the blockchain that they have paired with your story. Do not pay any money. Report this interaction to the FBI IC3 as a secondary scam attempt.
Oh no, not again! This is heartbreaking. I went through something similar. Lost a lot on a fake trading platform, then a company called 'Wealth Recovery International' contacted me claiming they could help. They asked for a 'legal fee' upfront. It was a lot of money, maybe $2k like you. Paid it, and poof! Gone. They were scammers too. They love finding people who've already been victimized. It's predatory. You are not alone, and please don't send them money.
This is a classic recovery scam. They are targeting you again. The 'refundable security deposit' is a common tactic. They will likely keep asking for more fees – 'tax fees', 'transfer fees', 'processing fees' – and you'll never see your money. I've heard of people losing even more money to these recovery scams than the original scam. Report them to the FTC. Even if they're overseas, reporting helps authorities track these operations.
Yeah, that 'Global Asset Protection' sounds like a scam 100%. I had a similar thing happen. Lost about $10k in crypto, then these guys contacts me from 'Action Refund' saying they could get it back for a 'small upfront processing fee'. My gut told me no, and I'm glad I listened. Turns out they're scammers. Don't pay them anything. The whole 'traceable funds' and 'deposit' thing is pure manipulation. Report them to Action Fraud in the UK if you can, they track these things.
My husband lost a considerable amount to a scam last year, and within weeks, we got calls from people claiming to be from a 'fund recovery agency'. They were very convincing, had details, but then asked for an upfront 'admin fee'. Thankfully, we didn't fall for it. It's a known tactic. They find you through lists sold by the original scammers. The fact they are asking for a deposit before *any* recovery is the biggest red flag. You're right to be suspicious.
I'm so sorry, this is a terrible situation to be in. This is a very common second-stage scam. They identify victims of previous scams, often through data breaches or lists sold on the dark web. The 'refundable security deposit' is a classic bait-and-switch. They are preying on your hope. Do NOT send them money. If you want to report it, try Action Fraud in the UK or your local police's cybercrime unit. They may not recover your funds, but reporting can help disrupt these scam networks.
This is textbook. I lost money to a romance scammer and then got contacted by a company that *sounded* legitimate, saying they were hired by Interpol to recover funds. They asked for a 'government processing fee' via gift cards. Gift cards! Can you believe it? I felt so stupid even considering it. This 'Global Asset Protection' is absolutely a scam. The best thing you can do is block them and report the email address to your email provider as spam/phishing. It's a small step, but it helps.
This is textbook. They are running a variation of the common crypto recovery scam. Global Asset Protection sounds official, but it's likely just a name they picked from a list. The 'traced funds' and 'frozen assets' are just bait. You won't get your money back that way. Report them to your local authorities and consider filing with the FBI IC3 again, but don't send them any more money.
Oh honey, I know that feeling. That sinking feeling in your stomach. I fell for something similar after I lost my money to a fake investment platform. They promised to get it back for a 'processing fee'. It was a whole new level of despair. Please, please do not send them any more money. They are just going to take that too. You are not alone in this. I eventually found a real support group and they helped me see things clearly.
DO NOT PAY. This is a classic scam targeting those who have already been victimized. They are called 'recovery scammers'. They find people who have lost money (often through forums like this) and promise to get it back, but only if you pay them an upfront fee. They'll invent fake legal hurdles or 'compliance costs' to justify the deposit. They are criminals preying on vulnerable people. Report this company name to Action Fraud in the UK, or the FTC if you're in the US. They won't recover your crypto, they'll just steal more.
I wish I'd found this forum sooner. I lost about $3k to a 'recovery specialist' after a similar scam. They asked for a 'release fee' to get my 'returned funds' from some supposed blockchain escrow. Of course, nothing ever came. 'Global Asset Protection' sounds exactly like them. They even used similar language about 'legal compliance'. It's like they have a script. I'm still devastated.
I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's incredibly stressful and disheartening. It's completely understandable that you're feeling paranoid after such a devastating experience. Trust your gut feeling on this one – if it feels too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Sending you strength.
This is a well-known modus operandi for cybercriminals specializing in defrauding scam victims. The 'refundable security deposit' is a common tactic. They aim to extract a second layer of funds by exploiting the victim's desperation to recover their initial loss. There's no legitimate recovery agency that operates this way. Official bodies like the FCA in the UK or the SEC in the US do not solicit upfront fees for asset recovery. Always be wary of unsolicited offers promising quick returns, especially when they require advance payment.
Yeah, this happened to me too. Lost some money to a crypto scam, and a few months later, this 'recovery firm' popped up. They had my email from somewhere, maybe a data leak from the original scam. They wanted a 'transfer fee' upfront to get my funds out of 'custody'. I almost sent it. Thank God my wife talked me out of it. Told her it sounded like my cousin Barry trying to sell me a 'guaranteed win' lottery ticket. Total scam. Report them and block them.
They asked me for a 'vetting fee' after a fake forex platform took me for thousands. Said it was necessary to prove I wasn't a bot trying to claim funds. It's all lies. They create a sense of urgency, then demand money for made-up reasons. I remember crying on the phone to my mum about it. It feels so hopeless when it happens. I learned the hard way to never trust anyone asking for money to get money back.
My spidey-senses are tingling. 'Global Asset Protection' sounds like a generic name, likely made up. The whole 'refundable security deposit' is a huge red flag. Legitimate asset recovery is complex and often involves legal proceedings, not just a simple deposit. If your funds were frozen by some entity, that entity would be the one to deal with, not some random third party asking for cash. I'd be very hesitant here.
I got hit by the same thing. After I lost my savings to one of those fake trading platforms, I was contacted by a company called 'Crypto Recovery Experts' or something equally shiny. They wanted a 'legal processing fee' to unfreeze my supposed assets. I even spoke to someone who sounded very professional on a Zoom call, but still felt off. They asked for $500 upfront. I'm so glad I didn't send it. It's just another scam, unfortunately. They are really out to get us when we're down.
This sounds very familiar to a scam that was going around a few years back. People would lose money to crypto scams, and then 'recovery' firms would contact them. They'd ask for an upfront fee, and then disappear. It's a second layer of fraud. Never pay an upfront fee for recovery services. If you want to report them, try the FCA if they claim to be UK-based, or the FTC in the US. They won't get your money back, but they might track these criminals.
Oh, that's awful. I'm so sorry you've been targeted again. It's cruel how these scammers prey on people's hope. Please know that your instinct is right. That 'refundable deposit' is a classic scam tactic. If it were real, they'd just deduct it from the recovered amount. Sending you a big hug from Lille.
Hang in there. Losing money is bad enough, but then getting hit with these recovery scams? It's criminal. It sounds exactly like the type of operation that Funds Recovery Group would run. They promise the world, then ask for money for 'taxes' or 'legal fees'. Don't fall for it. You did the right thing reporting to IC3 and the police initially. Keep those reports active.
Don't send them a dime. Seriously. They are vultures. I lost a chunk of change in Bitcoin last year to a pump-and-dump, and within weeks, I was getting emails from 'recovery specialists'. One wanted a 'blockchain verification fee'. I told my wife it sounded like a snake oil salesman. She agreed. Just block them and move on. You're not alone, and you're not stupid for falling for it the first time. But don't let them get you again.
Sending you solidarity. It's a horrible situation to be in, feeling vulnerable and then being targeted again. Your intuition is spot on. These 'recovery' services are almost always scams themselves. They exploit the hope that people have of getting their money back. Focus on self-care right now. You've already been through so much.
It's incredibly disheartening when you think you've been scammed once and then something like this happens. I was in a similar boat. I'd lost money to a fake broker, and then a company called 'Asset Retrieval Services' contacted me. They asked for an upfront fee for 'international transfer costs'. I was so desperate, I almost paid it. My sister, who works in finance, basically told me to 'get real'. She said no legitimate firm would ask for money upfront like that. Block them and don't engage further.
This is a very common and predatory scam. The individuals behind 'Global Asset Protection' are likely criminals who monitor reports of scams or purchase lists of victims. They invent plausible-sounding reasons for upfront fees, such as 'legal costs,' 'compliance fees,' or 'transaction taxes.' Remember that if any entity truly had your funds frozen, they would communicate through official channels, not via unsolicited emails requesting deposits. The best course of action is to ignore them and report the scam attempt to the FTC or your national equivalent.
This sounds exactly like what happened to my friend Dave. He lost a lot of money in crypto, and then a company called 'Claims Justice' contacted him. They wanted a 'processing fee' to release his funds. He was so close to paying, but I told him to check their reviews online. Turns out they were a scam too. He ended up reporting them to the FCA. Definitely a scam. Don't send them anything. Block their email and phone number.
Oh goodness, my heart goes out to you. That initial loss is devastating, and then to be targeted like this again? It's just beyond cruel. I lost about $1000 to a fake tech support scam last year and even then, I got a follow-up email from someone offering to 'recover my lost funds' for an 'administrative fee.' I nearly fell for it because I was so upset about losing the money. Please, trust your gut. That deposit is their next scam. You're not alone.
Mate, I got the same thing after I got ripped off by one of those dodgy forex platforms. Some outfit called 'Wealth Recovery International' (I think?) emailed me. Said they'd found my 'dormant funds' and just needed a small 'insurance fee' to release them. Sounded like total rubbish to me. My missus said it was probably another scammer. It's infuriating how they find us. Don't pay them. Just block and report them if you can. I reported mine to Action Fraud, but not sure if anything came of it.
Oh mate, that sounds EXACTLY like a recovery scam. They find you *after* you've been scammed. It's a classic pincer move. They 'trace' funds, show you familiar IDs, and then ask for a 'refundable deposit'. The funds they claim to have 'traced' are likely fabricated. The deposit is just more money they're trying to squeeze out of you. It's highly unlikely they've recovered anything. Report this new outfit to Action Fraud in the UK if they operate there, or your local police again. Don't send them a penny.
I'm so sorry you're going through this, it sounds absolutely terrifying. Losing money like that, and then having someone try to scam you again? That's just cruel. Please don't feel embarrassed, these scammers are professionals at what they do. It takes a lot of courage to even talk about it. Take a deep breath. You've already done so much by reporting it. Don't let them take advantage of your situation again.
Hmm, 'Global Asset Protection' sounds a bit generic, doesn't it? And a 'refundable security deposit' for crypto recovery? Very suss. Most legitimate recovery firms, if they even exist and are successful (which is rare), don't work like that. They usually take a percentage of the *recovered* funds, and even then, it's a long shot. This smells like a classic double-tap scam. They hit you once, and when you're vulnerable, they try to hit you again.
As someone else here in Singapore who's seen these scams, I have to echo the others. THIS IS A SCAM. They prey on victims of pig butchering or other crypto fraud. They might even show you *real* transaction IDs from your original loss, but that doesn't mean they have access to your funds or can recover them. The 'refundable deposit' is pure fiction. They just want another piece of your money. Do NOT send them anything. Block them immediately. Report 'Global Asset Protection' to MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) if you can find their details.
This is a textbook recovery scam. They operate in waves. You get scammed, report it, and then these 'recovery' companies emerge from the woodwork. They'll promise the moon, show you some confusing data, and then hit you with a fee. Sometimes they even use legitimate-sounding names to confuse you. The FCA in the UK, for example, has warned extensively about these types of operations. The key red flag is the upfront fee for 'recovery'. Legitimate entities (if any could genuinely recover crypto from bad actors) would typically operate on a success fee basis only and usually require substantial legal documentation first. Avoid at all costs.
I was in your shoes. Lost about $30k to a fake investment platform last year. After the initial shock, I got bombarded with emails from 'recovery specialists'. One guy even sounded super legit, had a slick website. He asked for a 'tech fee' to 'access the blockchain's frozen wallets'. Guess what? He disappeared after I paid him. It felt like being punched in the gut all over again. I finally found a support group online, and that helped me see these 'recovery' guys for what they are. Don't pay them. You're not alone.
This 'Global Asset Protection' sounds incredibly dodgy. A 'refundable security deposit' for crypto recovery? That's not how any legitimate asset recovery works, especially not with crypto which is notoriously hard to trace and recover once lost to scams. They're likely just another outfit trying to scam you again. It's a common tactic used by scammers to target people who have already lost money. They know you're desperate. I'd be very wary.
Yeah, that whole 'refundable security deposit' is a massive red flag. Seriously. If they could recover your funds, they wouldn't need you to pay upfront. They'd take their cut from the recovered amount. It's a classic scam structure. They're just hoping you're so desperate to get your money back that you won't question it. I'd be blocking them and forgetting they ever contacted you. Keep reporting, but don't engage financially.
From a technical standpoint, tracing lost crypto isn't simple, and recovering it once it's moved is exceptionally difficult, bordering on impossible for most private entities. Scammers posing as 'recovery services' exploit this. They might show you fake transaction IDs or even ones that are legitimately yours but have gone cold. The 'refundable deposit' is a pure invention to extract more money. The FBI IC3 and similar agencies are the official channels, and while slow, they are the legitimate ones. Anything else is almost certainly fraudulent. Consider filing a complaint with the FTC if they're soliciting US persons.
Oh goodness, that sounds like such a stressful situation. It's completely understandable that you're feeling paranoid after such a horrible experience. Please try not to beat yourself up about the initial scam; those people are incredibly manipulative. It’s great you reported it, and don't give up hope on those channels. But this new company? It sounds exactly like the kind of thing that happens after people lose money. Sending you lots of support.
This 'Global Asset Protection' is almost certainly a scam designed to fleece you twice. These recovery scams are rampant. They target victims of large frauds, like yourself. Their process typically involves creating a false sense of hope with fabricated transaction details and then demanding an upfront 'fee' – be it a 'security deposit', 'legal fee', or 'compliance charge'. This money is gone forever. No legitimate entity will ask for a refundable security deposit to recover lost crypto. They work on contingency, taking a percentage *after* successful recovery, and even then, successful crypto recovery is extremely rare. You did the right thing reporting it to IC3, but be extremely skeptical of any unsolicited offers.
OMG, that sounds like a nightmare, I'm so sorry you're going through this. That 'Global Asset Protection' is definitely a scam. They find people who have already lost money and try to trick them again. It’s a common tactic. They'll say they've traced your funds but need a 'fee' to release them. It’s always a fee, isn't it? Never send them money. You already did the right thing by reporting it to the authorities. Just block them and ignore them. They're vultures.
Stay far away from 'Global Asset Protection'. They are not legitimate. This is a second scam targeting you. They prey on victims of romance scams, investment scams, and pig butchering. They will promise recovery, show fake evidence, and then ask for an upfront 'refundable security deposit'. This deposit is never returned, and your crypto is never recovered. They are essentially stealing your money again. I've seen many people fall for this. If you want to explore actual avenues, report them to the MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) and do NOT send them any money. Do not reply to their emails. Block them.
This is a scam. A big one. 'Global Asset Protection' is likely not even a real company. They find people like you who have reported a loss to places like the FBI IC3. They know you're looking for help. They make up a story about tracing your funds. The 'refundable security deposit' is just them trying to steal more money from you. There are no legitimate companies that can guarantee crypto recovery like this. If they ask for money upfront, it's a scam. Don't pay them. Maybe try reporting this new company to the FBI IC3 as well.
This is a classic recovery scam, mate. They're known as 'smash and grab' scammers. They wait for victims to report losses, then pose as recovery agents. The 'refundable deposit' is pure fiction. They have no access to your funds. They might even use real transaction details to make it look convincing, but that's easy to do if you know where to look. They just want to scam you a second time. Don't engage. Block them. If you want to report them, use the official channels like the Action Fraud website in the UK, or your local police report number.

