Is 'Payback Ltd' demanding a 'bank verification fee' another scam, or can they help with my losses?
Hi everyone,
I'm feeling so desperate and confused right now. I was scammed out of quite a bit of money, about 15k EUR, in a fake investment platform thing a few months ago. It was truly awful, and I pretty much wrote it off as a horrible life lesson. But then, yesterday, I got an email out of the blue from a company calling themselves 'Payback Ltd'. They said they had tracked my lost funds and could recover them. They even knew the name of the scam company I used before, which freaked me out a bit but also made me hopeful.
Now they're asking for a 'bank verification fee' before they can 'release' the funds back to my account. It's not a huge amount, maybe 300 EUR, but after what I went through, I'm super paranoid about paying anything upfront. My partner thinks it's another scam, but a part of me really, really wants to believe it's real. Has anyone heard of these guys or gone through something similar? Is this 'bank verification fee' a normal thing for legitimate recovery? I'm in Groningen, NL, if that matters for banking stuff.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
154 Answers
Oh Lotte, I am so, so sorry to hear you're going through this. It's absolutely heartbreaking when scammers hit you again after you've already been a victim. To address your question directly: any company asking for an *upfront fee* to recover funds is almost certainly a scam. Legitimate recovery services, whether they be actual law firms or financial investigators, typically work on a contingency basis or charge fees *after* a successful recovery, or at least structure their fees transparently with clear deliverables, not nebulous 'verification' or 'release' fees.
'Payback Ltd' is a well-known name in the recovery scam circuit. They often target previous scam victims whose details have been sold on by the original fraudsters. The fact they knew your original scammer's name is a huge red flag, not a sign of legitimacy. It means your data is circulating among criminal networks. A 'bank verification fee' is just another made-up charge designed to extract more money from you. They'll take your 300 EUR, then invent another fee, and another, until you either run out of money or realise it's a trap. Do not engage further or send any money. Block them and report them to your local police or fraud reporting agency. In the Netherlands, that would be the AFM or FIOD. The FTC in the US and Action Fraud in the UK also warn extensively about such tactics.
Hey Lotte, sending you so much strength right now. It's completely understandable why you're feeling hopeful, but also so cautious. Your partner is absolutely right to be suspicious. This whole 'recovery' thing preying on people who've already been hurt is just... evil, honestly. The part where they knew the name of your previous scammer? That's a classic move. It makes them seem legit, but it usually just means your info got sold on a list. Please, don't pay them anything. It's a second layer of scam. You deserve to heal from the first one, not get pulled into another. Stay strong, okay?
Ugh, 'bank verification fee'? Come on. Lotte, don't walk, run from this. It's a textbook recovery scam. No legit company, especially one claiming to recover money, charges you *to verify your own bank account*. That makes zero sense. They want your 300 EUR, and then they'll ask for another 'tax clearance fee' or 'regulatory compliance fee' or whatever else they can dream up. They prey on desperation. You're better off cutting ties now.
This sounds SO familiar, Lotte. I got caught in something similar after a crypto scam. Lost a fair bit, then some group called 'Claims Justice' emailed me, claiming they could get it back. They asked for a 'legal document processing fee'. I was so desperate, I paid it. Then they wanted a 'transfer tax'. I paid that too. Ended up losing another 2k AUD on top of the original scam. It was just a never-ending chain of made-up fees. Please, please don't fall for it. It's just a way to milk you again. Learn from my mistake, hey?
WARNING! This is a classic recovery scam. I've seen countless reports about 'Payback Ltd' specifically. They are not legitimate. The 'bank verification fee' is just the first step in a series of demands for money. They will string you along, making you believe the recovery is imminent, only to come up with another bogus fee. They exploit the hope and vulnerability of victims. Do not send them any money or provide any personal banking details. Block their emails and phone numbers. It's a cruel tactic, but you need to protect yourself from further loss.
Seriously, Lotte, please don't pay them. Anyone asking for an upfront fee for recovery is waving giant red flags. It's not a normal or legitimate practice. Think about it: if they *really* had your funds and just needed to verify your bank, why couldn't they deduct that small amount from the recovered sum? Because there *is* no recovered sum. They're just trying to take more of your money. This is how these recovery scams work, they're pure garbage. Don't fall for the trick.
Oh man, Lotte, I totally get that desperate feeling. I was there myself after I got hit by a fake trading platform last year. I got an email from a company, not 'Payback Ltd' but something similar, offering to get my money back. They had my exact details from the initial scam. They asked for a 'transfer processing fee' of like, $500 CAD. My gut was screaming no, but I was so sick of losing, I almost did it. Luckily, I talked to my cousin who's a cop, and he told me point blank it was another scam. He said legitimate recovery outfits never ask for money *before* they've done anything. It's a hard pill to swallow, but sometimes you just have to cut your losses and protect yourself from being scammed again.
Lotte, you absolutely should not pay this 'bank verification fee'. It's a classic red flag of a recovery scam. Real legal or financial recovery services operate on either a no-win, no-fee basis, or they have clear, upfront contract terms where fees are paid for services rendered, not arbitrary 'verification' charges. The fact they knew your previous scam details indicates you're on a 'sucker list' that these criminal groups share. They're just trying to victimise you again. Report them to local authorities. Do not engage.
Ngl, 'Payback Ltd' sounds like something straight out of a bad movie, not a legit financial recovery firm. And a 'bank verification fee'? Total nonsense. No real bank or financial institution charges you to *receive* funds. They're trying to leverage your hope and the fact you're already vulnerable. I'd bet money this is 100% a scam. Save your 300 EUR and cut all contact.
Please, Lotte, this is a scam. I cannot stress this enough. 'Payback Ltd' is a known entity associated with recovery fraud. Any company that claims to recover your money but asks for an upfront fee for 'verification,' 'release,' 'taxes,' or 'legal documents' is trying to scam you again. They are preying on your despair. The 300 EUR is just the first bait. If you pay it, they'll demand more, inventing new reasons until you're drained. You need to stop all communication with them immediately and report them to your national fraud agencies. Do not give them any more of your money or personal information.
I've seen this 'Payback Ltd' pop up on a few forums, and unfortunately, it follows a very common scam pattern. They *appear* to have information, often gleaned from public records or previous scam victim lists, to gain trust. The 'bank verification fee' is the classic hook. Legitimate recovery services, if they even exist in this direct form, do not charge upfront fees for *verification*. They might take a percentage *after* recovery, but never before. This sounds like Refund Police tactics, tbh. Always report these attempts to your local police fraud unit. In the UAE, we'd file a report with the CID.
Oh man, that 300 EUR fee... I fell for something like this too, about two years ago. Lost 5k USD this time, but it felt like 50k. These guys, 'Payback Ltd' or whatever name they're using, they're smooth. They prey on the hope you have after losing money. I paid the 'processing fee' they asked for, and surprise surprise, never heard from them again. Lost that too. The best thing that happened to me after that was finally accepting it was gone and moving on, which was hard. Stay strong and trust your gut – your partner is right.
Hmm, 'Payback Ltd'? Sounds a bit too good to be true, doesn't it? Especially after you've already been burned. Knowing the scam company's name is a bit worrying, sure, but they could get that from online records of complaints. That 'bank verification fee' is a massive red flag. Real recovery operations don't ask for money upfront like that. They might take a cut later, but this sounds like another way to get money from you. Better to be safe than sorry, my friend. Report it to the South African Police Service if you can, or at least the cybercrime unit.
I'm so sorry you're going through this again. It's utterly heartbreaking when you think there's a glimmer of hope, only to be faced with another demand for money. I had a similar experience last year after a crypto scam. These companies, 'Payback Ltd' included, are vultures. They find out you've been scammed and then they swoop in. Never pay an upfront fee for recovery. Ever. If you want to report it, the Action Fraud website in the UK is where I logged my attempt, though I didn't lose more money, thankfully.
As someone who deals with financial crime cases in the Netherlands, I can confirm that 'Payback Ltd' and their 'bank verification fee' methodology is a textbook scam. They operate internationally, often appearing legitimate by having a slick website and professional-sounding emails. The fact they knew the scam company's name is unsettling but easily achievable through dark web marketplaces or scraped data. No legitimate recovery service will ever ask for an upfront fee for verification. The Dutch police (Politie) and the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM) are the official channels. Do *not* send them money.
I know that feeling, that desperate hope mixed with utter dread. I lost about R40,000 last year to a Forex scam, and then some joker contacted me promising full recovery for a 'legal processing fee'. Paid it, of course. Stupid, I know. Then they wanted another 'transfer fee'. I realised then it was just another scam. That 'Payback Ltd' sounds exactly the same. My wife told me to just accept it and move on, and she was right. It's better to lose that 300 EUR than another chunk of money and your peace of mind.
Ugh, 'bank verification fee'? That's a classic move. They play on your emotions. They know you're desperate and want your money back, so they invent a 'fee' to release it. It’s a total scam. They probably got your email address from the same place the first scammers did. Do not send them any money. Seriously. Your partner is absolutely right. If you want to report it, check with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). They might have info on these guys.
Mate, I've been there. Lost a fair bit on some fake crypto mining site a few years back. Then I got an email from a 'recovery agency' asking for an 'admin fee' to get my money back. Sounded legit, had all the right jargon. Paid them AU$500. Poof. Gone. Never saw a cent back, and they disappeared. This 'Payback Ltd' sounds identical. My mate Barry said, 'If it feels dodgy, it probably is.' He was right. Don't pay them. Report it to Scamwatch Australia.
This is SO familiar. I lost $20k to a phishing scam last year, and maybe two months later, I got an email from a company claiming they could recover it. They asked for a 'compliance fee' first. I almost paid it, but my sister talked me out of it. She said, 'If they recovered your money, why do *they* need money?' It sounds simple, but it made me stop and think. That 300 EUR fee from Payback Ltd sounds like the exact same trap. Please don't pay it. You can report scams like this to the FTC.
Yeah, 'Payback Ltd' rings alarm bells. Sounds like a classic recovery scam. They know you're vulnerable and desperate. Asking for an upfront fee like that, especially for 'verification', is a massive red flag. It's not how legitimate recovery operations work. They might take a percentage if they're successful, but they won't ask you to pay them *before* they've done anything. Your partner's right. If you want to report it, contact the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, or your local equivalent if you're not there.
Oh, my dear, I am so sorry you've been targeted again. It’s awful how these scammers prey on people who have already suffered. My heart goes out to you. Please, please listen to your partner. This 'bank verification fee' is a well-known trick. Legitimate organisations helping with recovery would typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover your funds, and usually, that's a percentage agreed upon *after* the recovery. You can report these scams to the UAE's e-crime platform.
I've been tracking scam trends for years, and 'Payback Ltd' fits the profile perfectly. The 'bank verification fee' is a psychological tactic. They need you to send *some* money to establish a transaction line, making it seem more real and also potentially leading to further demands for 'taxes', 'transfer fees', etc. The fact they mentioned the specific scam company is a common tactic to build false credibility. Never, ever pay upfront fees for recovery. Your local Dutch police cybercrime unit, or the AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten), are the correct bodies to report this to, not 'Payback Ltd'.
Oh no, that sounds awful. I lost about AUD $10,000 last year to a fake investment scheme. It was devastating. I got contacted by a company similar to this 'Payback Ltd' who promised to recover my funds for a small fee. I was tempted, so tempted. But my mum said, 'If it sounds like you're getting your money back without jumping through hoops, it's probably a trick.' She was right. I didn't pay. Don't pay that 300 EUR. You can report them to the ACCC in Australia if you want to warn others.
Hi! So sorry to hear about your situation. This sounds very familiar. A friend of mine went through something similar. They were contacted by a company after losing money to a fake trading platform. The company asked for a 'security deposit' to release the recovered funds. My friend paid it, and the company just vanished. It's a very common scam. They prey on the hope that you desperately want your money back. Please, don't send them any money. Trust your instincts and your partner. You can check out resources on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.
Oh no, this is heartbreaking. I lost a significant amount on a romance scam, and the feeling of helplessness is just awful. A few months later, I got an email from a 'recovery specialist' asking for an upfront fee. I was so tempted, but I remembered what Action Fraud (UK) warned about: legitimate services don't charge upfront fees. They might take a cut *after* they get your money back. So, I ignored it. Please don't pay Payback Ltd. Report them if you can. Trust your partner, they're right.
This is exactly what happened to me. Lost 10k to a fake shares scheme last year. Then 'Recovery Solutions Group' contacted me asking for an 'international transfer fee'. Same thing. They knew details about the first scam. I was *this* close to paying it, but my brother said, 'If they could get the money back, why would they need a fee from you? They'd just take it from the recovered amount.' Ngl, it made sense. So I told them to get lost. Don't pay Payback Ltd. You'll just lose more.
Wait — 'Payback Ltd'? That's a known scam outfit. They send out those emails saying they've found your lost funds. It's total garbage. They operate out of Eastern Europe, I think. They ask for a 'processing fee' or 'verification fee' and then you never hear from them again. They probably got your details from the same place the first scammers did. Don't send them a cent. Report them to the FTC or your local police. They're not helping you; they're trying to scam you again.
God, I know that feeling. I lost a good chunk to a dodgy online casino once. It felt like forever before I stopped thinking about it. Then I got an email from a 'financial recovery firm' asking for a 'refundable deposit'. I almost did it. But then I thought, why would they need a deposit? If they're legit, they'd take their cut from the winnings. That 'bank verification fee' sounds like the same trap. Please, don't pay it. You've been through enough. You can report these companies to the CFTC in the US.
This is exactly the same situation my neighbour went through! She lost a lot of money on a fake job posting scam, and then got contacted by a 'recovery agency' that asked for a fee to release her funds. She paid it, sadly, and lost that money too. It's devastating. She said she wished she'd reported it to the BBB instead of paying. So please, learn from her mistake. Don't send Payback Ltd any money. Trust your partner – they are looking out for you.
Oh dear, this screams scam, unfortunately. 'Payback Ltd' is notorious. They are what we call a 'recovery room' scam, often linked to the original fraudsters. They contact you *after* you've been scammed, promise your money back, and then demand upfront fees for 'verification' or 'taxes' or whatever nonsense they invent. They knew the scam company name? That's part of their playbook – they might have scraped it from the dark web, or worse, the original scammer sold your contact details. The 300 EUR fee is the hook. Legitimate recovery efforts don't ask for money upfront like this. You'd usually deal with official channels or regulated recovery firms that take a percentage *after* funds are recovered, and even then, it's rare. Report them to the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM) in the Netherlands if you can. Don't send them a cent.
I know exactly how you feel. That sliver of hope is so powerful, especially after losing so much. I was in a similar spot after a crypto scam last year. Lost about 8k. Then I got an email from a 'recovery agency' – they even had my details. They wanted a 'processing fee'. Thank god my brother talked me out of it. It was another scam. The pain of losing the money is awful, but getting scammed again by someone *pretending* to help is even worse. Just trust your gut and your partner on this one. There’s no easy fix, sadly. I ended up just blocking them and trying to move on. It’s rough.
Yeah, that sounds super sketchy. 'Payback Ltd' and a 'bank verification fee'? Come on. Why would they need *you* to pay *them* for verification to get *your* money back? That makes zero sense. Scammers love knowing details about your original loss to seem legit. It's just social engineering 101. They probably bought your info or got it from the first scammer. Seriously, don't send them any money. If you want to report it, maybe try the FTC website. They have a place for reporting scams.
My first thought reading this was 'red flag city'. A company demanding money upfront to recover money you lost? That's not how legitimate recovery services work, at least not in my experience dealing with official bodies like the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. They might take a commission *after* success, but never upfront fees for 'verification'. The fact they knew the scam company's name is chilling but likely just means they obtained your data from the original scam or a data broker. Please, please be careful. It sounds exactly like a follow-on scam targeting vulnerable people.
This is exactly what happened to me two years ago. Lost 10k to a Forex scam. A few weeks later, got a call from a guy who sounded very official, said he was from 'Global Recovery Solutions' or something. He said he'd traced my funds. Then came the 'admin fee'. I was so desperate, I almost paid it. My daughter thankfully stopped me. She googled the company and found tons of complaints. It was a total scam, they were just trying to get more money out of me. These 'Payback Ltd' people are likely the same. Please don't pay them anything. It's devastating to lose money, but losing it twice is unbearable.
DO NOT PAY THEM. Seriously. This is a classic ‘recovery scam’. They prey on people who have already been victimized. Knowing the name of the scam company is just a tactic to gain your trust. Legitimate law enforcement or recovery agencies don’t operate like this. If you want to recover funds, you generally have to go through official channels, which can be slow and difficult, or very reputable, regulated firms that take a percentage *after* success. 'Payback Ltd' is almost certainly a scam itself, possibly run by the same people or their associates. You can report them to the FCA in the UK if they are operating there, or your local equivalent. Stay safe.
Oh, that sounds really tough. It's completely understandable that you're feeling confused and hopeful, especially after such a big loss. That initial hope when someone claims they can help is so strong. However, the 'bank verification fee' is a major red flag. Most legitimate recovery processes, if they exist, don't charge upfront fees like that. They might take a success-based commission, but asking for money to 'verify' something before they 'release' funds sounds like a classic scam tactic. Maybe check with the Dutch police or the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM) to see if they have any information on 'Payback Ltd' or similar operations. Sending strength your way!
This is unfortunately a very common follow-on scam. 'Payback Ltd' is likely a fraudulent entity. The fact they contacted you and knew details about your previous scam is designed to build false credibility. Genuine recovery efforts are rare and typically involve official channels or highly regulated firms. They certainly don't ask for upfront 'verification' fees. This fee is the scammer's primary objective – to extract more money from you. I would advise you to cease all communication immediately and report them to the relevant authorities. In South Africa, this would be the Hawks or the South African Police Service (SAPS) with a fraud case. Block their emails and numbers. Do not engage further.
Ugh, this smells fishy. 'Payback Ltd' asking for a 'bank verification fee' to return *your* lost money? That's a huge alarm bell. Why would they need a fee from you to verify *your* bank details to send *you* money? It doesn't add up. They likely got your info from the original scam. My cousin fell for something similar after losing money to a fake trading app. He paid a 'legal fee' and never heard back. It's devastating. Please don't send them anything. Check the BBB website for reports on companies like this, though honestly, 'Payback Ltd' sounds like pure fiction.
It’s so hard when you’re in that vulnerable position after being scammed. That email must have given you a jolt of hope! But yes, that 'bank verification fee' sounds like a textbook scam tactic. They want to get another payment from you before you realise it's a dead end. Companies that genuinely help recover funds usually operate on a different model, often taking a cut *after* the money is returned, and even then, they are heavily regulated. You could try reporting them to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and maybe even the police, just to get it on record. Keep your wits about you, you’ve already been through enough!
I went through something *very* similar a couple of years back. Lost a significant sum to an online investment scheme. Then, surprise! A 'recovery firm' contacted me, knew the details. They wanted a 'clearing fee' upfront. I was so desperate I almost did it. My husband insisted we research them, and thankfully we found out they were frauds. They were just trying to get a second bite at the apple. They are not legitimate. The fact they knew the scam company name is just part of their script. Don't pay them anything. It's heartbreaking, but you have to assume anyone asking for money upfront to recover lost funds is a scammer.
Warning: This is absolutely a scam. 'Payback Ltd' is a known type of fraudulent operation that targets previous scam victims. They gain your trust by mentioning details of your initial scam (like the company name) which they likely obtained from stolen databases or the original scammers. The 'bank verification fee' is their method of extracting more money from you. Legitimate recovery is extremely rare and often involves reporting to authorities like Interpol or national police forces, and even then, success is not guaranteed. Never pay upfront fees to recovery services. Report them to your local police or financial crime unit immediately. Do not send them any funds.
Hey, I see you're in Groningen. You should definitely report this to the Dutch police (Politie) and the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM). They are aware of these recovery scams. 'Payback Ltd' is almost certainly a scam. They get your details and then try to scam you again. The 'bank verification fee' is a classic trick. They want money *from* you, not *to* you. Don't send them a penny. You've already suffered enough. Try to block all communication.
My mate got hit by this exact same thing after losing money on a fake crypto platform. 'Payback Ltd' contacted him too, knew the exact amount and the fake platform name. Asked for a 'transfer fee' upfront. He was about to pay it, but I told him to hold on. We looked them up and found loads of warnings. They're scammers, plain and simple. They make you think they're helping, but they just want more cash. You need to report them. In Australia, you'd report to Scamwatch or the ACCC. Don't give them any more money, please.
This sounds exactly like the 'recovery scam' that popped up after the big Forex crash a few years back. They'd find out who lost money and then offer to recover it for an upfront 'processing fee'. It's a second layer of scamming. The fact that 'Payback Ltd' knows the scam company you used is just proof they're either working with the original scammers or bought your data. Do NOT pay them. Legitimate recovery processes, if available, would be through official channels like law enforcement or maybe a very specialized, regulated firm that takes a cut *after* recovery. Check if the CFTC has any info or reporting mechanisms for this sort of thing in the US.
Oh man, I feel for you. That hope is a killer, isn't it? I got scammed out of 10k CAD on a fake job site once. Then a 'recovery specialist' called me, knew my name and everything. Wanted an 'admin fee'. It was so tempting because I was drowning in debt. But something felt off. I ended up talking to a fraud advisor at my bank (RBC) and they confirmed it was a scam. They said legit recovery people don't ask for money upfront like that. They said to report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Please, please don't pay them. It's just another scam.
STOP. Do not engage further. 'Payback Ltd' is a fraudulent entity. This is a classic recovery scam. They identify victims of prior scams and promise to recover lost funds, only to demand upfront fees. The fee is their profit. The knowledge of the previous scam is a manipulation tactic. Real recovery avenues are typically through law enforcement agencies (like the FBI's IC3 in the US) or through court-ordered restitution, which does not involve upfront fees from the victim to a private company. Any company demanding a 'bank verification fee' or similar is trying to scam you again. Report this to the FTC immediately.
This sounds precisely like a recovery scam. They often get your details from the original scam or data breaches. 'Payback Ltd' is likely not a real company, or at least not one that can legitimately recover your funds. The 'bank verification fee' is the scammer's way to get *more* money from you. It’s a bait-and-switch. You pay the fee, and then they disappear or invent more fees. It's awful that people do this to those who have already lost money. You should report this to Action Fraud in the UK if they have any UK presence, or your local police force. Don't give them any more of your money.
Hang on – this sounds *exactly* like the kind of scam that happened to my aunt last year. She lost about 5k to a phishing email and then got contacted by a company claiming they could get it back. They wanted an 'advance processing fee'. She almost paid it, but thankfully her bank (HSBC) advised her against it and told her it was a common scam tactic. They said legitimate recovery services don't ask for money upfront like that. You should talk to your bank first, tell them what's happening. They might have advice or be able to block any payments if you get tempted. Definitely don't send 'Payback Ltd' any money.
This is a VERY common scam. 'Payback Ltd' is almost certainly a scam operation designed to get more money from you. They know the details of your original scam to gain your trust. The 'bank verification fee' is their payday. Never pay upfront fees to recovery services. It's a trap. Report them to your national fraud reporting agency. In Canada, that's the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. It's a tough lesson to lose money, but getting scammed again by recovery scammers is even worse. Please be careful.
Oh, absolutely this is another scam. 'Payback Ltd' sounds exactly like the kind of fake recovery outfit that preys on victims of investment fraud. They often get your details from leaked databases or by you reporting the initial scam. That 'bank verification fee' is a classic move – they just want to fleece you again. Legitimate recovery operations (which are rare and usually involve official channels like the FCA or Action Fraud, not private companies asking for upfront fees) don't operate like this. Ngl, I fell for something similar after losing money to a crypto scam last year. They wanted a 'processing fee' and then vanished. Don't pay them another cent.
I'm so sorry you're going through this, it sounds incredibly stressful. It's completely understandable why you'd want to believe this company could help, especially after such a big loss. The fact that they knew the name of the scam company is indeed unsettling. But, like your partner, I'd be very cautious about paying any upfront fees. Recovery scams are unfortunately very common. Maybe try searching for reviews of 'Payback Ltd' online? Or see if any consumer protection agencies in the Netherlands have warned about them?
Yeah, this screams scam. 'Payback Ltd' sounds like a made-up name. Why would they need a 'bank verification fee'? That doesn't make sense. If they recovered your money, they'd just deduct their fee from the recovered amount, right? This is how they get you – they dangle hope in front of you and then ask for more money. I lost €10k on some forex nonsense a while back and got similar emails. Ignored them all. They're parasites. Keep your wallet shut.
From a regulatory standpoint, this 'Payback Ltd' scenario raises several red flags. The concept of a 'bank verification fee' is not a standard procedure in legitimate fund recovery. Often, these entities operate by creating a facade of legitimacy, sometimes even providing verifiable (but false) details about the initial scam to build trust. They then request a fee for 'processing,' 'verification,' or 'legal costs' before the funds can be released. This is a well-documented tactic used by recovery room scams. Reputable agencies, if they even offer recovery services (which are often challenging and time-consuming), typically work on contingency or through established legal frameworks, not by demanding upfront payments for verification. Reporting initial scams to authorities like the FCA or CFTC is crucial, but be extremely wary of unsolicited contact promising easy recoveries.
Urgh, another one. 'Payback Ltd' is probably fake. This is a common trick. They find out you were scammed (maybe from the same leak that the first scammers used!) and then offer to get your money back. But they just want another fee. That 'bank verification fee' is totally bogus. Don't pay it. They'll just ask for more money later. If you want to try and get money back, you have to go through official channels, and it's usually very hard.
No, no, no. Please don't pay them. This is exactly what happened to my cousin. She lost money to a fake trading app and then got contacted by a company promising to recover it. They asked for a 'transfer fee'. She paid it, and poof! Gone. The company, the email, everything. It's heartbreaking how they target people who are already hurting. You are right to be suspicious. That 'bank verification fee' is just another way to steal from you.
I know that feeling. That sliver of hope when they say they can get your money back. It's torture. I lost about £12k last year to a crypto scam. Got loads of emails like yours. 'Recovery specialists', they called themselves. Needed 'admin fees', 'legal fees', 'conversion fees' – you name it. Never saw a penny back. Just lost more. My bank, Lloyds, said there's basically nothing they can do once the money's gone, especially if it went abroad or through crypto. Report them to Action Fraud, but don't send them any money.
Oh honey, I'm so sorry you fell for that initial scam, that's awful. And finding something like this afterwards must be so tempting. But please, please listen to your gut and your partner. That 'bank verification fee' sounds like a huge red flag. Most legitimate recovery processes, if they even exist, don't require upfront payments like that. They might take a percentage *after* successful recovery. It's just a different kind of scammer trying to get another piece of you. Thinking of you!
This is a very common recovery scam. They specifically target people who have already been scammed. They might have obtained your details from the initial scam, or through data breaches. The 'bank verification fee' is a made-up charge to get more money from you. They will never recover your funds. They are the 'Refund Police' or 'Claims Justice' type of operation, just with a different name. Do not pay them anything. You can report them to the Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) or your local police, but don't expect much.
Mate, sounds dodgy as. They know the scam company? How? Probably just scraped it off the dark web or wherever your details got leaked. 'Bank verification fee'? Never heard of that. Sounds like pure BS. I lost a few grand to a dodgy online casino a few years back and got similar emails. They wanted a 'processing fee' to release winnings that never existed. Just ignore them. Block the emails. Don't give them a cent. It's tough, but that money's gone.
Been there. Lost $20k AUD to a fake forex platform last year. Got emails from 'recovery agents' constantly. They all wanted some sort of upfront fee. One even knew the name of the fake platform I used. Said they had 'insider contacts'. Total rubbish. They just want to scam you again. The best thing I did was report it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and then completely cut off contact with anyone offering recovery services. It hurt, but it stopped the constant harassment and stopped me from losing more.
Oh no, that's awful. I completely understand wanting to believe there's a way to get your money back, especially when they sound so convincing and even know details. But 'Payback Ltd' and a 'bank verification fee'? That's a huge, flashing red light. I've seen so many people lose MORE money to these 'recovery' scams after already being victimized. It's absolutely heartbreaking. Please, please trust your instincts and your partner. Do NOT pay them anything. They are just another scam, preying on your hope. Report them if you can, but don't engage financially.
This sounds like a classic recovery scam, unfortunately. They're designed to look legitimate, and sometimes they'll even have *some* accurate information (like the scam company's name) to make you feel like they're legit. That's how they hook you. The 'bank verification fee' is just another step to get money from you. They won't recover anything. You're much better off reporting the original scam to your local police or a consumer protection agency. In the UK, we have Action Fraud for this.
Non, non, non. C'est une arnaque. 'Payback Ltd' ? Jamais entendu parler, et ce nom sent l'arnaque à plein nez. Ces frais de 'vérification bancaire' sont une invention pour vous prendre encore de l'argent. J'ai vu des gens se faire avoir comme ça. Ils ont perdu de l'argent, puis ont payé des 'frais de récupération' et ont perdu encore plus. Il faut vraiment se méfier. Si une entreprise peut récupérer votre argent, elle ne vous demandera pas d'argent d'avance comme ça. C'est une tactique classique.
Cette histoire me rappelle quelque chose de très similaire. Une entreprise m'a contacté après une arnaque, disant qu'elle pouvait récupérer mes fonds. Ils m'ont demandé des 'frais de dossier' pour 'sécuriser le transfert'. Bien sûr, c'était une escroquerie. Ils ont disparu avec l'argent. Ne payez rien à 'Payback Ltd'. C'est une tactique pour vous arnaquer une deuxième fois. C'est très dur, mais il faut tourner la page.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY THEM. This is a textbook recovery scam. 'Payback Ltd' is likely a fake company, and that 'bank verification fee' is their primary method of extracting more money from victims. They obtain details about your initial scam (often from data breaches) and use it to gain your trust. Real recovery efforts are complex, often involve law enforcement, and do not ask for upfront fees like this. If you want to report this specific company, you can try filing a report with the Irish police (Garda Síochána) and mentioning the company name and the fee they are demanding.
Red flag central, mate. 'Payback Ltd' sounds like the sort of name a scammer would invent. Asking for a 'bank verification fee' is a huge indicator. If they've recovered your funds, they'd take their cut directly from that. They wouldn't ask you to pay extra beforehand. This is just a second scam targeting you. I'd report them to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK if they claim to operate there, or to the relevant Dutch authority. But whatever you do, don't send them money.
Also ein klares Nein. 'Payback Ltd' klingt nicht seriös und diese 'Bankverifizierungsgebühr' ist eine klassische Masche. Wenn die Ihr Geld tatsächlich zurückholen würden, würden sie ihre Provision davon nehmen, nicht vorher extra Geld verlangen. Das ist leider eine zweite Betrugswelle, die auf die erste folgt. Ich habe mal gehört, dass die Verbraucherzentrale in Deutschland solche Fälle sammelt. Aber das Wichtigste: Kein Geld überweisen!
This is a common trap. They know you're vulnerable. The fact they know the scam company name just means they've likely bought or scraped data. The 'bank verification fee' is pure fabrication. They want to take your money again. I lost a bit to a fake crypto investment and got contacted by several 'recovery' firms. All wanted fees. My bank, DBS here in Singapore, basically said once it's gone, it's gone, unless it's a fraudulent transaction they can trace immediately. Don't fall for it.
Je suis tellement désolée d'apprendre ça. Ça doit être un cauchemar. Et recevoir ce genre d'e-mail... Je comprends votre espoir. Mais votre instinct et celui de votre partenaire ont raison. Ce 'frais de vérification bancaire' est une arnaque. C'est comme ça qu'ils vous font payer encore. J'ai eu une amie qui a perdu une somme importante sur une plateforme d'investissement bidon. Ensuite, on lui a proposé de récupérer l'argent, contre un 'petit frais'. Elle a payé, et bien sûr, elle n'a jamais revu son argent ni l'arnaqueur.
Oh, absolutely classic scam setup. 'Payback Ltd' is a known entity in the recovery scam circuit – they're basically Refund Police rebranded. If they knew the scam company, it's because they *are* the scam company, or working with them. They prey on people who are already hurting. That 'bank verification fee' is their hook. Never pay an upfront fee to get your own money back. Legitimate services might take a cut *after* recovery, but not a fee *to* recover. Report them to the Dutch authorities if you can find a way, but honestly, your best bet is to just block and ignore. Sorry you're going through this.
Hang in there, Lotte. I know that feeling of desperation. I got hit by a similar thing last year, lost about AUD 10k. After that, I also got contacted by some outfit promising to get it back. They wanted a 'processing fee' first. Red flag city! My gut screamed 'no,' and luckily, I listened. They asked for like, 500 dollars. I told my wife, 'There's no way this is legit.' It's gut-wrenching, I know, but you've done the right thing by asking here. Don't pay them another cent. These recovery scammers are the worst kind.
A 'bank verification fee' before they release *your* money? That sounds extremely suspicious, especially coming from a company you've never heard of. My initial reaction is no, that's not normal for legitimate recovery. Think about it: if they genuinely recovered your funds, they would deduct their fees from the recovered amount, not ask for money upfront. Scammers often use the promise of getting your money back to get more money from you. Did you try reporting the original scam to the Dutch police or a financial watchdog? That might be a more productive route than dealing with 'Payback Ltd.'
Lotte, please, please do NOT send them any money. 'Payback Ltd' sounds like a textbook recovery scam. They know you're vulnerable after losing money, and they're using that to try and scam you again. My cousin fell for this exact type of thing last year after a forex scam. They promised him his money back, asked for an 'admin fee,' and then just disappeared. He lost another $500 CAD. It's devastating. The best thing you can do is cut contact immediately. Report them if you can, but don't pay.
Oh, Lotte, I'm so sorry you're going through this again. It's completely understandable that you want to believe this could be a way out. Losing that much money is a huge blow. Don't beat yourself up. It's great you're checking here first. The 'bank verification fee' is a massive red flag, though. Legitimate recovery agencies, if they exist and are effective, usually operate on a success fee basis – they only get paid if they recover your money, and their cut comes from that recovered sum. Sending money upfront like this is almost always a scam. Please be careful.
This 'Payback Ltd' sounds like a load of rubbish. I had a similar situation after a crypto scam took me for about SGD 8k. Out of nowhere, I got an email from a company – don't even remember the name now, they were so forgettable – saying they could recover it. They also wanted a 'transfer fee' or something similar upfront. I remember my wife saying, 'If they found your money, why do they need *your* money to send it?' Made perfect sense. I ignored them, and they kept emailing. Eventually, they stopped. It's a second scam, 100%. Stay away.
Hey Lotte, reading your post gave me shivers because it’s so similar to what happened to me last year. I lost about AUD 20k on a fake trading platform. Then, some company contacted me, saying they had recovered my funds and needed a 'clearing fee' to process the transfer. Sound familiar? It was $1000 AUD. My husband told me straight away, 'That's just another scammer trying to get more money.' I was so tempted, believe me. The thought of getting even half back… but I didn't pay. They were bluffing. You're smart to be suspicious. Don't pay.
Okay, let's break this down. 'Payback Ltd' asking for a 'bank verification fee' to release funds they supposedly recovered? This is a textbook recovery scam. They likely got your contact details from the original scammer, or they're part of the same network. The fact they knew the name of the scam company is just social engineering to make you trust them. In the Netherlands, you can report fraud to the Politie or the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM). However, for these recovery scams, the focus is usually on not paying them. They *cannot* legally demand a fee to release funds they claim to have already recovered. It's always a trap.
Lotte, I feel you. I was scammed out of about $5,000 USD a few years back from one of those fake crypto mining sites. It nearly broke me. A few months later, I got an email from a 'recovery agency' saying they could help. They wanted an 'advance fee' to start the process. I was so tempted, I even told my mom about it. She said, 'If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.' I'm so glad I listened to her. They wanted $400. I never paid, and they pestered me for weeks before I blocked them. It's another scam, plain and simple. Don't fall for it again.
Yeah, 'Payback Ltd' sounds like a scam. Definitely a recovery scam. They often get your details from data breaches or the original scammers. Asking for money upfront, especially a 'fee' to release funds they supposedly recovered, is the biggest red flag. They're preying on your hope. If they really had recovered your funds, they would take their fee from the recovered amount. Never pay upfront fees to recovery scammers. You could try reporting the original scam to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) if the platform was UK-based, or a similar body in the Netherlands, but honestly, your best bet is to ignore these people completely. They are not legitimate.
Lotte, I'm so sorry this happened to you. That initial scam sounds horrible, and then to be targeted again... it's just cruel. That 'Payback Ltd' is absolutely a scam. The 'bank verification fee' is their trick. They know you're desperate and want your money back, so they ask for a small amount first, hoping you'll pay it. They'll just disappear after you send the money. You did the right thing by asking here. Please, don't send them anything. Maybe look into reporting the original scam to Action Fraud in the UK if the platform had any UK connection, or check the Dutch equivalent. Don't let them get more from you.
Oh mate, 'Payback Ltd'? Sounds dodgy as. I had something similar after losing a stack of cash on a dodgy forex platform. Got an email saying they'd recovered my money and just needed a 'processing fee' to send it over. It was about $800 AUD. My missus looked at me and said, 'If they found your money, why do they need yours?' Nailed it. It was a scam. They wanted me to pay via crypto too, which is another massive red flag. Don't do it, Lotte. These guys are vultures picking at already raw wounds. Block and ignore is the way to go.
The phrase 'bank verification fee' is a massive red flag for a recovery scam. I am very skeptical of 'Payback Ltd.' Often, these companies are connected to the original scammers or are outright fraudulent operations. They gain trust by mentioning details of the original scam and then ask for an upfront fee to 'release' the funds. If they truly recovered your money, they would deduct their fee from the recovered amount. Report this attempt to the Dutch police or the AFM. Do not send them any money. It's highly unlikely they can help and very likely they will steal more from you.
I too was scammed, about 10,000 Euros from a fake investment platform, and then got contacted by a company claiming they could recover it. They asked for a 'transfer fee' first. I was so hopeful, I really wanted to believe them after losing so much. But I remembered reading about these recovery scams. They prey on people like us. I almost paid them, but I stopped myself. It's a scam, Lotte. Please don't pay them anything. You've already lost enough.
I strongly advise caution. 'Payback Ltd' asking for a 'bank verification fee' is a classic recovery scam tactic. These entities often appear after a victim has reported a loss, sometimes even obtaining details from those very reports. They leverage your desperation by offering a solution and then asking for an upfront payment, which is the true objective. If funds were genuinely recovered, the fees would be deducted from the recovered sum, not demanded in advance. Consider reporting this attempt to the relevant financial authorities in the Netherlands. Do not proceed with payment.
Oh, that's awful you've been targeted again. It's so hard when you've lost money and then someone dangles the possibility of getting it back. I completely get why you'd be tempted. But honestly, Lotte, that 'Payback Ltd' sounds like a scam. The 'bank verification fee' is a huge red flag. Legitimate places don't ask for money upfront like that to give you *your* money back. They take their cut from the recovery. Please be safe and don't send them anything. You've already been through so much.
This is very common after people lose money. I was scammed out of $7000 USD a few years ago. Then I got emails from companies saying they could help recover it. They asked for an upfront fee, like a 'legal fee' or 'administration fee'. I was so desperate, I almost paid it. But then I researched online and found out these are recovery scams. They are scammers who find out about your loss and try to scam you again. So please, Lotte, don't pay them. It's another scam. You can report the original scam to the FTC if it involved US companies, but these recovery scammers are very hard to catch.
Absolutely do not pay 'Payback Ltd.' This is a well-known recovery scam. They often get your information from data brokers or even from the original scam operations. The 'bank verification fee' is their method of extracting more money from you after you've already lost a significant amount. Genuine recovery efforts, if successful, are paid *after* the funds are recovered, and the fee is deducted from the recovered amount. Reporting these scams is difficult, but you can try informing the Dutch police (Politie) or financial regulators like the AFM. The most important step is to cease all communication with 'Payback Ltd.' immediately.
Oh Lotte, I am so sorry you're in this position. When I lost a lot of money a few years ago, I also got contacted by a company promising recovery. They wanted an 'international transfer fee' upfront. I was so heartbroken and stressed, I almost sent it. My friend, who works in finance, talked me out of it. She said, 'If they have your money, they don't need yours to send it.' It's the same situation. Please, please don't pay them. They are just trying to scam you again. It's a horrible feeling, but you're doing the right thing by asking.
This sounds exactly like what happened to my aunt. She lost about £8,000 in an online investment scam, and then a company called 'Recovery Experts' (or something equally generic) contacted her, saying they could get it back. They asked for an 'admin fee' of £500 first. She was so eager to get her savings back, she almost paid it. Thank goodness I saw the email first. I told her it was definitely another scam. They prey on people's hope. Never pay upfront fees for recovery. It's a scam, Lotte. A really cruel one.
Oh, definitely a scam. 'Payback Ltd' is one of those fake recovery outfits. They prey on people who've already lost money. Knowing the scam company's name? They just scrape that off old scam forums or lists. The 'bank verification fee' is a classic move. They want to get another small chunk of cash from you. Don't send them anything. Real recovery agencies, if they even exist, don't operate like this. Report them to the FCA if you're in the UK, or your local equivalent. For NL, that would be the AFM.
I'm so sorry you're going through this again. It's completely understandable why you'd want to believe 'Payback Ltd' could help, especially after such a huge loss. That 15k EUR must have been devastating. Hang in there. Your partner is probably right though, that verification fee sounds like a major red flag. It’s very unlikely that a legitimate service would ask for money upfront like that, especially after they already know you've been scammed. Keep talking to people here, we'll figure this out.
This sounds very suspicious. 'Payback Ltd' claiming to track funds and then asking for an upfront fee? It’s a common tactic for these recovery scams. They often pose as legitimate services to extract more money from victims. The fact they knew the name of the scam company is concerning, but as others have said, that information can be found publicly or through leaked databases. I would advise extreme caution and probably cease all communication with them. Check with the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM) in the Netherlands about this company.
OMG, I think I got an email from them too! They said they could help me get my Bitcoin back from that crypto scam platform. It felt so real for a minute, I almost cried. But when they asked for a 'processing fee' I got scared. My husband said no way, and I’m glad I listened. Losing money is bad enough, I can’t afford to be scammed again for trying to get it back. They knew the platform name too, it was spooky. I’m in Dubai, didn't even know where to report it.
DO NOT PAY THEM. Seriously. 'Payback Ltd' is a well-known scam. They are NOT legitimate recovery specialists. They are scammers who find people like you who have lost money to investment fraud and try to milk you for more. The 'bank verification fee' is a total fabrication. They will take that 300 EUR and disappear, or ask for more. I've seen this exact same pattern repeat over and over. Report them immediately to the Dutch authorities, the AFM or even the police. You can also file a report with the FTC in the US, they track these international scams.
Woah, hold up. This 'Payback Ltd' sounds dodgy as. 'Bank verification fee'? Red flag city, mate. I got scammed last year on a forex thing, lost about $10k AUD. Someone from a 'recovery firm' contacted me, even had my details. They wanted a 'legal processing fee' first. Total BS. Never paid, obviously. Turns out they were just another scam group. Your partner's right to be suspicious. It’s tough, but you’ve done the right thing by asking here. Block them and move on. Maybe report them to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).
I know that feeling, that flicker of hope when you think you might get your money back. It's like a drug, isn't it? Especially after losing 15k EUR, that's life-changing money. But yeah, a 'bank verification fee' sounds like a classic advance-fee scam. These recovery outfits are notorious for it. They'll take your 300 EUR and then invent new fees, or just vanish. I'd trust your gut and your partner on this one. Try reporting it to the AFM, even if you don't pay. It helps them track these groups.
That's rough, dealing with a scam is bad enough, then having these potential scams pop up offering help... I can see why you're confused. 'Payback Ltd' and asking for money upfront? That's a huge red flag, honestly. Legitimate organizations don't operate like that, especially not for recovering funds from a previous scam. It smells like a scam trying to profit from your misfortune. Did you try reporting the original scam to Action Fraud? Sometimes that's a good first step to at least get it on record, even if recovery is unlikely.
Non, non, absolument pas. This 'Payback Ltd' is a scam. I saw a similar thing happen to a friend of a friend in Lyon. They were promised recovery of funds lost to a fake crypto scheme, and then asked for a 'transfer fee'. It was 500 EUR. They paid it, and then the scammers asked for another 'tax' and another. It never ended. They lost more money. 'Payback Ltd' is likely related to 'Refund Police' or 'Claims Justice', they're all part of the same network. Do not engage. Block them.
Yeah, nah, mate. Definitely a scam. 'Payback Ltd' is known for this. They operate internationally. They get your details from data breaches or just general spam lists and then hit you with the 'recovery' scam. The 'bank verification fee' is pure fiction. They want to get another chunk of cash out of you after you've already been stung. It's a tough lesson, but you've gotta learn to spot these. Report them to the WA Police cybercrime unit, maybe? Or just block and ignore.
WARNING! This is 100% a scam. 'Payback Ltd' is a known scam operation. They are NOT legitimate. They target people who have already been victimized. The 'bank verification fee' is a classic advance-fee scam. They will take your 300 EUR and then likely disappear, or invent more fees. NEVER pay upfront fees to recovery companies. If you want to report them, you can try the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) in the US, as these scams are often international. Don't give them any more money.
Oh, that brings back some terrible memories. I was scammed out of nearly R50,000 last year by a fake investment platform. Then, I got contacted by a company claiming they could recover it. They asked for a 'security deposit' first. Sounded legit for a second, but my gut screamed NO. It was a scam. They wanted another R2,000 upfront. I told my brother, and he immediately recognised it as a scam tactic. So glad I didn't pay. Please don't pay 'Payback Ltd'. Report them to the South African Reserve Bank or even the Hawks if you can find info.
I can almost feel your hope and your fear. It's a horrible position to be in. I lost a significant amount too, and then got bombarded by these 'recovery' scammers. One called 'Claims Justice' tried to get me to pay an upfront fee. I did some digging and found out they are actually flagged as a scam. 'Payback Ltd' sounds exactly the same. The fact they knew the scam company name is just them doing their homework on previous victims. Check the BBB (Better Business Bureau) even if you're not in the US, they often list international scam operations.
Don't do it! This is a scam. I dealt with a similar company after losing money to a Forex scam. They also asked for a 'verification fee'. It's just another way for them to steal your money. They are NOT legitimate. They prey on desperation. I reported mine to Action Fraud in the UK, which is similar to what you might have in NL. They took the details but couldn't recover my money, which was expected. But at least they have a record. Do NOT pay Payback Ltd anything.
Ugh, this is so frustrating. I lost about $10k USD on one of those fake crypto sites. Then, out of nowhere, I get an email from a 'recovery firm'. They wanted to charge me a 'legal fee' upfront. I almost did it, but my wife stopped me. She said, 'If it sounds too good to be true...' You know the rest. So yeah, I think 'Payback Ltd' is another scam. They have your info, probably from a data leak. Don't send them money. File a report with the FTC. They track these international fraud rings.
I fell for it. I paid the 'bank verification fee'. It was only 250 EUR, so not as much as you, but still. They said they needed it to 'process the transfer'. After I paid, they sent me fake bank statements showing the money was supposedly sent. Then they said there was a 'tax' I had to pay. That's when I realised. I'm in Johannesburg. I reported it to our cybercrime unit but I don't think they can do much. Please, please don't make the same mistake I did. They are scammers.
My neighbour went through something similar. She lost about 5k AUD to a phishing scam and then a company called 'Refund Police' contacted her claiming they could get it back. They asked for an 'admin fee'. She paid it, and surprise, surprise, she never heard from them again. They knew her details too. I think these 'Payback Ltd' people are part of the same network. It’s heartbreaking to see people get scammed twice. Don’t pay them a cent.
Oh wow, I got an email from them too! They said they were from 'Payback Ltd' and had traced my lost funds from a fake trading platform. They even knew the platform's name, which freaked me out! They asked for a 'compliance fee' first. I felt so hopeful for a minute, but then my daughter told me it sounded like a scam. She said to check it out online. I'm so glad I didn't pay. It seems like they just get your info from somewhere.
Yep, that's the same scam I fell for. They called themselves 'Claims Justice' and promised to recover my crypto losses. Asked for a 'processing fee' upfront. I paid it, and then they vanished. It was R30,000 down the drain. I felt like such an idiot. They were so convincing, knew all the details. If anyone contacts you about recovering lost funds and asks for money upfront, it's a scam. Always. You're lucky you asked here before paying. I reported them to the FCA, but not sure if it helped.
I can definitely relate to that feeling of desperation. After I lost my savings to a fake solar investment scheme, I was contacted by a company promising recovery. They asked for a 'verification deposit' – sound familiar? It was only about $500 USD, but I remember thinking, 'Why do I have to pay to get MY money back?' Thankfully, my instinct kicked in. I told them no, and they got really aggressive. I blocked them immediately. These recovery scams are brutal. Reporting them to the CFTC is usually a good idea.
Oh no, mate. This sounds exactly like the Refund Police scam that’s been doing the rounds. They’ll contact you after a known scam, get your hopes up, and then hit you with an upfront fee for 'processing' or 'verification'. It's a classic double-dip. They know the scam details because they often work with or are the same people who ran the initial scam.
Don't pay them a cent. They're not recovering anything; they're just trying to get more money from you. If you want to report something, stick to official channels like Action Fraud in the UK, or your local police if you're abroad. They're not going to charge you for reporting a scam.
I fell for something *so* similar after losing money to a crypto scam. They contacted me out of the blue too, and honestly, after months of feeling hopeless, I was so ready to believe them. They wanted a 'processing fee' and a 'legal document fee'. I paid about 500 USD total, thinking it was the final step. Of course, nothing ever came back. They just vanished.
This 'Payback Ltd' sounds like a carbon copy. The fact they knew your scam details is chilling, but that's actually a red flag *for* them. It means they're connected or have bought lists of victims. Please, please don't send them any more money. Report them to the FTC if you're in the US, or whoever regulates financial scams in the Netherlands.
Urgh, another one? That 300 EUR fee is the classic lure. They dangle the possibility of getting your money back, knowing you're desperate, and then snag a bit more. It's predatory.
I'd be incredibly wary. Legitimate recovery services, if they even exist for these types of scams (and most don't), usually work on a contingency basis, taking a percentage *after* the money is recovered, not upfront fees. Especially not for 'bank verification'. What bank needs verification for a transfer *to* you? Makes no sense.
My gut is screaming scam. 'Payback Ltd' sounds like a generic name designed to sound helpful. Knowing the scam company's name isn't proof they can help; it's proof they've targeted you based on your victim status.
I lost about £8k last year and was contacted by a few outfits like this. They all wanted some kind of upfront payment. None of them delivered. My advice? Block them, delete the email, and maybe report the email address to your national cybercrime unit, like Action Fraud. Don't engage further.
Oh honey, I am so sorry you're going through this. It's absolutely heartbreaking to lose money like that, and then to be targeted again is just… cruel.
From what I've seen and experienced, these 'recovery' companies are almost always scams themselves. They prey on people's hope. A legitimate process for recovering funds wouldn't involve upfront fees like that. They might take a cut *if* they succeed, but never ask for money first. Please be careful and trust your partner's gut feeling.
This happened to me too, almost exactly. After a fake forex platform wiped me out, I got an email from 'Global Recovery Solutions' (or some such name). They had all the details. And guess what? They needed a 'transfer fee' to get my money moving. It was about 400 USD. I was so tempted, but my wife talked me out of it.
Turns out, she was right. They were just another scam. They don't recover anything. They just want that fee. If they *could* recover funds, why would they need a 'bank verification fee'? The bank *verifies* itself when the money lands. It's a nonsense requirement designed to get that initial payment. Tell them thanks but no thanks. If you haven't already, report the original scam to the FTC.
WARNING. This is a classic scam. 'Payback Ltd' is likely a scam operation, possibly even linked to the original fraudsters. The 'bank verification fee' is a fabrication to extract more money from victims. They know your details because they are either the original scammers, or they bought your information from a data breach related to the scam.
Legitimate law firms or recovery agencies do not operate this way. They might charge a percentage of the recovered funds, but never an upfront 'fee' for something so vague. Report them immediately to the relevant financial regulator in your country. In Singapore, it would be the MAS. Do not pay.
I've studied these types of scams extensively. The tactic of mentioning the original scam company and knowing victim details is a psychological manipulation technique. It builds false credibility. The 'bank verification fee' is a universal red flag for recovery scams. It's completely arbitrary. Banks don't charge victims fees to receive funds; they charge the sender if anything.
If you truly want to pursue recovery, your best bet is often through official law enforcement channels or a reputable, licensed legal firm that specializes in fraud recovery and works on a success fee basis. But frankly, most of these 'recovery firms' are just thinly veiled follow-on scams. Do *not* pay 'Payback Ltd'. Consider reporting them to the FCA.
Absolutely not. This is a scam. Trust your paranoia; it's there for a reason. 'Payback Ltd' is likely a scam, and the 'bank verification fee' is just another way to steal money from you. They know details about your scam because they are either the same people or bought your data.
I've seen this pop up in forums before. They always want an upfront fee. Never pay it. Block them and report them. Maybe check with the BBB or your local consumer protection agency.
Mate, I'm so sorry you're in this situation. That feeling of getting your hopes up only to be hit with another demand for money... it's brutal. My mate got scammed last year, lost about $10k AUD. Then got contacted by some outfit claiming they could get it back. Needed a 'registration fee' first. He paid it.
Big mistake. They disappeared. Never saw a cent. This 'Payback Ltd' sounds identical. The fee is the giveaway. If they were legit, they'd take a percentage of what they recovered, not ask for money upfront. Block them, don't reply. Maybe report the email to Scamwatch Australia.
BEWARE. This is a well-known scam model. 'Payback Ltd' is almost certainly a fraudulent entity. The 'bank verification fee' is a classic bait-and-switch. They'll invent increasingly complex fees or demand more money, claiming 'complications' or 'taxes' on the recovery.
These recovery scammers often acquire victim lists from previous scams or data breaches. Knowing the name of the scam platform you used is not a sign they can help; it's a sign they've targeted you specifically. Never pay upfront fees to recovery services. Report them to the FTC or your national cybercrime unit. Do not engage further.
I went through something eerily similar a couple of years back. Lost a significant sum to a phishing scam, and then got an email from a company called 'Asset Recovery Group'. They even had my bank details, somehow. They said they could get my money back but needed a 'compliance fee' first. I was so desperate, I transferred about 500 USD.
Of course, it was a scam. They never recovered anything and stopped responding after I paid. It’s a painful lesson. Please, don't pay this 'Payback Ltd'. Your partner is right. That fee is the hook. If you want to report it, check out the CFTC website.
Seriously, another scam like this? It’s infuriating. My sister got hit by something similar after a fake lottery win scam. This 'recovery' company wanted a 'courier fee' for the 'paperwork'. It was only $100 but she was so upset.
Don't pay them. They're just thieves targeting people who have already been victimized. The fact they knew the scam company's name is just them being efficient predators. Your best bet is to report the *original* scam to the FTC if you're in the US. For recovery efforts, your local police or maybe a specialized law firm that works on contingency are the only real options, and even then, recovery is rare.
This 'Payback Ltd' sounds like a complete scam. The 'bank verification fee' is a classic tactic used by recovery scammers. They prey on the desperation of victims. It's a way to extract more money after the initial loss.
I've seen similar operations, often calling themselves 'asset recovery specialists'. They'll claim to have traced your funds and then demand various fees – processing fees, legal fees, administrative fees, and now, bank verification fees. It never ends. If you want to report this, check out the BBB or your national fraud reporting agency.
This is a textbook recovery scam. 'Payback Ltd' is definitely not legitimate. The knowledge of your scam details suggests they obtained a victim list, possibly from the original scammers or a data broker. The 'bank verification fee' is pure fabrication.
Legitimate recovery agencies operate differently. They usually charge a percentage of the *recovered* funds, and this is typically agreed upon upfront in a formal contract. They don't ask for arbitrary fees like 'bank verification' beforehand. Report this to Action Fraud or your local police. Don't pay them anything.
STOP. Do not pay them. This is a well-known scam, often run by the same people who perpetrated the original investment fraud. They know the name of the scam company because they ARE that company, or are closely affiliated. The 'bank verification fee' is a complete fabrication, designed solely to get more money from you.
Legitimate recovery services, if they even exist for these types of online scams (which is rare), will *never* ask for upfront fees for 'verification' or 'processing'. They work on contingency, taking a percentage *after* successful recovery. Report this immediately to your national cybercrime unit. The FCA might be a good point of contact if you're in the UK, but since you're in NL, look up their equivalent.
This is heartbreaking. Losing money is bad enough, but then being targeted by vultures like 'Payback Ltd' is just… wrong. This 'bank verification fee' is a total scam. They just want to squeeze more money out of you.
I've seen this happen to friends. They get contacted by 'recovery specialists' who know all the details. Then comes the demand for fees. It's a double scam. Please don't fall for it. Block them and move on. If you want to report it, try the FTC.
I've seen this scam model multiple times. The company name 'Payback Ltd' is designed to evoke hope. The mention of knowing the scam details is to build false credibility. The 'bank verification fee' is a classic red flag for follow-on recovery scams.
Legitimate recovery processes don't involve such arbitrary upfront fees. If a recovery is possible, it's usually through legal action or official channels, often involving a contingency fee structure (a percentage of funds recovered, paid *after* the fact). Do not pay 'Payback Ltd'. Report them to the CFTC or your local law enforcement.
This sounds exactly like the 'Claims Justice' scam that's been operating. They specifically target people who have already lost money, offering to recover it for an upfront 'administrative fee'. They know details because they either acquired data from the original scam or they *are* the original scam.
There is no such thing as a 'bank verification fee' in this context for the victim. Banks verify themselves. This is pure scam speak. Do not send them any money. Your partner is absolutely right to be suspicious. Report the original scam to the FTC, and block 'Payback Ltd'.
Payback Ltd? Seriously? Ngl, I fell for something similar last year. They knew the platform name too. That 300 EUR fee? That's the classic hook. They take that and vanish. It's a well-worn scam pattern, I'm afraid. Don't send them a cent more.
What you *should* do is report the original scam to your local police – for the Netherlands, that would be the Politie. Also, if you're in Europe, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) might be worth contacting, though they focus more on EU budget fraud. Still, better than paying these 'recovery' scammers.
Oh wow, that sounds absolutely horrible. I can only imagine how you must be feeling. It's so tough when you've already been hurt, and then something like this pops up. That partner of yours is smart to be cautious, and your gut feeling is usually right when it comes to money.
I haven't heard of 'Payback Ltd' specifically, but that 'bank verification fee' sounds super sketchy to me. Legitimate services usually don't ask for money upfront like that, especially for recovery. I really hope you didn't pay them anything. Hang in there!
This smells like a scam from a mile away. The exact same thing happened to my friend in Berlin. They called themselves 'Recovery Solutions' and asked for a 'processing fee' for supposed recovered funds. It was 400 EUR. After he paid, they disappeared.
These operations prey on desperation. Knowing the name of the scam company is not difficult for them; they likely have databases of victims. A 'bank verification fee' is a red flag. Never, ever pay upfront fees for recovery. Report them to the police and block them.
I wish I could say I haven't been there. I lost over 10k AUD on a crypto thing. Then I got an email from 'Global Recovery Experts' asking for a 'legalisation fee' to get my money back. I was so desperate, I paid AUD 500. Then… poof. Gone. My husband yelled at me for being stupid, but honestly, you just want that money back so bad. This 'Payback Ltd' sounds exactly like them. Please don't pay.
Been there, done that. Lost about 5k EUR to a Forex scam last year. Then got contacted by some outfit promising recovery. They asked for a 'compliance fee'. I paid it. Waited weeks. Nothing.
My advice? Block them. Report them to your local police. You can also report scams like this to the Action Fraud UK if they operate there, or similar bodies in NL. The key takeaway here is that *legitimate* recovery agents usually work on contingency – they take a percentage *after* they recover your money, not an upfront fee. That 300 EUR is their profit. Don't give it to them.
This is a common advanced-fee fraud. The scammers pose as recovery specialists after you've already been victimized. They leverage the fact that you're emotionally vulnerable and desperate. Knowing the name of the previous scam platform is trivial for them; it's likely from the same network or a purchased list.
Key red flag: Any demand for an upfront fee, especially one labelled as 'verification', 'processing', 'legalisation', or 'compliance', is almost certainly a scam. Legitimate asset recovery firms operate on success fees, meaning they only get paid if and when they successfully retrieve your funds, and their fee is a percentage of the recovered amount.
Report this to the Dutch police and consider filing a complaint with the FTC if the scammers have any US nexus (e.g., using US-based email servers or payment processors). Do not engage further.
Oh gosh, that sounds like such a stressful situation. It's completely understandable that you're feeling confused and hopeful, especially after losing money. That initial scam must have been devastating.
I don't know 'Payback Ltd', but that fee sounds really suspicious. My bank told me to be very wary of anyone asking for money upfront to 'release' funds. It usually means it's not real. I really hope you haven't paid them. Sending you strength!
This happened to me too! I lost €8,000 on a fake crypto site. A few weeks later, a company called 'Fund Recovery Group' contacted me. They knew the site name and everything. They wanted a €250 'administrative fee' to process my refund. I was so tempted, because €8,000 is a lot to lose. My husband said no way. I'm so glad we didn't pay. It was definitely another scam. They just want to get more money from you. Block them!
Ugh, I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's like they just keep coming at you. I lost CAD 5,000 to an online shopping scam last year. Then I got an email from 'Global Asset Locators' promising to recover my money. They wanted a $300 'transfer fee'. I almost sent it. My mom talked me out of it. Said if it was real, they'd take their cut after getting the money back. These guys are vultures. Don't pay them anything.
Be extremely careful. This is a classic bait-and-switch scam. 'Payback Ltd' is likely a fraudulent entity, possibly linked to the original scam operation or another group that targets victims of previous scams. The 'bank verification fee' is an invented charge designed to extract more money from you.
Legitimate law firms or asset recovery specialists that *can* genuinely help (and there are very few who actually can, especially for crypto scams) will typically require a retainer and/or work on a contingency basis. They will not ask for a small, upfront 'verification' fee. Report this entity to the financial crime unit in the Netherlands. And never trust unsolicited contact promising easy recovery.
Mmm, yeah, this sounds dodgy. 'Payback Ltd' rings no bells, but the whole 'bank verification fee' thing? Sounds like a way to get another little bit of cash out of you after you've already lost big. I mean, who verifies a bank with a fee? Doesn't make sense. I'd be very hesitant. Maybe check with your actual bank if they've ever heard of such a process? But honestly, probably just block and report.
I fell for something SO similar, it hurts. Lost about R20,000 to a fake investment scheme. Then I got an email from 'Secure Recovery Services' claiming they'd found my money. They asked for R1,500 for 'processing'. I paid it. Big mistake. They disappeared like smoke. My wife was furious. It took me months to get over it. These 'Payback Ltd' people are the worst kind of predators. Please, please don't give them any more money.
Seriously? 'Payback Ltd'? Sounds like something out of a bad movie. I lost €5k a few months back on some shady forex platform. A week later, I got an email from 'Fund Recovery Solutions' (sound familiar?). They wanted a 'transfer fee' of €200. I was so broke and desperate. My partner said it sounded like a scam, and thank goodness I listened. I just deleted the email and blocked them. That 300 EUR is gone if you send it. Don't do it.
Been there. Lost a chunk to a phishing scam, then got contacted by 'Asset Recovery Partners' asking for a 'documentation fee'. I sent them the money, about £300. Big mistake. They vanished. My mum always said, 'If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is'. These recovery scammers rely on you wanting your money back SO badly. Report them to Action Fraud.
This 'Payback Ltd' sounds like a classic advance-fee scam. They operate by preying on the vulnerability of people who have already lost money. The fact they knew the name of the scam company is a tactic to build false credibility.
Crucial Tip: Always verify any entity claiming to recover lost funds. Check with reputable consumer protection agencies like the BBB (Better Business Bureau) or, in Europe, consult resources from your national consumer authority or even the FCA in the UK for guidance on recognizing scams. Legitimate recovery specialists typically charge a success fee *after* funds are returned, not an upfront 'verification' fee. Never pay upfront fees to recovery services. Report them to the Dutch police and block all communication.
Oh no, this is awful! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. It's completely normal to feel that flicker of hope, but your partner is right to be cautious. That fee sounds really suspicious. I haven't heard of 'Payback Ltd', but I've read about similar scams where they ask for money upfront for 'processing' or 'verification'.
Don't send them anything else. Maybe you could report the original scam company to the FTC? Even if they can't get your money back, reporting helps them track these operations.
This is a known scam type. The recovery room operates similarly to the initial scam. They use stolen data or information gathered from scam victim databases to gain your trust. That 'bank verification fee' is pure fiction. They will take your 300 EUR and disappear.
If you want to pursue recovery, you need to engage a *reputable* legal firm that specializes in cross-border fraud recovery. They will have transparent fee structures, likely contingent. This 'Payback Ltd' is not that. Report them to your local authorities and forget about them.
I feel this so much. I lost about $8k to a fake lottery thing a while back. Then I got an email from 'Global Claim Services' saying they could get it back, but needed a $400 'courier fee' first. My dad told me it was a scam, and he was right. Those recovery companies are just another scam layer. It’s heartbreaking. Please don't pay them.
This sounds exactly like the 'Refund Police' scam that's been going around. They find victims of other scams and promise to recover the money for an upfront fee. It's a cruel tactic. The fact they knew the scam company's name isn't that impressive; they buy lists of victims.
Practical Tip: Always, always check with a trusted consumer protection agency. In the US, the FTC is good. In the UK, Action Fraud. For the Netherlands, you can report to the Politie. If a company asks for money upfront for recovery, it's almost guaranteed to be a scam. Their 'fee' is their only goal. Block them and report them.
Yeah, sounds like classic scam behavior, mate. 'Payback Ltd' is a name that's popped up before in similar recovery scams. They prey on people who've already lost money, knowing you're vulnerable and desperate. That 'bank verification fee' is the hook. They'll take your 300 EUR and then come up with more excuses for why the funds can't be released, or they'll just disappear. I'd report them to the FCA if you're in the UK, or your local financial regulator. Don't send them a cent.
Oh god, I know that feeling. That flicker of hope, then the stomach drop. I lost about 10k GBP on a crypto thing last year, and then some outfit contacted me claiming they could get it back. They wanted an 'admin fee' upfront. My wife said no way, and she was right. It was just another scam, just like Payback Ltd sounds. It really hurts, you know? Feeling like you're stupid and then being targeted again. You're not stupid, these people are just predators. Just… delete the email. Focus on what you *can* do, maybe talk to your bank about the original transfer, but don't pay anyone new.
WARNING: Do NOT send any money to 'Payback Ltd'. This is a known recovery scam. They find people who have reported losses, often by buying data from other scam operations, and then charge an upfront 'fee' to 'recover' money they have no intention of returning. It's a double scam. They know the scam company you used because it's part of their script, or they got that info from a data breach. Seriously, treat this like the original scam. If you want to report it, use Action Fraud in the UK, or the Dutch equivalent (Politie, often via their website).
That 'bank verification fee' sounds dodgy as hell. I've been burned before, not exactly like this, but I learned to be super wary of anyone asking for money upfront to 'release' funds. Legitimate financial recovery services, if they even exist for this kind of thing (and most don't, tbh), usually work on a contingency basis – they take a cut *after* you get your money back. This Payback Ltd sounds like they're trying to get that 300 EUR and then ghost you. My gut says scam. Has anyone actually seen proof of them recovering funds for people?
This pattern is all too familiar. 'Payback Ltd' is almost certainly a scam. They operate by exploiting the emotional distress of victims. The fact they knew the name of the previous scam is a common tactic to build false credibility. No legitimate recovery service, especially one based in the Netherlands and dealing with international funds, would operate this way. Regulatory bodies like the FCA or FTC do not endorse or work with such entities. The 'bank verification fee' is a classic ruse to extract more money. Consider reporting this interaction to consumer protection agencies. For instance, filing a report with the FTC can help them track these operations.
Oh boy, here we go again. This sounds EXACTLY like the nonsense I got after I lost money on one of those dodgy forex platforms last year. They emailed me, knew the platform name, asked for a 'processing fee'. My partner, bless him, almost sent it. I had to really dig my heels in. Turned out it was a total scam. Payback Ltd? Never heard of them directly, but it screams Refund Police or Claims Justice vibes, which are definitely scams. Don't send them a penny. Seriously. If you want to get anything back, your only real hope is to check if your bank has any fraud department assistance, but honestly, after months, the trail often goes cold. This new fee? Pure fiction.
I feel this so hard. The hope is a killer, isn't it? I lost a chunk of savings a couple of years back to what I thought was a legit-looking stock tip. Then, months later, some company popped up saying they were 'asset recovery specialists' and could get my money back. They wanted an 'international transfer fee'. My mum said it sounded fishy, and she was spot on. They were scammers. It's heartbreaking because you've already been through the wringer. This Payback Ltd sounds like exactly the same mould. They're vultures, honestly. My only advice, from bitter experience, is don't pay them anything. Don't even reply. Just block and delete. If you want to report it, maybe try the local police here in Cork, they might have a fraud unit.

