A company called 'Refund Police' contacted me – they want a 'swift code verification fee'. Is this another scam?

asked 26d ago12 views90 answers
0

Hi everyone, I'm Daniel from Dublin. Feeling a bit desperate here. Back in October, I got hit hard by a crypto investment scam, lost nearly 8k GBP. It was brutal, completely cleaned out my savings. I reported it to An Garda Síochána here, and also Action Fraud in the UK since the scammers seemed to be operating from there, but haven't heard much back. Just got an email today from a company calling themselves 'Refund Police'. They say they've identified my lost funds and can get them back, but first I need to pay a 'swift code verification fee' of about 300 euros. They even mentioned they work with 'international regulatory bodies'. Is this for real? Or is it just another trick to take more of my money? I really can't afford to lose another cent.

Mentioned in this discussion
Refund Police· scamAction Fraud· trusted
#recovery-scam#crypto-scam#advance-fee#refund-police#dublinasked by Daniel Murphy · Dublin, Ireland

90 Answers

47

Hey Daniel, so sorry to hear you're going through this. It's an absolutely classic recovery scam tactic, mate. 'Refund Police' is a huge red flag on its own, honestly. Legitimate recovery services, especially those dealing with fraud investigations or legal action, *never* ask for an upfront fee like a 'swift code verification fee', 'tax clearance', 'processing fee', or anything similar before funds are returned. Seriously, never. That's how these scumbags double-dip on victims. They prey on your desperation and hope.

Think about it: if they really had your funds or knew how to get them, why would they need *your* money first? They'd deduct their fee from the recovered amount, or bill you *after* the service is rendered, especially if they're supposedly linked to 'regulatory bodies'. Those bodies like Action Fraud or ASIC don't charge you to get your money back; they investigate. What you're experiencing is often a follow-up scam where the original scammers (or people who bought your data from them) re-target you. Please, do not pay them a penny. Report this to Action Fraud, even though you already reported the original scam. They need to know these guys are out there specifically targeting previous victims. Stay strong, mate.

James Smith · Bristol, United Kingdomanswered 26d ago
28

Oh god, Daniel, my heart goes out to you. I fell for something similar after my crypto investment disappeared. These 'recovery' firms are just parasites. I got hit by 'MoneyBack Hero' and they wanted a 'blockchain unblocking fee'. Paid it, of course, because I was so desperate to get my money back. Lost another £500. They just vanish once you pay. Please, please, *do not pay* this 'swift code verification fee'. It's a total scam. It's just them trying to wring more money out of you.

Isla Hughes · Bristol, United Kingdomanswered 26d ago
19

Man, this is exactly what happened to my uncle in Minnesota. He lost a bunch in some online scheme, then these guys called him saying they were from 'Global Asset Recovery' or something. They wanted a 'transaction ID activation fee'. He almost paid it, thankfully my aunt stepped in. Seriously, any 'recovery' company that asks for money upfront, especially for something vague like 'verification' or 'unblocking', is 100% a scam. Trust me, if they had your money, they wouldn't need yours to get it to you. That's just illogical.

Matthew Young · Minneapolis, USAanswered 26d ago
33

I wish I'd seen a post like this before. Daniel, please don't fall for this. I lost close to $15k CAD to a scam and then was contacted by 'Action Refund'. They were SO convincing, sounded super professional, had fake documents and everything. They wanted a 'legal processing fee' of about $700. I paid it, praying it would work. Guess what? They disappeared. No money back, and I was out another $700. These people are ruthless. It's a recovery scam. Seriously, walk away. You'll just lose more.

Isabella Cote · Halifax, Canadaanswered 26d ago
12

Salam Daniel, sorry to hear about your situation. 'Refund Police' sounds completely fake to me, tbh. And 'swift code verification fee'? That's not a real thing, at least not in the context of getting your money back from a scam. Swift codes are for bank transfers, not some fee you pay to 'verify' a lost fund. Any legitimate body would not ask for money upfront. If they had your funds, they'd simply transfer them. Don't engage further, it's a trap.

Mohammed Al Marri · Sharjah, UAEanswered 26d ago
15

Another 'recovery' scam. Ugh. It's so disheartening. If anyone asks you for an upfront fee to 'release' or 'verify' or 'process' your funds, it's a scam. Full stop. No legit firm, police, or government agency will ever ask you to pay them first to get YOUR money back. They either work on contingency (take a cut *after* successful recovery) or they're a government service that's free. 'Refund Police' is definitely not legit. Don't give them anything.

Olivia White · Sydney, Australiaanswered 26d ago
8

This sounds like the typical 'advance fee scam' but applied to recovery. They promise you a large sum but need a small payment first for some administrative reason. And that reason (swift code verification fee) is usually made up. It's a classic trick. You pay, they vanish. Or they ask for another 'fee' right after that. Just block them, Daniel. You've been through enough.

Maryam Al Hashemi · Al Ain, UAEanswered 26d ago
25

Daniel, I am so incredibly sorry this is happening to you. It takes immense courage to even post about it, especially after being scammed once. Please, please listen to everyone here. This 'Refund Police' and their 'swift code verification fee' is 100% a scam. They target people who have already been victims because they know you're vulnerable and desperately hoping for a miracle. Don't let them victimize you again. You're not alone, and it's not your fault. Just cut off contact, report them to Action Fraud again, and try to focus on healing from the first scam. Sending you strength.

Brittany Williams · New York, USAanswered 26d ago
9

Hmph. 'Refund Police' and 'swift code verification fee'... sounds like a made-up term to confuse people. No legitimate financial institution or law enforcement body would ask for a 'verification fee' to release funds. If they are truly able to recover your money, they would deduct their fees from the recovered amount, not ask for more money from a victim upfront. It's a clear red flag. Don't pay. It's a second scam.

Sarah Mokoena · Cape Town, South Africaanswered 26d ago
7

Ya akhi, this is a very common trick. When you hear 'fee' before getting *your* money back, it's always a scam. They are using your desperation against you. 'Refund Police' and this 'swift code verification fee' are just designed to make you pay more. There is no such fee from any real authority. Best thing is to ignore them completely and block their communication. Don't give them any more of your money, please.

Sara Al Mansoori · Ras Al Khaimah, UAEanswered 26d ago
1

Daniel, this 'Refund Police' sounds like a classic recovery scam. They prey on people who have already been scammed, knowing you're desperate to get your money back. Any legitimate recovery service (and there are very few) would not ask for an upfront 'verification fee'. They would typically take their cut from the recovered funds, and even then, the success rate is often low.

Be very wary. The mention of 'swift code verification' is likely a fabrication to make it sound official. If they were truly working with regulatory bodies, they wouldn't need you to pay them first.

Have you checked the official website of An Garda Síochána or Action Fraud to see if they have any advisories about these types of scams? Often, these groups will list known scam operations. Stick to official channels for any recovery efforts.

Sipho Khumalo · East London, South Africaanswered 26d ago
2

Oh man, Daniel, I feel this so hard. Lost about 5k in a 'forex bot' thing last year. Felt like such an idiot. Then, outta nowhere, got an email from a 'recovery agency' – same kind of story, upfront fee. Almost sent it, but my gut screamed NO.

My neighbor, bless her, saw me looking stressed and asked what was up. I told her, and she said, 'Honey, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.' That clicked. I told the 'recovery' folks to buzz off.

So yeah, Daniel, steer clear. They're vultures. The best you can do is report them to Action Fraud like you did, and maybe the FCA if they claim to be UK-based. Just keep reporting, even if it feels like shouting into the void.

Kevin Johnson · Chicago, USAanswered 26d ago
1

Seriously? 'Refund Police'? Sounds like something from a bad TV show. And they want money upfront for a 'swift code verification fee'? That's a massive red flag right there. No legitimate outfit operates like that, especially not after a crypto scam. They're just layering one scam on top of another.

I'd be willing to bet my last dollar that 'Refund Police' is affiliated with the original scammers or is just another group trying to hit you while you're down. Don't give them a euro. Check the BBB or your local consumer protection agency if you want to report them, but I wouldn't engage any further.

Joshua Jackson · Miami, USAanswered 26d ago
3

Hi Daniel, I'm also in Dublin and unfortunately, I've been through something similar. Lost a good chunk of money to an online trading scam a while back.

When I reported it, the Gardaí were sympathetic, but realistic about the chances of recovery, especially with overseas scammers.

This 'Refund Police' sounds exactly like the kind of scam that pops up after the initial fraud. They know you're hurting and looking for any lifeline. Asking for a fee upfront, especially for something called 'swift code verification', is a huge warning sign. If they were legit, they'd take their cut from the recovered funds, not charge you in advance. Please, please don't send them any money. It’s heartbreaking to lose money once, losing it again to a recovery scam is even worse.

Liam Smith · Dublin, Irelandanswered 26d ago
1

Ugh, Daniel, that email made my stomach turn. I know that feeling of seeing a glimmer of hope only for it to be another trap. I lost about AU$10,000 to a fake share-trading platform last year.

Afterwards, I got contacted by a couple of 'recovery specialists'. One even had a very slick website, looked legit. But they wanted an upfront 'legal processing fee'. My partner, who's usually pretty trusting, looked at the contract and said, 'This feels off, Soph.' We decided against it.

Turns out, the ASIC website has a list of known scams and warnings about recovery scams. It's worth checking there, or even the FCA's site. If these people were real, they wouldn't need *your* money to verify something. They'd have their own methods. Stay strong, don't pay.

Sophie Anderson · Adelaide, Australiaanswered 26d ago
1

No way, Daniel. 'Refund Police' asking for a fee? That screams scam. I've seen this pattern before. Scammers often use names that sound official, like they're part of some government agency or a neutral third party. The 'swift code verification fee' is likely just made up. There's no such standard fee for recovering funds.

Legitimate law enforcement or regulatory bodies (like the FCA in the UK, or your local authorities) don't operate this way. They certainly don't ask victims to pay upfront fees to 'verify' anything. If anyone contacts you claiming they can get your crypto back and wants money first, it's almost certainly a scam. Keep all communication records, but do not send them any money.

Lea Muller · Munich, Germanyanswered 26d ago
2

Daniel, mate, I'm so sorry to hear this. It's a terrible position to be in. I lost £5,000 last year to what I thought was a legitimate investment opportunity, ended up being a complete sham.

I got a few emails after that from companies saying they could help me get my money back. One even had a case number. But they all wanted some sort of upfront payment – 'admin fees', 'investigation costs'.

I spoke to Action Fraud and they basically confirmed my suspicions – these recovery firms are often just another scam. They said the best thing to do is to keep reporting any suspicious contact, even if you don't engage with them. So yeah, ignore 'Refund Police' and definitely don't send them a penny. It's gutting, I know.

Jack Brown · Leeds, United Kingdomanswered 26d ago
1

Daniel, that sounds incredibly stressful. It's awful that you're going through this after already losing so much.

I haven't been scammed myself, but I've seen friends go through similar things. The advice they got was always to be super skeptical of anyone offering to recover lost funds, especially if they ask for money upfront. It's a common tactic used by recovery scammers to get more money from people who are already victims.

It's great you reported it to An Garda Síochána and Action Fraud. Keep following up with them, and maybe check if there are any consumer protection agencies in Ireland or the UK that offer advice on dealing with recovery scams. You're doing the right thing by asking for advice here.

Samantha Allen · Denver, USAanswered 26d ago
1

Daniel, I feel you. I lost a significant amount to a fake online casino a few years back. The feeling of helplessness is the worst. Then, a few months later, I got an email from a company claiming they had a way to recover my losses. They wanted an 'advance fee' for 'legal services'.

I almost fell for it, ngl. I was so fixated on getting *something* back. But I decided to do a deep dive online. Found a few forums discussing exactly this type of scam. They pointed out that any legitimate recovery service works on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover your money, and their fee comes out of that. Never upfront.

So, yeah, 'Refund Police' sounds like total BS. Report them if you can, but definitely don't pay. Keep your head up, man.

Liam Janssen · Tilburg, Netherlandsanswered 26d ago
2

Daniel, I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. That email from ‘Refund Police’ is a textbook recovery scam. I lost about €5,000 to a phishing scam last year, and shortly after, I was bombarded with similar offers.

One outfit, called ‘MoneyBack Hero’ – ironically – promised to recover my funds. They asked for a €200 ‘processing fee’. I was so tempted, but my partner sat me down and said, ‘Think about it. If they could actually get the money back, why would they need *your* money first? They’d just take a cut.’ That stopped me cold.

So, Daniel, please trust your gut. These people are sharks. Report them to Action Fraud and maybe check the FCA's warning lists. Don't give them a single cent.

Emma Janssen · Tilburg, Netherlandsanswered 26d ago
1

Daniel, this is a classic recovery scam, unfortunately. The name 'Refund Police' is designed to sound authoritative and trustworthy, but it's a common tactic. They specifically target recent scam victims. The 'swift code verification fee' is a made-up charge. Legitimate financial recovery operations, if they even exist and are effective, typically operate on a success fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover funds, and their fee is a percentage of what's recovered. They would never ask for an upfront payment for a 'verification'.

Key Red Flag: Any upfront fee for recovery services is a massive indicator of a scam.

I would strongly advise you to block this email address, do not reply, and do not send any money. Continue working with official channels like Action Fraud. They are the best route for reporting such scam attempts, even if the recovery process is slow.

Adam Michel · Paris, Franceanswered 26d ago
2

Daniel, my friend, I’ve been exactly where you are. Lost a fair bit to a fake crypto exchange a couple of years back. The feeling is just… soul-crushing. Then, I got emails from places like ‘Action Refund’ and others promising the world. They all wanted some kind of ‘advance payment’ for their services.

I almost paid one, honestly. I was so desperate. But then I thought about it – if they were legit, why wouldn’t they just take their fee from the money they recover? It doesn't make sense to ask the victim, who has already lost everything, to pay *more* money upfront. It’s a logical fallacy they exploit.

So, no, Daniel, this ‘Refund Police’ is almost certainly a scam. Don't give them anything. Keep reporting, keep hoping, but be extremely careful.

Jason Williams · San Antonio, USAanswered 26d ago
1

Daniel, my heart goes out to you. That is a truly awful situation, and getting hit by another scam attempt is just adding insult to injury.

This 'Refund Police' sounds like a predator. They *know* you've lost money and are likely feeling vulnerable. Asking for a fee upfront is their MO. They rely on the victim's desperation overriding their caution.

If you want to be absolutely sure, try searching for 'Refund Police' on the websites of regulatory bodies like the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) in the UK, or even the ASIC in Australia, although that's less relevant for your GBP loss. They often maintain lists of scam operations or unauthorized firms. If they're not listed there, or worse, flagged as a scam, then you have your answer. But honestly, the upfront fee alone is enough of a warning.

Samuel Wong · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 26d ago
1

Daniel, this smells like fish, and not the good kind. 'Refund Police' asking for money? It’s a classic recovery scam. They operate by finding people who have reported scams (like you did with Action Fraud) and then posing as a way to get their money back.

Here's a tip: If anyone contacts you promising to recover lost funds, especially crypto, and asks for *any* kind of upfront payment – whether it’s a 'fee', 'tax', 'verification cost', or 'legal charge' – it's 100% a scam. Legitimate recovery agents work on contingency. They only get paid if they succeed, and their payment comes from the recovered funds.

Don't reply. Block them. You did the right thing reporting it to Action Fraud.

Ibrahim Iqbal · Ras Al Khaimah, UAEanswered 26d ago
1

Oh Daniel, that's rough. That email is a huge red flag. I lost about R15,000 ZAR a few years ago to a fake job scam and then got contacted by one of these 'recovery' companies. They asked for a 'processing fee' upfront.

I remember thinking, 'If they can get my money back, why do they need my money *now*?' It just didn't add up. Thankfully, I didn't pay.

It's a cruel trick, preying on people who have already suffered. The best thing you can do is ignore them completely. Don't respond, don't give them any more info. You've already done the right thing by reporting it to the authorities. Keep doing that for any other scam attempts.

Lucas du Plessis · East London, South Africaanswered 26d ago
1

Daniel, I'm so sorry you're going through this. That recovery scam email is unfortunately very common. I lost AUD$7,000 to a fake investment platform last year and was contacted by a couple of 'recovery specialists' myself.

One looked really professional, had testimonials on their site and everything. But they wanted an upfront 'administrative fee' before they could 'initiate the recovery process'. My gut told me to walk away, and I'm so glad I listened.

My advice? Never pay upfront fees for recovery. Check the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) website – they have heaps of info on scams and often list known recovery scam operations. If these guys are asking for money first, they're not legit. Keep reporting them to Action Fraud.

Oliver Wilson · Sydney, Australiaanswered 26d ago
1

Daniel, that 'Refund Police' sounds like a scam. Don't give them any money. It's a classic recovery scam. They find people who have been scammed and offer to get their money back, but they just want another fee.

I lost about $3,000 CAD a while back to a fake online store. Then I got emails from companies saying they could help. One wanted a 'registration fee'. I just ignored them.

If you want to report them, maybe check the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website. They have good resources. But seriously, anything asking for money upfront to recover lost funds is a scam. Keep your guard up.

Charlotte Martin · Perth, Australiaanswered 26d ago
1

Daniel, please don't send any money to 'Refund Police'. This is a well-known type of scam called a 'recovery scam'. They target victims who have already lost money, like yourself, and promise to recover their losses for an upfront fee.

It's devastating to lose money, and then to be targeted again is just cruel. The 'swift code verification fee' is completely made up. Legitimate recovery operations, which are rare and often operate internationally with complex legal frameworks, would never ask for an upfront payment from the victim. They typically work on a percentage of the recovered amount.

I recommend reporting this email to Action Fraud and your local Gardaí. You can also check the FCA's Financial Services Register to see if 'Refund Police' or any associated entity is authorized. If they're not, that's another massive red flag. Stay safe, Daniel.

Olivia Lavoie · Calgary, Canadaanswered 26d ago
1

Daniel, I'm sorry you're going through this. That 'Refund Police' sounds exactly like the kind of scam that preys on victims. I lost about $1,500 USD on a fake tech support scam a few years back. Right after, I got emails from 'recovery' firms.

One guy actually called me and sounded super convincing. He wanted an 'advance fee' to 'initiate a trace'. I almost did it, but then I remembered reading that legitimate law enforcement or government agencies don't ask for fees like that. They said the best thing to do is just report *any* suspicious contact to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) here in the States. So, yeah, don't pay 'Refund Police'.

Joshua Lee · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 26d ago
1

Daniel, mate, I feel for you. Lost a decent bit myself to a fake online investment thing – felt like a complete fool. Then, like clockwork, got contacted by a company offering to get my money back. They wanted an upfront 'legal fee'.

My wife, Sarah, saw the email and said, 'If they can get your money back, why do they need cash from you *now*?' That got me thinking. They're just trying to scam you again. It’s a nasty business.

Seriously, don't pay them a penny. You’ve done the right thing reporting it to Action Fraud. Keep doing that. It might not feel like it’s doing anything now, but every report helps build a picture.

Lucas Gauthier · Toronto, Canadaanswered 25d ago
5

Daniel, mate, tread carefully. 'Refund Police' sounds like a classic advance-fee scam. They prey on people who've already lost money, promising recovery but actually just looking to extract more. If they are asking for a fee upfront, *especially* for something like a 'swift code verification fee', that's a massive red flag. Real recovery services, if they even exist and are legitimate (which is rare), usually work on a success basis or have transparent fee structures, not these vague upfront payments. Report that email to Action Fraud as well, even if you've heard nothing back. Every report helps them track these groups.

Christopher Martin · Phoenix, USAanswered 25d ago
3

Oh Daniel, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Losing 8k GBP is devastating. It's good that you reported it to the authorities. This 'Refund Police' company sounds very suspicious. My own uncle was contacted by a similar group after a scam, and they wanted money upfront to release his 'recovered funds'. He paid them, and of course, never saw a penny more, nor his original money. I hope you don't fall for this. Sending you strength.

Hassan Al Hashemi · Ras Al Khaimah, UAEanswered 25d ago
4

Daniel, *do not* pay that fee. This is a well-known scam tactic. They find victims who have already lost money and then pose as a recovery service. The 'swift code verification fee' is a fabrication to get you to send them money. These entities, like 'Refund Police' or the other one you might see, 'MoneyBack Hero', operate by taking your money again. If you want to verify if any recovery is possible *at all*, go through official channels like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK or your local Garda fraud unit, not some unsolicited email. Be very careful.

Camille Laurent · Bordeaux, Franceanswered 25d ago
5

This has all the hallmarks of a recovery scam, Daniel. The phrasing 'swift code verification fee' is a common lure. Legitimate financial institutions or regulatory bodies do not operate this way. They would not contact you out of the blue like this, nor would they require an upfront fee to verify details for fund recovery. Often, these scam outfits are run by the *same* people who perpetrated the initial fraud or by affiliated groups. It's a double-dip. For any legitimate recovery efforts, consult the entities you've already contacted or equivalent regulatory bodies like ASIC if the scam had Australian links. Do not send them any money.

Naledi du Plessis · Pretoria, South Africaanswered 25d ago
4

I know that feeling, Daniel. That sinking feeling when you see another email that sounds like it might help, but then… it asks for money. I got hit with a crypto scam last year too, lost about £5,000. Then I got contacted by 'Action Refund' – sounded so promising, said they were international recovery specialists. They asked for an 'admin fee'. I almost paid it. Thankfully, my sister talked me out of it. It was a scam. They just want to get more cash from you. So frustrating.

Milan Smit · Rotterdam, Netherlandsanswered 25d ago
3

Ugh, Daniel, I'd be very suspicious of 'Refund Police'. The whole 'swift code verification fee' sounds like something made up. Why would they need *you* to pay a fee for *their* verification? Makes no sense. If they recovered your money, wouldn't they just deduct their fees from that? Or use official channels? Seems dodgy. I'd say trust your gut on this one, which is clearly saying 'scam'.

Milan de Boer · Breda, Netherlandsanswered 25d ago
6

Daniel, from a financial forensics perspective, this screams advance-fee fraud. The entity 'Refund Police' is likely fictitious, designed to exploit victims of prior scams. Charging a 'swift code verification fee' is a classic move; it's a pretext for payment. No legitimate entity, not even international bodies like the CFTC, would solicit such a fee directly from a victim in this manner. They operate on established procedures, not arbitrary upfront payments. If you wish to pursue recovery, which is difficult post-scam, you should rely *solely* on the official channels you've already engaged with (An Garda Síochána, Action Fraud). Do not communicate further with 'Refund Police'.

Joshua Walker · Philadelphia, USAanswered 25d ago
2

Yeah, Daniel, sounds like BS to me too. 'Refund Police'? Seriously? And a 'swift code verification fee'? What even is that? If they actually had your money, they wouldn't need you to pay them to verify it. They'd just send it. It's probably the same scammers trying to get more out of you. Don't fall for it.

Noah Williams · Gold Coast, Australiaanswered 25d ago
4

Daniel, please be extremely cautious. This 'Refund Police' sounds like a scam. I've seen similar stories online where victims who lost money to investment fraud were contacted by supposed 'recovery services'. These services invariably ask for upfront fees for 'processing', 'verification', or 'legal costs'. They are designed to steal more money from you. If any recovery is possible, it would typically be handled through official law enforcement or regulatory channels you've already contacted. Do not send them any money. Check if the UK's FCA or Ireland's Central Bank have any warnings about such entities.

Eva Bos · The Hague, Netherlandsanswered 25d ago
5

This has happened to a few people I know in Dublin too, Daniel. Definitely a scam. They call themselves all sorts – 'Refund Police', 'Global Recovery Agents', etc. – and always want an upfront fee. The 'swift code verification fee' is just a made-up charge. I reported one of these outfits to Action Fraud last year and they confirmed it's a common secondary scam targeting victims. Best advice: ignore and block them. Any real progress would come directly from the authorities you've already contacted.

Saoirse Quinn · Dublin, Irelandanswered 25d ago
4

Daniel, I was in your shoes. Lost a good chunk to an online trading scam. After I reported it, I got an email from 'MoneyBack Hero' asking for a 'processing fee' to release my funds. I was desperate, so I almost paid it. But my wife saw the email and said, 'Hold on, if they recovered it, why do *you* need to pay upfront?' She was right. It was a scam. They just wanted another 500 quid. I told them to shove it. So, yeah, don't pay 'Refund Police'. It's another scam.

Jun Chua · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 25d ago
3

Hi Daniel, I'm sorry you're going through this again. It’s terrible how these scammers operate. That 'Refund Police' company sounds very suspicious, especially asking for a fee upfront. When I lost money a few years back, I also got contacted by recovery scammers. They wanted a 'transfer fee'. It’s a common tactic to get more money from people who are already hurting. Good on you for asking here first. I’d definitely avoid paying them anything.

Wei Chan · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 25d ago
5

Daniel, I would treat this 'Refund Police' outfit with extreme skepticism. The concept of a 'swift code verification fee' for fund recovery is not standard practice in legitimate financial recovery or law enforcement operations. Such fees are a common hallmark of advance-fee scams. Recovery efforts, if successful, are typically handled through official channels and might involve contingency fees deducted from the recovered amount, not upfront payments to a third-party 'recovery' company contacted via unsolicited email. You’ve done the right thing reporting to Action Fraud and An Garda Síochána. Stick with those official avenues.

Noah Ouellet · Halifax, Canadaanswered 25d ago
3

Oh man, Daniel, that sounds like a total rip-off. 'Refund Police' and a 'swift code verification fee'? That's a new one, but it smells fishy. I lost about $3,000 CAD to a fake online store last year and then got hit with emails asking for 'customs fees' to release my 'package'. Total scam. I learned my lesson: if it sounds too good to be true, or if they want money upfront *before* you see anything, it's probably a scam. Don't send them anything.

Leo Martin · Strasbourg, Franceanswered 25d ago
4

Daniel, that 'Refund Police' sounds exactly like a recovery scam. They are designed to prey on victims like you. The 'swift code verification fee' is a fabricated charge. Real recovery, if possible, would be handled through the official channels you've already contacted, like An Garda Síochána or Action Fraud. They would never ask for an upfront fee like this from you directly. It’s a way to get more money after you've already lost it. Just ignore them.

Mia Lefebvre · Strasbourg, Franceanswered 25d ago
5

This is a classic recovery scam, Daniel. I've seen multiple reports of entities like 'Refund Police', 'Action Refund', and 'Global Recovery Services' contacting victims of crypto fraud. They promise to retrieve lost funds but require an upfront fee. This fee is fictitious, and they disappear with your money. Regulatory bodies like the FCA or ASIC do not engage in direct fee collection for fund recovery from individuals like this. Always rely on the official law enforcement and reporting agencies you've already contacted.

Niamh Doyle · Limerick, Irelandanswered 25d ago
4

Ah Daniel, I feel for you. I lost €3,000 last year to a fake investment scheme. Then some outfit called 'Global Recovery' contacted me saying they could get it back, but I had to pay a 'transfer fee' first. Nearly did it, but my wife stopped me. She said, 'If they have the money, why do they need *your* money to send it?' It was a scam. They just want to steal more. So yeah, steer clear of 'Refund Police'.

Lucas Janssen · Groningen, Netherlandsanswered 25d ago
5

Daniel, that 'Refund Police' sounds like a classic advance-fee scam. They are notorious for targeting people who have already been victimized. The 'swift code verification fee' is a made-up charge. Legitimate recovery efforts, if any are possible, would be handled through official channels like the ones you've already contacted. You should report this email to Action Fraud as well. Never pay upfront fees to unsolicited recovery services.

Layla Al Mansoori · Sharjah, UAEanswered 25d ago
4

I got scammed out of $7,000 last year by a fake crypto exchange. Then I got an email from a 'recovery specialist' asking for a $500 'processing fee' to release my funds. I was so angry and desperate. But I remembered reading about these scams on forums like this. So I ignored it. Turns out it was a scammer trying to get me again. Don't send 'Refund Police' a cent, Daniel. They are scammers.

Michael Johnson · Boston, USAanswered 25d ago
4

Daniel, this is a common follow-on scam. They find out you've lost money to a scam and then they contact you posing as a recovery service. 'Refund Police' sounds exactly like that. The 'swift code verification fee' is nonsense. If they truly recovered your funds, they would typically deduct their costs from the recovered amount, or have an agreement with the authorities. They wouldn't ask you for money upfront like that. Report them to Action Fraud if you can.

Samuel Chua · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 25d ago
7

Daniel, mate, tread *very* carefully. 'Refund Police'? Sounds like a classic bait-and-switch. They prey on victims like you who are desperate to get their money back. Charging a fee upfront for a refund service is a massive red flag. Legitimate recovery agencies, if they even exist for this kind of crypto scam, typically work on a success-fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they actually recover your funds. They wouldn't ask for a 'swift code verification fee' beforehand. Honestly, it stinks of another scam. You reported it to Action Fraud, which is good. Sometimes it takes ages, but keep that reference number handy.

Noah Smith · Canberra, Australiaanswered 25d ago
6

Oh, Daniel, my heart goes out to you. I lost about the same amount to a phishing scam last year. I remember getting calls and emails from companies promising to 'recover' my funds, too. One even used a name like 'Global Recovery Group'. They all wanted some kind of upfront payment. It felt so real, like they understood my pain. But my sister, she's a lawyer, she told me to stop. She said if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That 'fee' they want? Definitely a scam. Don't give them another penny.

Jessica Anderson · Atlanta, USAanswered 25d ago
6

This is 100% a scam, Daniel. Do not send them any money. 'Refund Police' sounds like a company trying to capitalize on people's misery. They're likely hoping you're so desperate you won't think twice. They often make up official-sounding terms like 'swift code verification fee' to sound legitimate. If they really worked with 'international regulatory bodies,' they wouldn't need *you* to pay a random fee like that. Report this 'Refund Police' outfit to Action Fraud too, if you can. They might be the same people who scammed you in the first place.

Sophie Harris · Adelaide, Australiaanswered 25d ago
5

My friend, I understand your pain. I lost a lot of money to a forex scam here in Dubai last year. I was contacted by a few 'recovery' companies too. They asked for 'processing fees' and 'legal charges'. It felt like a lifeline! But the fees just kept coming, and no money ever returned. One company was called 'MoneyBack Hero' — total fraudsters. This 'Refund Police' sounds exactly the same. Please, please don't send them money. It’s a trap for the desperate.

Ahmed Ahmed · Dubai, UAEanswered 25d ago
5

Daniel, do not fall for this. This is a textbook recovery scam. They target victims who have already lost money and are emotionally vulnerable. Asking for an upfront fee, especially for something like 'swift code verification', is a huge red flag. Legitimate organizations wouldn't operate like that. They might even claim to be affiliated with government agencies or bodies like the FCA, but it's all lies. If you get more emails, mark them as spam and report them to Action Fraud. They won't get your money back, but it might help authorities track them.

Liam Ouellet · Quebec City, Canadaanswered 25d ago
5

I echo everyone else's warning. This 'Refund Police' sounds exactly like the kind of scam I encountered after I was defrauded by an online broker. They promised the moon, asked for 'administrative fees' and then disappeared. It's a common tactic: exploit the victim's hope. No legitimate entity will ask you to pay a fee to *get* your money back. Report them to Action Fraud and block their emails. Better to lose the chance of getting your money back than lose more.

Grace Ong · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 25d ago
5

Oh Daniel, I know that feeling. I lost a significant amount to a fake investment platform a couple of years ago. The shock, the anger, the despair... it's awful. After I reported it, I also got contacted by a few 'recovery specialists.' They all wanted money upfront for 'transfer fees' or 'legal costs.' It took me a while to realize they were just scammers targeting people like us. The 'swift code verification fee' is their hook. Don't bite. Report them and try to move on. It's tough, I know.

Julia van Dijk · Breda, Netherlandsanswered 25d ago
5

This is unbelievable. I lost about 5 grand to a fake online store last Christmas. Still waiting to hear anything from the police here in Ottawa. Then I get this email, out of the blue, from a company called 'Global Assist Services'. They said they were investigating my case and could help me recover funds. Asked for a $200 'processing fee'. I nearly sent it, I was so upset about losing the money I'd saved for my daughter's braces. Thank goodness I saw a post like this before I did. This 'Refund Police' sounds like the same scam.

Noah Roy · Ottawa, Canadaanswered 25d ago
4

Daniel, I lost my savings last year too – to a romance scammer, of all things. It was devastating. Like you, I reported it, but felt so helpless. Then I got contacted by someone who said they were a 'fund recovery agent' and needed a 'service fee' to get my money back. They even sent me fake documents! It felt so real, but my gut told me something was wrong. I refused to pay, and they stopped contacting me. This 'Refund Police' sounds exactly like them. Please don't pay them.

Chloe Smit · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 25d ago
4

This sounds very much like a common scam targeting fraud victims. The 'Refund Police' name itself is a warning sign – it's aggressive and sounds official but is likely fake. Asking for an upfront fee is the biggest indicator. They prey on the hope of recovery. I’d suggest you do not engage with them further. If you want to report them, you could try the local consumer protection agency in Ireland, or even the BBB if you suspect they have any US ties, though they likely don't. Just ignore and block.

Ava Smith · Montreal, Canadaanswered 25d ago
4

Wait — 'Refund Police'? That name alone is enough to make me suspicious. And a 'swift code verification fee'? That's just… made up. Why would *you* need to pay to verify a swift code for *them* to refund *your* money? It doesn't make any logical sense. They're just inventing jargon to confuse you. My advice? Block them. Don't reply. Don't give them any more info. You did the right thing reporting it to the authorities. Keep your focus there.

Liam Lynch · Galway, Irelandanswered 25d ago
4

Ugh, Daniel, I feel your pain. I lost a chunk of money to a fake lottery scam a few years back. The emails kept coming, promising a big payout but needing 'taxes' or 'processing fees' upfront. It was maddening. I finally reported them to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) here in the UK, along with Action Fraud. They can't always get money back, especially from overseas scams, but reporting helps them build patterns. This 'Refund Police' sounds like exactly the same type of scam. Please, please don't send them money. It's a known tactic.

Hannah Teo · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 25d ago
4

Daniel, what a horrible situation to be in. I too was contacted by a company after I lost money to an online gambling scam. They called themselves 'Action Refund' and promised to get my money back. They asked for an 'international transfer fee' first. I was so tempted, I was drowning in debt. But my husband reminded me that if the police and the regulators couldn't get it back, how could some random company? He was right. It was a scam. They went quiet when I refused to pay more. Stay strong, don't pay them.

Mia Moreau · Montpellier, Franceanswered 25d ago
4

I’m so sorry you’re going through this, Daniel. Losing money like that is incredibly stressful. I got hit by a scam about 18 months ago and was contacted by several 'recovery firms.' They used very official-sounding language and promised the world. One asked for what they called a 'compliance fee' to 'ensure the funds were returned legally.' It was a total lie. They just wanted more cash. If these 'Refund Police' people were legitimate, they'd be working through official channels and wouldn't need a fee from you directly like this. Block them and ignore.

Liam Nel · Pretoria, South Africaanswered 25d ago
4

This 'Refund Police' sounds dodgy as hell. A 'swift code verification fee'? Seriously? That's not a thing. The SWIFT network is for bank transfers, and verification is usually handled by the banks involved, not by the recipient needing to pay a third party. It's likely they're just making it up to sound official. If you want to report scams like this, ASIC in Australia has a scams reporting service, though your situation sounds more like An Garda Síochána's remit. Anyway, my point is: don't pay them a cent.

Grace Pretorius · Pretoria, South Africaanswered 25d ago
4

Oh no, Daniel. That sounds exactly like the trap my neighbour fell into last year. He lost money to a fake investment thing, and then got contacted by a company promising to recover it. They asked for a 'registration fee' first. He paid it, and then they asked for another 'courier fee' for the 'legal documents.' He ended up losing even more money. This 'Refund Police' sounds like the same people. Please, please listen to us and don't send them any money. It's a second scam targeting victims.

Stefan Meyer · Munich, Germanyanswered 25d ago
4

Daniel, my condolences regarding your loss. The situation you describe is a very common secondary scam. After victims report their initial loss, scammers known as 'recovery room' scammers will reach out, promising to recover the lost funds for an upfront fee. The 'Refund Police' and their 'swift code verification fee' fit this pattern perfectly. They are exploiting your vulnerability. No legitimate entity will ask for payment to recover funds you've lost to fraud. Report this new contact to Action Fraud as well, and block them.

Hugo David · Strasbourg, Franceanswered 25d ago
4

Daniel, that email is almost certainly a scam. The name 'Refund Police' is designed to sound authoritative and helpful, but it's a common tactic for fraudulent recovery operations. The request for an upfront 'verification fee' is a classic red flag. Legitimate recovery services, if they operate at all in these complex crypto cases, usually take a percentage of the recovered funds *after* a successful recovery. They don't charge upfront fees for 'verification.' I would recommend you ignore this email and do not respond.

Adam Richard · Paris, Franceanswered 25d ago
4

This is a recovery scam, Daniel. Very common. They find people who have reported being scammed, like you did with Action Fraud, and then they contact you offering to recover the funds. They'll ask for various fees – 'processing', 'legal', 'verification'. It's all fake. They are preying on your hope. I’ve seen this happen to friends. They end up losing more money. Just ignore them. You did the right thing by reporting the initial scam. Keep all your documentation from that report.

Jacob Roy · Toronto, Canadaanswered 25d ago
4

I agree with the others, this sounds like a scam. The 'Refund Police' name is a bit much, and asking for a 'swift code verification fee' before they've done anything is a huge warning sign. Honestly, I wouldn't trust any company that contacts you out of the blue offering to recover lost funds, especially if they demand money upfront. It’s usually just another scammer trying to get more from you. My advice? Block them and don't engage. You've already done the right thing by reporting it.

Lucas Smit · Bloemfontein, South Africaanswered 25d ago
5

Daniel, I've seen this so many times. 'Refund Police', 'MoneyBack Hero', 'Action Refund' — they're all just different names for the same scam operation. They prey on people who've already lost money, like yourself, by promising the impossible. The 'swift code verification fee' is a classic red flag. Legitimate recovery efforts, if they exist at all and rarely do, don't charge upfront fees like this. You reported it to Action Fraud, which is the right move. Keep following up with them. Don't send them a cent.

Ryan Garcia · Dallas, USAanswered 25d ago
3

Oh Daniel, that sounds absolutely awful, I'm so sorry you're going through this. Losing that much money must be devastating. It's completely understandable that you'd be hopeful about getting it back. But honestly, the 'Refund Police' sounds like a scam itself. They're probably just trying to get more money from you. Keep your chin up, and definitely don't pay them anything.

Grace Smith · Melbourne, Australiaanswered 25d ago
4

Right, so 'Refund Police' and a 'swift code verification fee'? Sounds like a load of codswallop to me. They're not going to get your money back. They're just another scam targeting victims. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is, especially after crypto scams. Stick with An Garda Síochána and Action Fraud. Don't give these jokers any more of your cash.

James Walsh · Cork, Irelandanswered 25d ago
6

This is exactly what happened to me last year. I lost money to a fake trading platform, then these people called 'Global Recovery Services' contacted me. They wanted a 'processing fee' to get my money back. I paid them 500 euros. Never saw a penny. They just disappeared. I felt like such an idiot. Now I see 'Refund Police'. It's the same thing. I wish I'd never sent them that money.

Mees van den Berg · Tilburg, Netherlandsanswered 25d ago
5

Daniel, this is a textbook recovery scam, unfortunately. The entity 'Refund Police' is not a legitimate organization. They are designed to exploit victims of prior scams by creating a false sense of hope. The demand for an upfront 'verification fee' or 'processing fee' is the most significant indicator. Legitimate law enforcement or regulatory bodies (like the FCA or even ASIC in Australia, though not directly applicable to your situation) do not operate this way. They certainly don't ask for payment via SWIFT for 'verification'. If you want to verify something, go directly to the official channels you've already reported to, like Action Fraud.

Sophie van Dijk · Rotterdam, Netherlandsanswered 25d ago
3

Another one? Seriously? I lost a few grand to a phishing scam a while back, and then got contacted by a few outfits like this. 'Secure Fund Retrieval', they called themselves. Wanted a 'transfer fee'. Told them where to go. It's always the same scam, just different names. If you're looking for your money, reporting it is the best you can do. Don't fall for this again.

Sarah Dlamini · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 25d ago
4

Oh Daniel, that sounds incredibly stressful. It's so tough when you're already down and then you get these emails. I'm really sorry you've had to go through losing your savings. My heart goes out to you. Please be careful with this 'Refund Police' email. They sound like they're just trying to take advantage of your situation. Have you considered talking to a financial counsellor? Sometimes they can help navigate these tricky situations.

Amelia Wilson · Darwin, Australiaanswered 25d ago
5

Yeah, 'Refund Police' and a 'swift code verification fee' – sounds like BS to me too. I got scammed out of a bit of money on a fake online store about two years ago. Reported it, got nothing back. Then I had a couple of companies, I think one was called 'MoneyBack Hero', try to get me to pay them to recover my losses. Paid one of them a small amount, like 100 quid, because I was so desperate. Big mistake. Never saw it again. It’s a double scam. They just want your money again.

Amelia Bouchard · Victoria, Canadaanswered 25d ago
3

Guten Tag Daniel. This 'Refund Police' sounds highly suspicious. My neighbour, Herr Müller, lost money in a similar investment scam last year. He was contacted by a company claiming they could recover his funds, but they also asked for an upfront payment for 'legal processing'. He wisely refused. He told me that if anyone contacts you offering to recover lost funds and asking for money first, it is almost certainly a scam. He says the best approach is to keep reporting to the authorities you've already contacted, like Action Fraud.

Stefan Schmidt · Stuttgart, Germanyanswered 25d ago
4

Oh Daniel, that's such a difficult situation to be in, I'm really sorry you're dealing with this after already losing so much. It's completely normal to feel desperate for a solution. But that 'Refund Police' sounds really dodgy, doesn't it? My friend lost money to a scam last year and got similar emails. She ignored them, thankfully. It's so important to be careful. Try to focus on the official channels you've already reported to.

Oliver Nguyen · Melbourne, Australiaanswered 25d ago
6

Daniel, I’ve seen this pattern emerge multiple times in the financial crime space. 'Refund Police' is a common alias used by scam networks that target victims who have recently reported financial losses. The request for a 'swift code verification fee' is a classic tactic to extract more money under the guise of legitimate process. They leverage the victim's desperation. Real investigative bodies or recovery firms, if they exist, would not solicit upfront fees in this manner. They might work on contingency or have established legal frameworks for fees, but this email is a huge red flag. Tip: If you're ever unsure about a company contacting you regarding your finances, verify their credentials directly through an independent search, not by clicking links or calling numbers they provide.

Connor du Plessis · Pretoria, South Africaanswered 25d ago
3

Oh that sounds awful, Daniel. I'm so sorry you've been through that, and now this 'Refund Police' nonsense. It’s such a shame people prey on others when they’re down. My brother lost some money a few years back and got similar calls. He was so tempted, but he remembered reading about these 'recovery scams' and decided against it. He said reporting it was the best he could do. Hang in there, and definitely don't pay them.

Rachel Brown · Leeds, United Kingdomanswered 25d ago
5

Red flag, Daniel. Big red flag. The 'Refund Police' aren't police and they won't refund anything. This is a classic secondary scam. They monitor reports of fraud or find victims through data leaks and then pose as recovery specialists. The 'swift code verification fee' is just another way to fleece you. You've done the right thing by reporting it to Action Fraud and the Garda. Keep pushing with them, but don't engage with this 'Refund Police' outfit. They are scammers, plain and simple.

Emma Burke · Limerick, Irelandanswered 25d ago
6

Please, please do not send them any money, Daniel. I lost £5,000 to a fake investment platform last year and then got contacted by a company called 'Action Refund'. They sounded so convincing, I paid them a 'processing fee' of £400. It was gone, and so were they. They said they worked with international banks, just like your 'Refund Police'. It's a horrible trap that people fall into when they're desperate. The authorities are your only real hope, and even then, recovery is very rare.

Emily Davies · Bristol, United Kingdomanswered 25d ago
3

Oh Daniel, that sounds like a nightmare. I'm so sorry you got hit by that crypto scam, losing that much is devastating. And now this 'Refund Police' trying to get more from you? That's absolutely sickening. I had a similar thing happen after my mum got scammed out of some money – these companies popped up promising the earth. My mum just ignored them. She said reporting it to Action Fraud was the only step that felt real. Don't fall for it, please.

Niamh Sullivan · Belfast, Irelandanswered 25d ago
5

This is so familiar, it makes my stomach turn. I was scammed by a fake crypto exchange in 2022, lost almost 10k CAD. It was crushing. Within weeks, I got emails from various 'recovery' firms, including one that used a name similar to 'Refund Police'. They all wanted an upfront fee for 'legal services' or 'verification'. I was tempted, desperate even, but my husband talked me out of it. He said it sounded like a scam targeting victims. He was right. They never get your money back; they just steal more. Don't pay them a single euro.

Noah Pelletier · Winnipeg, Canadaanswered 25d ago
3

Ugh, Daniel, I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's absolutely rotten that these people target individuals who have already been victimized. 'Refund Police' sounds like a classic scammer name. I lost money a few years ago to an online shopping scam, and I got contacted by a few dodgy outfits afterwards offering to help. They all wanted some kind of upfront payment. I never paid them anything, and I'm glad I didn't. Stick with the official reports you've made.

Grace Jones · Adelaide, Australiaanswered 25d ago
5

Daniel, this is a classic double-tap scam. They let the initial scam happen, and then they or an associate contacts you claiming they can recover the funds for an upfront fee. 'Refund Police' sounds like a fabrication designed to lure you in. The 'swift code verification fee' is their hook. No legitimate entity will ask for money upfront like this to 'verify' something for recovery. You've done the right thing by reporting it to Action Fraud. If you want to be absolutely sure about any entity claiming to help, always do a direct, independent search for their official contact details and regulatory status. Don't trust any contact info they provide.

David Garcia · Philadelphia, USAanswered 25d ago
4

Oh, Daniel. I know this feeling. I lost quite a bit to a romance scam a while back. It felt like the end of the world. Then, I got an email from something called 'Global Recovery Solutions'. They said they could get my money back, but I had to pay them 200 pounds first for 'international transfer fees'. I was so tempted, I almost did it. My daughter talked me out of it, thankfully. She said it sounded too much like another scam. It's awful how they find us when we're at our lowest.

Emma Simon · Lille, Franceanswered 24d ago
4

This is infuriating. 'Refund Police'? They're likely just another iteration of the same scam groups that prey on fraud victims. I've seen reports about 'Action Refund' and 'MoneyBack Hero' doing the exact same thing – asking for advance fees for recovery services that never materialize. The 'swift code verification fee' is a classic hallmark of these recovery scams. It sounds official, but it's designed purely to extract more money from you. Your best bet is to ignore 'Refund Police' completely and focus on the official channels you've already reported to. Don't give them any more information or money.

Lerato Smit · Durban, South Africaanswered 24d ago

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