A company called 'Refund Rescue' wants an 'anti-money laundering clearance fee'. Scam?

100% a scam, Liam. I've seen this exact tactic so many times. They love to use official-sounding terms like 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' to make it sound legitimate, like some kind of official government requirement. But it's not. No government agency or legit recovery firm charges *you* for AML compliance on funds they're returning to you. That's *their* responsibility, or it's handled on the backend as part of the transaction. You're just throwing good money after bad if you pay. Block their numbers, block their emails, and just try to move on from them. It's a painful lesson, but don't let them double-dip.

Oh man, Liam, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but this sounds like a classic recovery scam, plain and simple. The 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is a huge red flag. NO legitimate recovery service, whether it's a lawyer or a government agency, will EVER ask you for an upfront fee to *release* funds they've supposedly recovered. They get paid *after* the recovery, typically as a percentage, or their fees are part of a legal process you'd understand from the outset.

These scammers prey on exactly what you're feeling – desperation and hope. They often get your details from lists sold on the dark web, or sometimes even by being the original scammers themselves (or affiliated with them) who know exactly who they've already hit. Knowing the platform you used? That's how they build trust, by showing they 'know' about your case. It's a psychological trick.

My advice is to completely disengage. Do NOT pay them anything, and do NOT give them any more personal information. If you've already shared banking details, call your bank immediately to monitor for suspicious activity. Your best bet for recovery, however slim, is through official channels like the police, or if you're in the US, the FBI IC3. Regulators like the CFTC or FCA also issue warnings. Always be skeptical of anyone contacting *you* first, especially if they demand an upfront payment.

Liam, sorry to hear you're going through this again. It's absolutely devastating to be scammed once, let alone twice. Yusuf is spot on – that 'AML clearance fee' is a major red flag. Legit services don't charge upfront to release funds. They charge a success fee. I went through something similar, lost a bunch of superannuation savings a couple years back. The scammers were relentless, selling my details to other 'recovery' outfits. It's a sad reality that they often target previous victims because they know you're vulnerable and desperate to get your money back. Just wanted to offer some support and reinforce: don't pay another cent. Seriously, cut contact.

Ugh, this is so frustrating to hear. Liam, please, *please* don't pay them. This is the oldest trick in the book for recovery scams – they demand an 'admin fee', 'tax fee', 'AML fee', 'release fee', 'verification fee'... whatever they can call it to get more money out of you. They'll keep coming up with new fees until you either run out of money or realize what's happening. The fact they knew your platform means your info was probably sold off, or they're linked to the original scam. It's a cruel game they play, hitting victims when they're down. Be strong and ignore them. It hurts, I know, but protecting the rest of your money is key here.

Hey Liam, I'm really sorry this is happening to you. It's a truly awful feeling. William and Isabella are right – this sounds incredibly dodgy. The way they know your old scam details is exactly how these secondary scammers operate; they often buy victim lists. It's a predatory cycle. I remember reading about something like this in a financial news group, where people were hit by 'recovery agents' after losing money on fake investment platforms. The key takeaway was always: anyone asking for an upfront fee to release money is a scammer. Period. You've already been through enough, don't let them take more from you. Stay strong.

Liam, please listen to everyone here, this is absolutely a recovery scam. The mention of an 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is a classic hallmark. These firms are notorious for requesting various 'fees' (e.g., tax, legal, administrative, compliance) to release non-existent recovered funds. They leverage the personal data of previous scam victims, often obtained through illicit means, to appear credible. The ASIC in Australia has issued multiple warnings about such schemes. My advice? Cease all communication with 'Refund Rescue'. Any legitimate process would involve proper legal documentation, direct contact with official bodies if needed, and definitely no upfront payments for 'clearance'.

Oh god, Liam, my heart goes out to you. I was nearly caught by one of these. I lost about 5k on a forex scam and a few months later, got an email from a company called 'Action Refund'. They were SO convincing, had all my details, sounded like they knew exactly what happened. They said they'd recovered my money but needed an 'administrative processing fee' to get it into my bank account. I was so close to paying it, honestly. My partner managed to talk me out of it, thankfully. Turns out they're just another scam targeting desperate people. Please, please don't pay them anything. It's a horrible feeling to be preyed on like that.

Hey Liam, seeing you're from Waterford too, really hits home. I was lucky, I think. Lost about 3 grand on a fake crypto exchange last year, similar story, reported it to the gardaí, not much came of it. Then this firm, not 'Refund Rescue' but another one, contacted me. They wanted a 'bank transfer unblocking fee'. It sounded convincing, but then I started doing some digging online. Found loads of forums like this one saying it was a classic recovery scam tactic. It's a brutal reality, mate, but don't fall for it again. The 'AML fee' is just another version of that. Keep your chin up, but don't give them another cent.

This is so tough, Liam. It's incredibly brave of you to even ask, because it shows you're thinking critically despite the desperation. That 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is a classic tell-tale sign of a secondary scam. Legitimate financial institutions or recovery services would handle any AML compliance on their end without demanding an upfront payment from you to 'clear' your own funds. The fact they know your previous scam details is just how these networks operate. They share victim lists. It's truly sickening. Please protect yourself and your remaining funds. Don't engage further with them. Your focus should be on working with official, trusted bodies, however slow the process may seem.

Yeah, like everyone else has said, this is almost certainly a recovery scam. I've had to deal with so many cases like this in my time. The 'AML clearance fee' is a specific type of 'advance fee scam' which is a foundational scam tactic. They make you think the money is *there*, just waiting for this *one last payment*. But there's no money. There never was. They just want your 2,000 EUR. The initial scammers often sell off their victim lists to these 'recovery' firms. So, they know your story, making them appear credible. The best action you can take is to immediately block all communication. Do not engage, do not pay, and report them to your local consumer protection agency or police. This is why organizations like the FBI IC3 and Action Fraud constantly warn about these secondary scams. It's a brutal double hit.

This screams 'advance fee fraud' 2.0. They likely didn't recover anything; they just know you were scammed and are trying to milk you again. A legitimate recovery service, if one even exists, would not ask for fees upfront like this. Their 'documents' are probably faked. Report this new attempt to An Garda Síochána too. Every little bit helps them build a profile.

Oh, my heart goes out to you. I was scammed last year, crypto too. Lost about R200,000. Felt like a fool, my husband was so angry. These 'recovery' companies are the absolute worst. They prey on people's desperation. When I was looking for help, someone mentioned that these fees are never the end. It's always another fee, and another. Don't send them a cent more.

Refund Rescue? Sounds incredibly generic. And asking for a 'clearance fee' before releasing funds? That's a classic red flag, mate. If they had genuinely recovered your money, they'd take their cut *after* you received it, or their fee would have been disclosed upfront. This feels like they're trying to get you to pay *more* money for money you never actually got back. Seems fishy.

Same boat, nearly. Lost a good chunk to a Forex scam last year. These vultures contacted me too, promising the moon. They wanted an 'admin fee' first. I told them where to stick it. I reported them to the FCA, not sure if it did anything but felt better. My neighbour actually fell for it, paid the fee, and then they vanished. So, no, it's not normal. Run away.

Oh no, that sounds so stressful! I'm really sorry you're going through this again. It's completely understandable that you're desperate to get your money back, especially after losing so much. Just take a deep breath. You're doing the right thing by asking here. Trust your gut feeling – if it feels off, it probably is. There are so many people trying to help others who have been scammed.

Hang on, let me get this straight. They want *you* to pay *them* for money *they* supposedly recovered? That makes zero sense. If they recovered your 15k, wouldn't they just deduct their fee from that? Or work on a success percentage agreed *before* any recovery? This 'AML clearance fee' sounds like pure made-up jargon to get another R20k out of you. Don't fall for it.

This is a known modus operandi. The initial contact, mentioning the specific scam platform, is a tactic to build trust. Then comes the 'fee' for fictitious services like 'AML clearance'. They might even send you fake bank transfer confirmations. The only reporting agency that truly has teeth in these cross-border crypto cases is often the FBI IC3, though success is rare. Don't pay.

STOP. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. This is absolutely a scam. They are probably the same people, or a different group working with them, who scammed you in the first place. They *know* the platform you used because they *ran* the platform, or they have your details from the first scam. Asking for an 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is just a new excuse to steal more money. Block them and report them.

Oh, that's awful. I feel for you. It's so hard when you've already lost money and then these people come along promising a solution. My uncle lost a lot in a phishing scam last year and someone contacted him about recovery. He was so tempted but his daughter, who works in finance, stopped him. She said that if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Keep asking questions!

These 'recovery firms' are a blight. They often pose as legitimate businesses and use sophisticated social engineering. That they mentioned the platform name is a common tactic to shock you into believing they have insider knowledge. The 'AML clearance fee' is pure fabrication. Legitimate financial institutions and regulators like the FCA do not operate this way for fund recovery. If anything, report this new entity to Action Fraud.

This is textbook. They identify victims of previous scams, often through leaked databases or by monitoring scam forums. The knowledge of your previous loss and the platform used is a psychological hook. An 'AML clearance fee' is a fabricated charge. Regulatory bodies like the ASIC or FCA do not charge victims for recovery processes. They will likely ask for more fees if you pay this one. Check if this entity is registered anywhere official.

Ah, the classic 'recovery scam'. C'est terrible. They are sharks, indeed. My cousin nearly fell for this after a bad property investment. They claimed they needed an 'international transfer tax' first. He was about to send it, but then he remembered reading about these scams. He reported them to the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) in France. Never pay upfront fees for recovered money.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. It sounds like a textbook scam. When I was scammed, I lost about $10,000 CAD and felt completely broken. These 'recovery' companies are just scam artists targeting people who are already vulnerable. They will keep asking for more money, with more fake reasons. Don't send them anything. You can report them to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Wait — so they want *you* to pay *them* to get *your* money back? That’s like paying a kidnapper a fee *before* they release the hostage. It doesn't add up. They sound like they're just prolonging the agony. If they actually recovered money, they'd take their cut from the funds they returned, not ask for a separate payment first. Big, big red flag.

I’m hearing similar stories constantly. These recovery scams are rampant. They often operate by saying they need a fee for 'compliance' or 'tax clearance' or 'AML'. It’s all nonsense. If they had your funds, they would deduct their fee directly. Don't send any money. You can report them to the RCMP if you want, or even the CFTC if there's any hint of financial instruments involved, but don't pay.

Sounds very familiar. The whole 'recovered funds' thing with an upfront fee is a major sign. They're likely just trying to get another chunk of money from you. Especially since they contacted *you*. If they were legitimate, they’d have a website, be registered, etc. The fact they came to you out of the blue after you were scammed makes it highly suspect. Report them to MAS in Singapore if you can.

This is a common scam. They gain your trust by mentioning specifics of the original scam and then ask for an 'advance fee'. This 'AML clearance fee' is a fabrication. There is no such thing for victim fund recovery from these types of scams. Block them immediately. Do not communicate further. If you want to report them, you can try the UAE's cybercrime portal, but don't expect the fee back.

This is a classic advance-fee scam variant. They pretend to be a recovery service but are actually just scamming you again. The mention of the specific platform is a tactic to gain your confidence. Legitimate recovery efforts, if successful, would typically deduct fees from the recovered amount or operate on a contingency basis agreed upon beforehand. Never pay upfront fees for the promise of recovered funds. Report them to Action Fraud.

I’ve seen this exact same situation before. The ‘anti-money laundering clearance fee’ is a made-up charge. They know you're desperate and will try anything. Think about it logically: if they *had* your money, they’d just take their cut. Why would they need you to pay them extra first? It’s a way to scam you twice. Report them to the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin) in Germany.

This is a well-known scam, often called a 'recovery scam'. They identify victims of prior scams and promise to recover their lost funds for an upfront fee. The knowledge of the platform is a manipulation tactic. Genuine recovery agencies do not ask for upfront payments like this. They may take a percentage of the recovered funds, but not a fee before the recovery. Please do not send them any money. Report this to Action Fraud.

Oh man, that sounds incredibly rough. Losing that much money, especially when it's for a house deposit, is just soul-crushing. I'm so sorry you went through that. It's fantastic that you reported it to An Garda Síochána, even if you haven't heard much back yet. Sometimes those investigations take ages. Don't give up hope on that front. This 'Refund Rescue' situation though... it rings HUGE alarm bells, tbh. Asking for a fee upfront before releasing recovered funds? That's a classic second-scam move. They know you're vulnerable and desperate. Be super careful.

Oh no, that sounds like a nightmare. I can only imagine how awful you must feel right now. It's completely understandable that you're desperate to get your savings back. But yeah, that 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' sounds super fishy. Most legitimate recovery operations (if they even exist, and they're rare!) wouldn't ask for money upfront like that. They usually take a percentage *after* they successfully recover something. Did they offer any sort of contract or service agreement? I'd be very, very wary.

🚨 DANGER! 🚨 This is a textbook advance-fee fraud, a common sequel to initial investment scams. They dangle the bait of your lost money, then reel you in with a fee. 'Refund Rescue' sounds like a fabricated entity designed to exploit victims. The fact they mentioned the specific platform is likely a tactic; they might have bought lists of victims or scraped data. Do NOT pay them. Report this new attempt to Action Fraud in the UK or your local police cybercrime unit. Never pay upfront fees for recovery.

I think my heart dropped reading this. I lost a bit less than you, maybe 8k, to a fake forex thing last year. Reported it to the guards too. They were nice but said it was hard to track international crypto stuff. Then I got an email from a place called 'Action Refund' promising to get my money back. I almost paid them the fee they wanted, but my sister talked me out of it. She said it felt too good to be true. I'm so glad I listened. This 'Refund Rescue' sounds exactly like them. Please don't send them any more money.

Mate, I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's gutting to lose that much, and then to be targeted again... that's just vultures picking at a wound. 'Refund Rescue' sounds dodgy as hell. Recovery scams are unfortunately super common after the initial crypto/investment frauds. They prey on desperation. No legitimate recovery firm will ask for an upfront 'clearance' or 'admin' fee. Their payment is almost always a success fee, taken *after* the funds are returned. Stick to official channels like Action Fraud if you haven't already. Don't send them a cent.

Urgh, this is a horrible situation. Been there, though not with crypto, with a fake job scam. They got me for like $500 for 'training materials'. Then, when I realized it was fake, a company contacted me saying they could recover my money. They wanted $100 for 'processing'. I paid it. BIG mistake. Never saw the $100 again, and obviously, my original money was gone. They were probably linked to the original scammers. Please, please do not pay this 'Refund Rescue' company. It's almost certainly a second scam.

Oh, that's heartbreaking. I'm so sorry about your house deposit. It's completely understandable that you'd be desperate for any glimmer of hope. That 'Refund Rescue' sounds exactly like the kind of thing I've heard about on consumer protection forums here in SA. They prey on people who have already lost money. The 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is a classic red flag. They invent these 'fees' to extract more money from you. Never pay upfront for recovery services. If they *did* recover anything, they'd take their cut from the recovered amount.

Okay, hold up. 'Refund Rescue' asking for an *anti-money laundering clearance fee*? That sounds like pure theatre. Why would *they* need to clear *your* money for anti-money laundering purposes when they are supposedly recovering it *from* AML activities? It doesn't make sense. This is likely just a fabricated excuse to get you to pay again. I'd bet my savings (which you don't have anymore, sadly) that this is a secondary scam. Don't pay it. Maybe try reporting this new company to the FCA or similar, even if it feels like a long shot.

That's a really tough spot to be in, I'm sorry you're dealing with this on top of the initial loss. It's great that you're questioning it though – that's the right instinct. Recovery scams are unfortunately quite common after people fall for investment fraud. The 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' sounds like a total fabrication. Legitimate recovery efforts typically operate on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover your funds, and their fee is a percentage of what they recover. Don't send them any money.

Ah Jaysus, that's awful. I felt sick reading it, I can only imagine how you feel. Losing that deposit is devastating. And then to be contacted by a company like that... it's pure evil. They're sharks, alright. That fee sounds like a complete scam. They're probably trying to get another €2,000 out of you. Don't do it. Seriously. Maybe try reporting this new crowd to the Garda cybercrime unit? Even if they can't get your money back, they might be able to stop these guys scamming someone else.

This 'Refund Rescue' sounds like a classic scam, a 'recovery scam' to be precise. They target people who have already been scammed, knowing they're emotionally vulnerable and desperate for their money back. The fee structure is the biggest giveaway: asking for upfront payment for 'clearance' is a huge red flag. Real recovery firms, if they even exist and are legitimate (which is rare), take a percentage of the *recovered* funds, not an upfront fee. Check if they are regulated by any financial authorities. If they aren't, or can't prove it, walk away.

Oh, that's just terrible. Losing your house deposit is devastating, and then to have these vultures circle... no words. I had a similar thing happen after I lost money to a dodgy online share broker. A company called 'Wealth Recovery International' contacted me, said they could help. They wanted an 'international transfer fee' upfront. Thank God I checked their registration with ASIC – turns out they weren't registered and had a bunch of complaints against them. Turned out they were just another scam. Please, please don't pay 'Refund Rescue'. They're likely criminals.

This whole situation sounds incredibly stressful, and I'm really sorry you're going through it. That 'Refund Rescue' asking for an upfront fee, especially for something like 'anti-money laundering clearance,' is a massive red flag. Recovery scams are unfortunately rampant. They often use sophisticated tactics, like mentioning details of your original scam, to gain your trust. A legitimate recovery process doesn't usually require you to pay fees *before* any funds are recovered. Their payment is typically conditional on success and taken from the recovered amount. Look into official reporting channels like the FBI's IC3.

This sounds incredibly similar to a situation my cousin went through. She lost about £10k to a romance scam and then got contacted by a firm claiming they could get it back. They asked for an 'admin fee' and then a 'legal processing fee'. She paid both, totalling nearly £3k. Surprise, surprise, the money never reappeared, and the firm vanished. It's a double scam. Don't pay 'Refund Rescue'. Seriously. If they claim they have your money, ask them to deduct their fee *from* the recovered funds. If they refuse, it's a scam.

This sounds exactly like a recovery scam. It's a common follow-on scam targeting victims of investment fraud. They often know details about your original loss (like the platform name) because they might be run by the same people or buy victim data. The key red flag here is the upfront 'anti-money laundering clearance fee'. Legitimate recovery firms usually work on a success fee basis, taking a percentage of the recovered funds *after* the money is returned to you. They don't ask for money upfront. Check if 'Refund Rescue' is registered with the relevant financial regulator in their jurisdiction (e.g., FCA in the UK, or ASIC in Australia). If they aren't, or can't provide proof, it's a scam.

Oh wow, that's terrible. I lost money to a dodgy crypto scheme a few years back, around 5k. A place called 'Payback Ltd' contacted me saying they recovered funds for people. They wanted an 'escrow fee' upfront. I was so tempted, felt like my only chance. But I remembered my dad always saying 'if it sounds too good to be true...' so I held off. Turns out they were just another scam, probably linked to the original guys. So glad I didn't send them anything. Please don't send 'Refund Rescue' any money. It's a trap.

This is a very common tactic. The initial investment scam creates the victim. The 'recovery company' like 'Refund Rescue' then targets the victim. The 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is a fabricated charge. It sounds official and might even be backed by forged documents, but it's designed purely to extract more money. No legitimate entity would ask for such a fee upfront to release funds *they* claim to have recovered. You should report this new attempt to your local police's cybercrime unit, and also consider filing a report with the CFTC if there's any cross-border element, though they mainly deal with commodities and futures.

That's brutal, mate. Dealing with the initial loss is bad enough, but then getting targeted again by recovery scammers... it's pure evil. 'Refund Rescue' sounds like a textbook example. They know you're desperate and likely to believe anything that promises your money back. The upfront fee is the biggest giveaway. No legitimate outfit works like that. They get paid *if* they succeed, and their fee comes out of the recovered money. Think of it like a lawyer taking a cut of a settlement. If they demand money *before* that settlement happens, it's dodgy. Don't pay them.

This scenario is unfortunately extremely common. The initial investment scam is the first hit, and the 'recovery firm' is the second, often more predatory, scam. They know victims are often too embarrassed or disillusioned to report the secondary attempt. The mention of the specific platform is a common tactic to build false credibility. The 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is a classic advance-fee fraud component. It sounds vaguely official but has no real basis. The best course of action is to cease all contact with 'Refund Rescue' and report them to your national financial regulator or a body like the FBI's IC3, even if you don't expect direct recovery.

Oh no, that sounds utterly soul-destroying. I lost a chunk of savings a few years ago to a fake online shopping site – not crypto, but still a huge hit. Then, I got contacted by someone claiming to be from a 'consumer protection agency' who said they could help recover my funds. They wanted a 'processing fee'. I was so upset and angry, I nearly paid it. But then I remembered reading about these recovery scams. I'm so glad I didn't. It's a scam, 100%. Please, please don't pay them. Tell them you're reporting them to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) here in SA. That might scare them off.

This sounds like a textbook advance-fee scam, a common follow-on tactic after the initial investment fraud. The mention of your previous scam platform is likely based on data leaked from that incident or general reconnaissance. Never pay fees to 'recover' funds that were themselves obtained illegally or through fraud. These entities, like 'Refund Rescue' and others such as Action Refund or Wealth Recovery International, prey on victims' desperation. You should report this new interaction to your local authorities too, perhaps citing the platform's name again. The 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is a fabricated hurdle. Legitimate recovery efforts, if any, don't operate this way.

Oh man, that's rough. Losing that kind of money, especially when it's for a house deposit? Heartbreaking. And then to be contacted by these 'rescuers' after reporting it to the Gardaí... it's like they're watching. I'm not sure about this 'Refund Rescue' crew. The fee thing sounds really fishy. I've heard of people getting scammed twice this way. Don't send them the money. Maybe try contacting An Garda Síochána again, or maybe the FBI's IC3? They handle a lot of online stuff.

The name 'Refund Rescue' itself sounds a bit too good to be true. And asking for an upfront fee, especially one framed as 'anti-money laundering clearance'? That's a huge red flag, imo. Scammers often create elaborate stories and 'official-looking' documents to trick people who are already feeling vulnerable. They probably got your details from the first scam. It's unlikely they can actually recover your funds, and the fee is just more money lost. Stay away from it.

Listen, I know the feeling of wanting your money back so badly you'd do almost anything. But this 'Refund Rescue' is almost certainly another scam, just a different flavour. They latch onto the victims of the first scam. That fee? It's not real. They just want another chunk of your money. Don't pay it. Report them to Action Fraud in the UK if you can, or your local police again. They operate internationally, these guys.

I'm very sorry to hear about your situation. Losing such a significant amount is devastating. This 'Refund Rescue' company, frankly, sounds highly suspicious. The fact that they contacted you *after* you reported the initial scam and are now asking for a fee before releasing *recovered* funds is a classic double-scam. These operations often use information gleaned from initial scams to target victims again. A legitimate recovery service, if such a thing were even possible in this context, would not typically require an upfront 'AML clearance fee' like this. Please do not send them any more money.

This screams scam. Seriously. They knew the platform you used? They probably got that info from the original scammer's data breach or from your report if it became public somehow. And now they want an 'AML fee'? Lol no. That's just a way to get more money from you. They won't recover anything. They're just as bad as the first scammers, maybe worse bc they target people who have already lost money. Be really careful.

I was in almost the exact same boat. Lost about 10k GBP to a forex scam about a year ago. Reported it, nothing. Then some outfit called 'Payback Ltd' contacted me about recovering it. They also wanted a 'processing fee' first. I paid it, thinking it was the final step. Never saw a penny, and they disappeared. Turned out 'Payback Ltd' is well-known scammer. So yeah, this 'Refund Rescue' sounds exactly like that. Don't do it. Contact Action Fraud or the FCA if you're in the UK. They can't recover it but might track these guys.

Ugh, that initial crypto scam sounds brutal. I lost a few thousand on a crypto thing a while back, not house deposit money thank god, but it still stung. These recovery companies? Sketchy. Super sketchy. The 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is the biggest giveaway. It's just an excuse to squeeze more cash out of you. They probably got your details from the original scam. Don't fall for it a second time. I'd suggest reporting them to the ASIC if you're in Australia, or even just your local police again.

Absolutely not. This is a common follow-up scam. They get your details from the initial scam or data leaks. The mention of the platform is to gain your trust. The 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is pure fabrication to extract more money from you. These 'recovery' firms are rarely, if ever, legitimate. They are sharks preying on vulnerable victims. Report this new company to An Garda Síochána immediately. Do NOT pay them. It's best to chalk the initial loss up to experience and focus on protecting yourself from further fraud.

This is a classic pincer movement by fraudsters. First, they relieve you of your savings, then they have their 'recovery' specialists contact you, often using information from the initial crime, to offer a solution – for a fee, of course. The 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is a spurious charge, designed to sound official and technical. They are essentially asking you to pay them again, possibly more than you lost initially. I'd strongly advise you to treat 'Refund Rescue' as the same scam syndicate or an affiliate of the original perpetrators. Always verify any recovery entity through independent channels, like official government consumer protection websites or regulatory bodies such as the CFTC in the US, before engaging.

Hang on — wait. This sounds incredibly familiar. I got scammed out of about 5k USD on a fake trading app last year. Reported it to the FBI IC3, but you know how it is. Then, maybe 3 months later, a company called 'Action Refund' contacted me. Said they could get my money back. They also needed a 'verification fee' first. Sounded legit enough at the time, because I was so focused on getting my money. Paid it. Never heard from them again. Just vanished. So yeah, this 'Refund Rescue' sounds like exactly the same game. Don't send them anything.

Man, I feel for you. That's a gut punch. I got hit by a fake investment thing too, lost about 8k AUD. It's sickening. And yeah, these 'recovery' companies are the worst. They're like vultures. They probably got your info from the first scam. That fee sounds like total BS. They just want to take more of your money. I'd say cut your losses with them and don't send any more money. Maybe try reporting the 'Refund Rescue' company to ASIC? They're the regulators here.

Yeah, this is 100% a scam. Sorry you're going through this. After I lost money to a crypto scam a few years back, I got contacted by a company that promised to recover my funds for a 'small processing fee'. They asked for $500. I almost paid it, but then I remembered my bank, Chase, had warned me about these recovery scams. I called them, and they confirmed it was a scam. So the tip is: if you're asked for money upfront to get your money back, it's almost certainly a scam. Call your bank or a trusted fraud reporting agency first.

This is distressing. I experienced something very similar. Lost about 7k SGD to a forex scam. Then this company, 'Recovery Solutions' (not sure if related), contacted me. They asked for a 'compliance fee' – similar to your AML fee. They had details about the scam platform too. I was so hopeful. I paid the fee. Then they asked for another 'transfer fee'. That's when I realised. They were just bleeding me dry. They are not legitimate. You must not pay them. Report them to the Commercial Affairs Department here in Singapore. They are the ones who deal with this.

Oh no, this is horrible. I also lost money, about 3k EUR, to a fake crypto platform last year. It was devastating. I reported it to the police here in France but they said it was hard to track. Then, like you, I was contacted by a company claiming they could get my money back. They wanted an 'administrative fee'. I almost paid it, but my husband said it sounded too good to be true. He was right. It was another scam. That 'Refund Rescue' is definitely a scam. Don't send them money.

This sounds exactly like what happened to me. I lost about £12k in a fake share scheme a couple of years back. Reported it to Action Fraud, but they said it was complex. Then 'Refund Rescue' (seriously, that's the name they used too!) contacted me saying they could recover it. They asked for an 'international transfer fee' of £1,500. I was so desperate. I almost sent it, but then I saw a post on a forum warning about them. They're scammers. Don't give them any money. They're just preying on people like us who've already lost money.

The fact they know the platform is alarming, but it's likely they got that info from the initial scam's data leak or from publicly available scam lists. Asking for an upfront fee, especially something like an 'anti-money laundering clearance fee', is a massive red flag. Legitimate recovery services (which are rare and often difficult to find) typically operate on a success fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover your money, and even then, it's usually a percentage of the recovered amount, not an upfront fee. Report them to the FCA in the UK if you're based there.

Man, I know that sick feeling. I lost about $20k on a phishing scam last year. Reported it, of course. Then these guys, 'Global Recovery Partners', popped up offering to help. They wanted a 'legal processing fee'. Sounded official, right? Wrong. Total scam. They just wanted another bite at my wallet. They're probably connected to the original scammers, or at least run by the same people. That AML fee is just a made-up excuse. Don't pay it. Check out the FTC's website for info on recovery scams.

Hey, that sounds really tough, I'm sorry you're going through this. It's completely understandable why you'd want your money back, especially after such a big hit. But yeah, that 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' sounds like a major red flag. I've heard stories about these recovery companies actually being scams themselves. They often know details from the original scam to try and build trust. Maybe try reaching out to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre? They might have some advice.

No, no, no. That's not how it works. You lost money to a scam, and now another group is asking for money to 'recover' it? That's the oldest trick in the book, besides the initial scam itself. They probably got your contact details from the first scammers. That 'AML fee' is just hot air. They will not recover your money. They will just take your 2,000 EUR and disappear. It's sad, but you have to accept the loss from the first scam and move on. Don't let them scam you again.

This is a classic secondary scam, unfortunately. The 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is a common tactic. They're essentially demanding more money by creating a fake obstacle. Real recovery agencies, if they exist, wouldn't ask for upfront fees like this, especially not for AML clearance. They might take a percentage *after* recovery, but this smells fishy. If you want to pursue actual reporting channels, An Garda Síochána has a fraud unit, or you could try Action Fraud in the UK if the platform had any ties there. But honestly, I wouldn't send them another cent.

I know that feeling. I lost a lot too, maybe 10k USD, to what I thought was a legit trading bot. They promised the moon, then poof. Later, someone claiming to be from 'Wealth Recovery International' contacted me. Said they could get it back. Asked for an upfront admin fee. I paid it. And guess what? Never heard from them again. Total loss. This 'Refund Rescue' sounds exactly the same. These people prey on people like us who are already hurting. Don't do it. It's a trap within a trap.

Oh no, this is a HUGE red flag. They *knew* the platform you used? That's likely because they were connected to the original scam, or they got your details from a data leak after you reported it. No legitimate recovery service charges an upfront 'AML clearance fee' to release funds. This is how they get you to send more money. They are almost certainly not recovering anything; they're just trying to extract more cash. Please do not pay them. Report them to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) if you can, and block all communication.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. That initial loss sounds devastating. It's completely understandable why you'd be tempted by 'Refund Rescue' especially when they seem so professional and mention details that surprise you. That's their trick. They might have data mining capabilities or even be linked to the original scam artists. Please, please be very cautious. Sending more money is almost certainly not going to get your original funds back. It's tough, but sometimes the best you can do is report it and try to move on, learning from the experience.

This is textbook. They reel you in with the promise of recovery, then hit you with a bogus 'fee' to release the 'recovered' funds. It's a common secondary scam targeting victims who have already lost money. The fact they knew the platform is worrying – they might have bought your contact details from the original scammers or a data broker. Never pay upfront fees for recovery services. If a service is legitimate, they typically take a percentage of the recovered amount *after* you have the funds in your account. Report this company to the FBI IC3 and your local police, and definitely do not send them any more money.

That sounds incredibly stressful, especially after already losing so much. It's easy to fall for these recovery scams when you're feeling desperate. The fact they contacted you out of the blue and are asking for an upfront fee like that is a big warning sign. Most legitimate places work on a success fee basis. Don't let them pressure you. Take a deep breath and try to get more information. Maybe see if you can find any independent reviews of 'Refund Rescue' online – but be careful, as even scam sites can have fake reviews. Stay strong!

Oh man, I’ve been there. Crypto rug pull, lost like 5k CHF. Felt like an idiot. Then some guy emailed me, said he was part of this 'special unit' that recovers crypto. He asked for a 'legal processing fee'. I almost sent it. My wife talked me out of it. Thank god. Turns out he was just trying to pull the same scam as the first guys. This ‘Refund Rescue’ sounds like the same playbook. That fee is their hook. Don't bite. They're vultures. Stick to official channels, even if they're slow.

That's a tough spot to be in, especially when you're already feeling the sting of the initial loss. It's smart that you're questioning this 'Refund Rescue' company. Their professional demeanor and knowledge of the scam platform are designed to build trust, but asking for an upfront fee like that is a common tactic for follow-on scams. They profit from your hope. It’s a tough lesson, but often the only 'recovery' is learning to be extra vigilant and reporting the scams to agencies like the CFTC if it was related to financial products.

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. It's awful that people get scammed, and even worse that other scammers then target those victims. This 'Refund Rescue' sounds very suspicious. Asking for an 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is a typical scam tactic to get more money from you before you realize there's no recovery happening. Please don't pay them. If you want to report this, you can try contacting the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) or filing a report with the police. Stay safe!

Ugh, I know this story too well. Lost about R20,000 from a fake forex investment scam. They were super convincing, had fake charts and everything. Then, a few months later, I got an email from 'Global Fund Recovery'. They said they could get my money back, but first, I needed to pay a 'compliance fee'. I was so tempted, spent days agonizing. My brother, who works in finance, told me it was a scam. He said legitimate recovery firms don't work like that. He advised me to report it to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in SA. I never paid the fee, and I never saw my money again, but at least I didn't lose more. Stay away from 'Refund Rescue'.

Mate, that's rough. I fell for something similar after losing $10k to a dodgy share tip site. A company called 'Action Refund' contacted me, claiming they could get my money back from the bad guys. They seemed legit, even had documents. But then they wanted a 'processing fee' upfront. I almost paid it, but my wife said it felt off. I did some digging and found out 'Action Refund' is known for scamming people too. It's a trap. They're either connected to the original scammer or just preying on the vulnerable. Don't give them any more cash. Report them to ASIC if you can, and block them. It's a hard lesson, I know.

My gut feeling is screaming 'scam' here. The fact that they contacted *you* specifically and know the platform you used is highly suspicious. It could be that the original scammers sold your contact details, or this company is just making educated guesses. The 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is a huge red flag. Real recovery outfits usually operate on a contingency basis – they only get paid if they successfully recover your funds, and it's a percentage of what they get *back*. Not an upfront fee to release money they supposedly already have. Definitely do not pay. If you want to report this, you can try the national fraud hotline or your local police department. It’s unlikely they can recover the original money, but reporting might stop them from scamming others.

This sounds like a classic 'recovery scam'. They find people who have already been scammed and try to scam them again. The 'anti-money laundering clearance fee' is a made-up charge designed to get more money from you. If they were legitimate and had recovered your funds, they wouldn't need you to pay a fee *before* releasing them. They'd likely take their cut from the recovered amount. I'd be very wary. Report them to your local authorities and consider it a lesson learned, unfortunately. It's often harder to recover from these follow-on scams.

As a cybersecurity analyst, I can tell you this is textbook. The recovery scam operates by exploiting the victim's desperation. The mention of the specific platform is likely a scare tactic or comes from publicly available information about scams. The 'AML clearance fee' is entirely fabricated. No legitimate financial institution or recovery service would demand such a fee upfront for releasing funds they claim to already hold. They operate on a success-fee basis, if at all. Your best course of action is to cease all communication, report them to the relevant financial regulatory body in your country (like the BaFin in Germany, or if international, potentially the FCA or CFTC if there are any links), and block them. This is a common phishing/extortion technique.

This is deeply concerning, but sadly, not uncommon. The initial crypto scam is devastating, and then these vultures swoop in. The 'Refund Rescue' company is almost certainly a scam itself. They prey on victims who are already feeling vulnerable and desperate. The fee they're asking for is a way to extract more money from you. They might have obtained your contact details from the original scammers or through data breaches. Please do not pay them any money. Report this to the authorities, such as Action Fraud in the UK if there's any connection, or your national fraud reporting agency. Cut off all contact.

Oh dear, that sounds awful. I’m so sorry you lost that money. It’s completely understandable that you’d want to get it back. But this ‘Refund Rescue’… asking for an upfront fee like that, especially after you’ve already been scammed? That’s a massive red flag. They’re probably just trying to scam you again. It’s a horrible situation to be in. Maybe try reporting them to the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM) in the Netherlands? And please, please don't send them any more money. Wishing you the best.

Hang in there. I got hit with a fake investment scheme too, lost about $8k. They promised huge returns, then vanished. A few weeks later, a company called 'Payback Ltd' contacted me. Said they could recover funds for a small percentage plus a 'processing fee'. Sounded legit at first, especially since they mentioned the name of the fake broker. But I remembered how burned I felt. I asked my cousin who's a lawyer. She said it's a common scam to hit people twice. She told me to report it to the RCMP and never pay upfront fees. So I didn't. Haven't seen the money since, but I didn't lose more.

I can relate. I lost a chunk of money, maybe $5k, to an online betting scam last year. I was so angry and upset. Then this guy emails me, claims he's from a 'recovery agency' and can get my money back. He said I needed to pay a 'tax' before the funds could be released. I almost did it. But then I saw an article about these recovery scams. They're like hyenas, they come after you when you're already down. I just ignored him and blocked his email. It hurt losing the money, but losing more would have been way worse. Please, don't give them a dime.

This sounds exactly like what happened to my aunt. She lost about £12,000 to a fake inheritance scam. Then, a company called 'Wealth Recovery International' contacted her, saying they could get it back. They asked for an 'administrative fee' upfront. She was so hopeful. My uncle had to step in and stop her from sending the money because he’d heard about these recovery scams. They are a scam themselves. They take advantage of your hope and despair. Please, do not pay them. Report them to Action Fraud if you are in the UK, or your country’s equivalent. You've been through enough.