Have you ever been the victim of an online scam? It probably eats you up, thinking of those scammers enjoying the money they stole from you. Luckily, it’s actually possible to get your money back sometimes! We have some funds recovery tips to help you make the scammers pay.
Document Everything!
Document every interaction you had with the scammer. Collect your emails, chat logs, text messages, phone records, anything related to the scam. If there was a website involved, take screenshots (in case they change it or take it down). You’ll also need records of the payment(s) you made.
The Authorities Don’t Help with Funds Recovery
While you should report fraud to the police or relevant task forces, they usually won’t get your money back. If they manage to apprehend the scammer and take them to court, then the criminal might be ordered to pay you back, but that can take months or even years. If you need your money back now, don’t count on the legal system.
Ask for Your Money Back
It sounds weird, but you should always just ask the scammers to give your money back! Depending on the laws in your jurisdiction you may have to do this first before you can pursue a legal case or engage funds recovery experts.
Help is Available
There are companies who specialize in getting money back from scammers. After you’ve taken the necessary steps of documenting the scam, reporting the crime, and demanding your money back, you can contact these experts for help. They know all the different ways of tracking down your money and getting it back!
Have Patience
Unless the scammers actually comply when you ask for your money back, it will probably take some time. Funds recovery experts work more quickly than the police or a lawsuit, but they may have to try several different tactics before the scammer will actually repay you.
Don’t Blame Yourself
When you’ve fallen victim to a scam, it can be easy to feel ashamed. We all like to think that we should know better, and that we should have seen the signs. But the truth is, scammers are very clever and they are always finding new ways to trick their victims. They found what they saw as a weakness to exploit, such as your trust in your fellow human being, or your desire to have more money for your family. Remember that however bad you feel about the money you have lost, you are not the one to blame. The dishonest person or people who took your money are the real villains here.
Learn How to Spot Scams
With so many different kinds of scammers operating online today (not to mention phone scams and more), you will probably be targeted again. Take some time to educate yourself about the most common kinds of scams, such as bank account transfer scams and various “get rich quick schemes.” Once you learn how to spot them, you’ll be able to avoid them more easily in the future — and also tell your friends and family what to watch out for.
