Greg's Corner

BBB Warns of Double-Scam Tactics

By Greg Collier

Recently, the Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about a scheme known as the Recovery or Refund Scam. This tactic specifically targets individuals who have previously fallen victim to other frauds. In these situations, criminals impersonate government representatives or financial institutions, claiming they can help victims recover lost funds in exchange for an upfront fee. Once the payment is made, the perpetrators vanish, leaving the victim defrauded yet again.

These scammers often obtain their target lists by purchasing leaked databases from previous scams, scraping complaint boards, or monitoring online discussions where victims describe their experiences. This means their approach is rarely random and is instead aimed at individuals already known to have suffered financial loss, increasing the likelihood of exploitation.

The scheme often begins with unsolicited contact. Those behind it may present themselves as being affiliated with a government agency or law enforcement but are unable to provide valid proof of such credentials. Victims are pressured to act quickly, discouraged from speaking to anyone else about the matter, and told that payment is required before any recovery process can begin. These hallmarks should be treated as serious warning signs.

Individuals who believe they are being targeted are urged to report the incident to the Better Business Bureau and to the Federal Trade Commission. It is also advisable for victims to avoid posting details of their experience on social media, as doing so can attract additional scams. Even when legitimate organizations post information about scams online, there are instances where recovery scammers attempt to make contact through those channels. This underscores the importance of exercising caution in any public discussion of financial loss.