The FBI is warning that criminals are impersonating federal agents and using AI-generated videos and spoofed government websites to re-target people who have already lost money to fraud. Officials say so-called “recovery” scams are becoming harder to detect as scammers adopt more convincing technology and government branding to solicit new payments.
FBI Flags Rise in Sophisticated ‘Recovery’ Scams
According to the bureau, offenders contact prior fraud victims while posing as investigators or regulators, claiming they can retrieve stolen funds or seize perpetrators’ assets. The pitch often includes fabricated case numbers, forged documents, or videos designed to look like official briefings. Victims are then pressured to pay up-front “fees,” “taxes,” or “verification costs” to release the funds.
How the Schemes Target Previous Victims
- Scammers claim to represent federal agencies or task forces and reference the victim’s earlier loss to establish credibility.
- They direct victims to websites that mimic .gov portals, file-sharing dashboards, or case-tracking pages.
- Fraudsters request additional personal information, remote access to devices, or cryptocurrency payments to “validate” identities or process recoveries.
- In crypto-related cases, victims are told their funds have been located on a blockchain and that a service fee or tax is required before assets can be returned.
AI, Deepfakes, and Spoofed Sites Add Credibility
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated voices and deepfake-style videos to impersonate officials, as well as email domains and websites that closely resemble government pages. They may spoof caller IDs and send professional-looking letters or credentials to reduce skepticism. These tactics are designed to overcome earlier red flags and convince victims to authorize new transfers.
Warning Signs and How to Respond
- Be wary of anyone who contacts you unsolicited about recovering prior losses, especially if they demand payment first.
- Verify identities using official, publicly listed phone numbers and email domains; do not rely on links or numbers provided in an unsolicited message.
- Government agencies do not request payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire to release funds.
- Never share wallet seed phrases, private keys, or grant remote access to your devices.
- Report suspected scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov or contact your local FBI field office.
The FBI’s advisory underscores a growing threat to crypto users and other fraud victims who are targeted a second time. As criminals deploy more sophisticated tools and AI-generated content, verification through official channels and refusal to pay up-front “recovery” fees remain critical defenses.