The Better Business Bureau warns of a new scam trend: fraudsters preying on people who’ve already been scammed, offering to recover lost funds for a price.

“This deceptive tactic, known as a ‘recovery or refund scam,’ exploits the emotional vulnerability and financial desperation of previous victims,” said Steve Bernas, BBB president and CEO. Steve Bernas

Reports to the BBB and the Federal Trade Commission show a surge in cases where con artists pose as representatives of government agencies, law enforcement, or financial institutions, claiming they can help victims reclaim their money, if they pay up-front fees. What’s worse, once someone falls for a scam, their personal information may be sold on the dark web, flagging them as an easy target for future schemes.

How the scam unfolds

•

See Full Page