FBI Warns of Fake ‘Crypto Recovery Law Firms’ Preying on Scam Victims

The FBI has sounded the alarm over a growing wave of fraudulent “crypto recovery” services targeting victims of Crypto scam cases. In a public notice issued Wednesday, the FBI said fictitious law firms are approaching individuals who have already lost money to crypto fraud, promising to retrieve stolen funds but ultimately aiming to steal more.

These schemes often demand upfront payments in cryptocurrency or gift cards and attempt to collect sensitive personal information. The warning builds on similar advisories released by the FBI in August 2023 and June 2024, and specifically urges caution toward unsolicited outreach from supposed legal representatives. 

“Be cautious of law firms contacting you unexpectedly, especially if you have not reported the crime to law enforcement or civil agencies,” the bureau emphasized.

FBI Issues Renewed Public Warning

The scale of crypto-related losses remains severe. Blockchain security firm CertiK reported that $2.5 billion was lost to hacks, exploits, and scams in the first half of 2025 alone. While some victims recover funds through exchanges or official channels, many are left vulnerable to secondary frauds when seeking help.

The FBI plays a central role in investigating and prosecuting crypto-related crimes, including asset seizures. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently confirmed that confiscated digital assets—after compensating victims—could be directed into the country’s national crypto reserves.

In April, the Dallas FBI seized $2.4 million worth of Bitcoin linked to a suspected hacker, and in July, federal prosecutors filed suit to formally claim the funds. Such cases underscore the growing importance of crypto assets in law enforcement operations and broader government asset management.

Seized Crypto May Bolster U.S. Holdings

However, the digital asset world’s risks extend beyond financial fraud. Authorities have documented an alarming trend of criminals resorting to physical threats. 

Kidnappings aimed at forcing crypto holders to transfer assets or pay ransom have been reported worldwide. SatoshiLabs founder Alena Vranova has estimated that at least one Bitcoin investor somewhere in the world is targeted in this way each week.

The FBI’s latest advisory serves as both a warning and a call for vigilance. Victims of crypto scams are urged to report incidents directly to official agencies rather than relying on unsolicited offers of help. With cybercrime techniques evolving and the stakes for digital wealth rising, the bureau’s message is clear: the path to recovering lost crypto does not run through cold calls and shady promises.