Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond
Fraud · Recovery scams
Crypto recovery services: real or scam?
Red flagsspot them
Regulatedsolicitors
Neverupfront crypto fees
Checksbefore paying
In short: After a crypto loss, many victims are contacted by "recovery experts", "ethical hackers" or fake law firms who promise to get the money back for a fee. The FCA and police warn that these are often run by the same criminals. Legitimate recovery is done through the police, exchanges and regulated solicitors using blockchain tracing and court orders. No genuine firm can guarantee success, and none will ask for your seed phrase. Check any firm on the Solicitors Regulation Authority or FCA register, and call them on a number you find independently.
| Red flag | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| They contacted you first | Scammers target known victims |
| Guaranteed recovery | No one can promise this |
| Upfront fee in crypto | Untraceable and unrecoverable |
| Asks for seed phrase or remote access | They will empty your wallet |
| Claims to be "working with the police" | Police don't outsource to private firms like this |
| Pressure to act now | Designed to stop you checking |
Recovery scam red flags
How to check a firm
1
Check the registerSRA for solicitors, FCA for financial firms; check the FCA Warning List.
2
Verify contact detailsCall a number from the official register, not the one they gave you.
3
Ask for a written engagement letterWith costs, scope and realistic odds.
4
Pay only by traceable meansNever in crypto or gift cards.
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Can hackers recover my crypto?
No legitimate "hacker" can reverse a blockchain transaction.
What should I do instead?
Report to the police and your exchange, and speak to a regulated solicitor for large losses.
Does Fraser Bond offer crypto recovery?
No. We're a property agency.
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