The FBI warns about fake lawyers targeting victims of past crypto fraud

FBI investigators say a disturbing new fraud tactic is spreading. The fraudster pretending to be a lawyer has been in cold contact with the victims of crypto fraud and promises to recover the fund before stealing more. This scheme gives you a sophisticated and refined despair.

In an alert issued on August 13, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation exposed an elaborate fraud in which fraudsters impersonate lawyers and law firms, specifically targeting victims who lost money to cryptocurrency schemes.

These fake lawyers often cite manufactured government partnerships or fictitious agencies, such as the International Financial Trade Commission, claiming that stolen funds can be recovered through legal channels.

The FBI said victims are under pressure to pay prepaid fees before being poured into WhatsApp group chats with “bank processors” or other fake officials, usually with cryptocurrency or prepaid gift cards. By the time the target realizes the trick, their funds have long run.

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Red flags and protection measures

The latest FBI warnings reveal that these fake law firms can employ ominously effective tactics to look legal. One Telltail Sign is an instant red flag, coupled with the use of genuine appearance legal documents with stolen letterheads from real companies and the claims of special partnerships with government agencies, as private legal companies do not hold such official designations.

What’s particularly insidious about these frauds is the level of research conducted on the victims. The scammer is well aware of the exact details of the target’s previous loss, including the exact amount stolen, the date of the transaction, and even the name of the original fraud operation.

This intimate knowledge disarms the victims and makes the fake lawyer appear more reliable. This scheme usually escalates when victims are instructed to register their accounts in what looks like a foreign bank and have a professional website, a sophisticated façade designed to harvest more funds.

FBI Defense Playbook

Law enforcement experts recommend adopting what is called a “zero trust” approach when dealing with unsolicited recovery offers. This means automatically treating unexpected contacts with skepticism until they prove otherwise.

The FBI emphasizes that refusing to appear on camera or provide basic license information should be considered an immediate trading person.

The FBI also advises maintaining a detailed record of all interactions, including storing email communications and recording video calls where possible. This document may prove invaluable to investigators.

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