Fake Lawyers Targeting Crypto Scam Victims with Alarming Sophistication, FBI Warns

The FBI has warned of a new scam targeting crypto scam victims, where con artists pose as lawyers to recover stolen funds. The scammers use fake agencies, forged documents, and phony bank sites to steal more funds. Victims are pressured to pay upfront in crypto or gift cards after being added to staged WhatsApp chats. The FBI advises adopting a "Zero Trust" approach and maintaining detailed records of interactions.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning about a sophisticated scam targeting individuals who have previously been victims of cryptocurrency theft. In this new scheme, con artists pose as lawyers, claiming to be able to recover the stolen funds. The scammers use fake agencies, forged documents, and phony bank sites to deceive their victims. Victims are pressured to pay upfront in cryptocurrency or gift cards after being added to staged WhatsApp chats.

According to the FBI, the scammers exploit the desperation of victims who have lost significant funds to earlier scams. They use the information available on the dark web to target these individuals, making their schemes appear legitimate. The FBI advises adopting a "Zero Trust" approach, which involves verifying the authenticity of any contact or claim before providing any personal or financial information.

One of the key tactics used by these scammers is to create fake bank sites and forged documents to build trust with their victims. They also use staged WhatsApp chats to create a sense of urgency and pressure victims into paying upfront fees. The FBI warns that these fees are often used to fund further criminal activities.

The FBI has provided several tips to help victims avoid falling victim to these scams. They recommend maintaining detailed records of all interactions with anyone claiming to be able to recover stolen funds. This includes keeping a record of any phone calls, emails, or messages exchanged. The FBI also advises victims to be wary of any requests for upfront payments and to verify the authenticity of any documents or agencies claimed to be involved in the recovery process.

The FBI's warning comes at a time when cryptocurrency scams have reached unprecedented levels. According to a report from Vocal.media, over $1.77 billion was stolen in the first quarter of 2025 alone, including the infamous $1.5 billion Ethereum theft on ByBit [3].

In response to this growing threat, the FBI has called on the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agencies. They also advise victims to seek the help of reputable organizations and to be cautious when dealing with anyone claiming to be able to recover stolen funds.

References:
[1] https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams
[2] https://bitcoinist.com/ransomware-empire-falls-feds-hammer-blacksuit-with-1m-crypto-seizure/
[3] https://vocal.media/humans/crypto-scam-recovery-the-complete-2025-playbook-for-getting-your-funds-back