Anyone who has Crypto fraud Those who have suffered financial losses due to fraudulent trading platforms are increasingly confronted with another threat: so-called Recovery Scams. Companies are approaching victims with the targeted promise of recovering lost funds – in exchange for upfront payment. In this context, there are increasing reports of contact being made under the name Astra Veritas (astra-legalberatung.com). The following article explains how this type of fraud works structurally, which legal classifications are relevant, and what steps victims should take.
What is a recovery scam?
A recovery scam is a type of fraud in which perpetrators specifically target people who already a victim of investment fraud or crypto fraud have become. The perpetrators pose as specialized recovery service providers, blockchain investigators, independent experts, or even as supposed government representatives.
The core promise is always the same: the lost funds have already been located, frozen, or can be recovered – against an advance payment. In reality, no such possibility exists. The payment goes directly to the perpetrators, and afterwards either further demands for money follow or all contact ceases.
Recovery scams have developed into a distinct criminal phenomenon in the digital financial sector in recent years. The number of unreported cases is high, as many victims do not file a report out of shame or resignation.
Astra Veritas (astra-legalberatung.com) – Warning signs and reports from those affected
Under the name Astra Veritas and the domain astra-legalberatung.com, there are increasing reports of contact attempts following a known pattern. These are accounts and descriptions from victims. The described patterns show significant overlap with typical recovery scam structures.
According to reports, initial contact is often unsolicited via email, telephone, or social media platforms. The perpetrators deliberately mention details from the original fraud case—such as the amount invested or the platform used—to build trust and feign professionalism. Subsequently, they suggest that the lost funds have already been "located" and can simply be "unlocked"—upon an advance payment for alleged fees, taxes, or processing charges, often in cryptocurrencies.
According to reports, after the initial payment, either further demands with new justifications follow, or contact ceases completely. Reputable lawyers and investigative authorities never demand lump-sum advance payments for allegedly already secured assets – this fact alone is a reliable warning sign.
Crypto fraud and recovery scam – why victims are doubly targeted
Recovery scams are so dangerous because they deliberately exploit emotional vulnerability. Those who have suffered significant financial losses are often in a psychologically stressful situation – and are therefore more susceptible to seemingly professional offers of help.
Furthermore, in many cases the perpetrators possess astonishingly detailed information: they know the amount of the loss, the platform used, and sometimes even personal contact details. There is a well-founded suspicion that data is being shared or sold between different groups of perpetrators. In some cases, the same masterminds even operate first as a fraudulent trading platform and then – under a new name – as supposed saviors.
Recent cases from police statistics and press releases from law enforcement agencies confirm that this type of fraud is increasing throughout Germany. Losses in the five- and six-figure range are not uncommon.
Fraud according to § 263 of the German Criminal Code – legal classification of the recovery scam
Recovery scams generally constitute the criminal offense of fraud under Section 263 of the German Criminal Code (StGB). The perpetrators deceive victims about facts – such as the alleged location or freezing of lost cryptocurrencies – in order to induce a transfer of assets in the form of a payment. The fact that the promised service is never intended to be provided constitutes the fraudulent intent.
For those affected, several legal questions typically arise in this context. Whether payments made can be reclaimed depends crucially on the specific payment method. With regulated payment providers or card payments, chargeback claims or claims for damages may exist. Cryptocurrency payments are technically almost impossible to reverse directly, but are relevant under criminal and civil law. Filing a criminal complaint with the competent public prosecutor's office or police is generally advisable, as it triggers investigations and can serve as a basis for any civil proceedings. Depending on the circumstances, international legal assistance procedures may also be considered for perpetrators based abroad.
Recovery for Victims of Scams – Concrete Steps After Contact by Astra Veritas
If you have been contacted by a company like Astra Veritas or have already made payments as part of a supposed recovery service, it is important to proceed calmly and systematically. Hasty actions can weaken your legal position.
Under no circumstances should any further payments be made – every additional transfer increases the damage without improving the chances of recovery. All existing documents should be fully secured: emails, chat logs, payment receipts, and screenshots are essential for a legal review. All contact with the alleged service provider should be discontinued, as further communication has been shown to worsen the situation. The next step is to obtain an initial legal assessment before making any further decisions. Additionally, filing a criminal complaint with the police or public prosecutor's office should be considered, as this will initiate an investigation and is often a prerequisite for further legal action.
Important: Even if payments have already been made, the situation should not be prematurely dismissed as hopeless. Depending on the payment method and the specific circumstances, legal avenues may exist.
Hiring a lawyer in case of recovery scam – when and why it's worthwhile
The legal handling of a recovery scam is complex – especially when substantial sums have already changed hands, payments were made via cryptocurrencies, or the perpetrators are based abroad. In these situations, it is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in banking and capital markets law as well as digital financial crime at an early stage.
One legal advice Among other things, it can clarify the following points: the realistic assessment of recovery opportunities, the analysis of payment flows, coordination with law enforcement authorities, and the examination of civil claims against participating platforms or payment service providers.
Rogert & Ulbrich Lawyers advise clients in the field of banking and capital markets law and are available for an initial assessment of your situation. Get in touch and clarify your legal options.
Conclusion: Beware of the second scam
Recovery scams like the one reported in connection with the name Astra Veritas deliberately exploit the distress of those who have already been victims. A professional demeanor, technical jargon, and supposed guarantees of success are no indication of legitimacy. The crucial warning sign remains the demand for advance payments for services that cannot be provided.
Anyone who has fallen victim to a recovery scam or is unsure whether such contact has occurred should seek legal advice without delay. An early assessment of the individual situation can help prevent further harm and allow for the utilization of available legal options.
