Recovery Scam Archive - R&U

Rechtsanwälte für Recovery Scam – Wenn Krypto-Betrugsopfer ein zweites Mal geschädigt werden

Stefan Selge — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:51:40 +0000

Recovery scam refers to a secondary fraud in which perpetrators specifically target individuals who have already been scammed. Investment or crypto fraud They have lost money. Under the promise of recovering the lost assets, further payments are fraudulently obtained.

What is a recovery scam after cryptocurrency fraud?

Recovery scams – also known as refund scams or recovery fraud – are fraudulent activities that structurally build upon a primary fraud that has already occurred. Perpetrators pose as specialized recovery service providers, lawyers, crypto investigators, or representatives of authorities such as BaFin, Europol, or public prosecutors. The core element is always an upfront payment: disguised as a processing fee, release tax, escrow deposit, or activation transaction, a payment is demanded, after which the promised service is never provided.

In practice, neither the promised repatriation service nor any legal basis for the alleged measures exists. After payment is received, contact is either completely broken off or maintained through further escalating demands for fees. Documented cases show advance payments ranging from several hundred to several thousand euros. The presentation of the offers is professionally designed: dedicated websites, forged official letters with file numbers, AI-generated team photos, and fabricated success stories create an environment of trust that is virtually impossible for victims to see through.

Have you received unsolicited contact from someone claiming to be a vehicle repatriation service? Have the legitimacy of the offer reviewed by a lawyer before making any payments.

How perpetrators obtain data from crypto fraud victims in recovery scams

Recovery scam networks do not operate indiscriminately. Victim data is obtained through multiple, complementary channels. When a fraudulent platform is exposed or shuts down, internal victim lists are often resold – recovery scam networks acquire these specifically and exploit the existing trust from the initial contact. In many cases, the perpetrator networks originate from the same organizational environment as the perpetrators of the original fraud.

In parallel, perpetrators systematically monitor public forums, review platforms, and social media for reports from fraud victims and make direct contact there. Specially created websites, optimized for search terms like "crypto fraud help" or "investment fraud money back," intercept victims via search engines. Additionally, criminal groups place paid advertisements on Google and social media, targeting users searching for information about their losses. In sophisticated cases, victims receive fake official letters announcing the alleged seizure of the fraudulent funds and demanding a release fee.

Structural warning signs in recovery scams after crypto fraud

Prepayment as a condition

The most reliable and unmistakable warning sign is a demand for advance payment – regardless of how it is described. No reputable legal service provider or forensic expert demands money before providing services. Anyone demanding a processing fee, release fee, or escrow deposit without first reviewing the case and establishing a client relationship is acting fraudulently.

Lack of documentation and unsolicited contact

No legitimate provider will contact fraud victims unsolicited. Furthermore, recovery scam providers are generally not listed in any verifiable register: neither in the German Federal Bar Association's (BRAK) directory of lawyers nor in the commercial register. Addresses provided either do not exist or belong to other companies. The .law or .legal domain extensions of some providers only create the appearance of legal legitimacy – actual licensing checks by registrars are generally not carried out.

Success guarantees and crypto payment requirements

Recovery rates, success guarantees, or concrete payout promises without prior case review are simply not possible. Anyone making such promises is misleading about the actual possibilities. The exclusive acceptance of cryptocurrencies as payment methods—Bitcoin, Tether, USDC—is no coincidence: Crypto transactions are practically impossible for laypersons to reverse without forensic assistance and evade chargeback procedures. A young domain age, which can be determined free of charge via a WHOIS query, is another structural indicator.

If you are unsure whether a contact offer is legitimate: An initial legal assessment protects against further damage. Get in touch.

Suspicious domains and websites associated with recovery scams

During research into potential recovery scam structures, domains repeatedly appear that exhibit typical characteristics of such offers. This does not constitute a definitive legal assessment in any individual case. The following list serves to illustrate typical patterns.

agbglobal.cc („Alliance Against Fraud“)This website imitates the brand name of Allianz SE, which itself explicitly warns against identity theft by third parties. The .cc domain is registered outside the German legal framework; no BaFin authorization or commercial register entry can be verified.
bavaria-rechtundberatung.com („Bavaria Law & Advice“): Suggests Bavarian regionality and legal competence, without a corresponding company being listed in the BRAK lawyers' directory or commercial register.
hengelermuellerc.com („Hengeler Müller„(") The name of the renowned law firm Hengeler Mueller is imitated by adding a "c" – a classic typosquatting pattern. This can mislead victims of fraud who are specifically seeking legal assistance.
astra-legalberatung.com („Astra Veritas„(): Combines a Latin-sounding name with multilingual content, without any registered company or law firm being demonstrable in German registers.
krypto-radar.deDespite a .de domain and German-language website, legally required information such as a legal notice with a valid address or business registration is missing. Technical terms are used without any methodological explanation.
fallzentrum.de („Fall Center“)A generic name that feigns official legitimacy. There is neither an entry in the bar register nor any verifiable connection to a legitimate consulting organization.
de-orion.site („ORION LAW AGENCY“)The prefix "de" suggests a German affiliation; the domain is registered under the generic .site extension – cheap, anonymous and available at short notice.
hilfe.law („Fraud Help“)The .law domain extension creates an impression of legal legitimacy. The name is specifically optimized for search queries like "fraud help" in order to intercept already defrauded individuals via search engines.

Common pattern: professional-looking presentation, no verifiable company registration in Germany, no affiliation with actual lawyers or specialist institutions. Note: This list serves solely to illustrate typical patterns. No final legal assessment of the individual providers is provided here.

Criminal classification of the recovery scam

Fraud according to § 263 of the German Criminal Code

Recovery scams generally constitute fraud under Section 263 of the German Criminal Code (StGB). The perpetrators deceive their victims about their identity, their licensing, and their actual ability to perform their duties, thereby creating a false impression and inducing them to make a financial transaction – namely, an advance payment. The damage occurs immediately upon payment, as the promised service is never intended from the outset. Organized and repeated offenses constitute commercial fraud under Section 263 Paragraph 3 of the German Criminal Code (StGB), which is punishable by imprisonment of up to ten years.

Further offenses

In addition to Section 263 of the German Criminal Code (StGB), other offenses may apply depending on the specific circumstances. Creating and using forged official letters, fictitious court orders, or imitated law firm letterheads constitutes forgery of documents under Section 267 of the German Criminal Code. Anyone acting as a lawyer without a license or offering legal repatriation services is also committing an administrative offense or a criminal offense under Section 3 in conjunction with Section 20 of the German Legal Services Act (RDG). In cases of cross-border criminal networks with a division of labor, the offense of forming a criminal organization under Section 129 of the German Criminal Code may also apply.

A well-founded criminal complaint, supported by secured communication and payment data, significantly increases the likelihood of a successful investigation. Don't wait too long – digital traces fade.

Legal options for victims of recovery scams in cryptocurrency fraud

Criminal complaint and forensic documentation

The first and most time-sensitive step is to file a criminal complaint with the responsible police station or the specialized public prosecutor's office for cybercrime. The quality of the accompanying documentation is crucial: all communication – emails, chat logs, payment receipts, screenshots – should be fully secured and systematically organized. If payments were processed via cryptocurrencies, a forensic blockchain analysis is necessary to trace the flow of funds and identify the perpetrators.

Civil law recovery

If payments were processed via identifiable bank accounts or payment service providers, claims for unjust enrichment under Sections 812 et seq. of the German Civil Code (BGB) may be considered. If the perpetrators' intent is proven, additional claims for damages under Section 823 Paragraph 2 of the German Civil Code (BGB) in conjunction with Section 263 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) must be examined. For card payments, chargeback procedures can be initiated – this option is generally excluded for crypto payments, which is why forensic transaction data is of particular importance here.

When legal support is advisable in cases of recovery scams

Legal support is advisable in almost every recovery scam case – regardless of whether payment has already been made or whether only initial contact has taken place. If payments were made via cryptocurrencies, specialized legal and forensic expertise is essential for tracing the fraud and securing evidence. From the mid-five-figure range upwards, legal and forensic support is regularly justified in relation to the potential for compensation and prosecution.

Even if no payment has yet been made, it is advisable to verify any contact offer received: Identifying a fraudulent contact early on protects against the full extent of the damage. Those who have already fallen victim to the original scam and are now being contacted by recovery scammers should also save all communication as potential evidence for both fraudulent activities. This communication often contains clues about the infrastructure and people behind the original scam.

If you have been contacted by an alleged recovery service provider: Take action before you pay. An initial consultation with our law firm will clarify your legal position.

Your lawyers for recovery scams and crypto fraud – Rogert & Ulbrich

The law firm Rogert & Ulbrich advises and represents clients nationwide in Area of crypto fraud and online fraud. Our lawyers have many years of experience representing aggrieved investors and crypto investors – from the initial consultation to the legal enforcement of claims for damages.

If you have fallen victim to a recovery scam or received suspicious contact, don't hesitate. Get in touch and protect your rights.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

What is a recovery scam?

A recovery scam is a secondary fraud in which perpetrators specifically target individuals who have already lost money through investment or cryptocurrency fraud. They promise to recover the lost funds in exchange for an upfront payment, but never deliver. In organized cases, the perpetrators either come from the same network as the originators of the original fraud or have acquired victim data from them. The pattern is always the same: upfront payment, followed by no contact or further demands.

How do I recognize a recovery scam?

The most reliable warning sign is the demand for advance payment before any service is provided. No reputable lawyer or forensic service provider works with such upfront fees. Other telltale signs include unsolicited contact, guarantees of success without case review, the absence of verifiable registration in the German Federal Bar Association's (BRAK) register of lawyers or the commercial register, and the exclusive acceptance of cryptocurrencies as payment.

Is recovery scam a criminal offense?

Yes. Recovery scams generally constitute fraud under Section 263 of the German Criminal Code (StGB). Repeated and organized commission of such scams constitutes commercial fraud under Section 263 Paragraph 3 of the StGB, which is punishable by imprisonment of up to ten years. Additional charges may include forgery of documents under Section 267 of the StGB if forged official letters are used, as well as violations of the Legal Services Act (Section 3 in conjunction with Section 20 RDG) if perpetrators act as lawyers without being licensed.

What should I do if I have already paid?

Immediately stop all further payments and secure all communication without gaps – emails, chat histories, payment receipts, and screenshots. File a criminal complaint promptly with the relevant police station or a public prosecutor's office specializing in cybercrime. Have the payments made reviewed by a lawyer for potential civil claims for reimbursement. If payments were processed via cryptocurrencies, a forensic blockchain analysis should be initiated.

Can crypto wallets really be frozen?

Not through private service providers. Freezing digital assets requires a court order under Sections 111b et seq. of the German Code of Criminal Procedure (StPO) and is reserved exclusively for the competent law enforcement authorities. Any private provider promising to freeze your wallet without official involvement is making a factually false claim and is acting fraudulently.

How do I check if a recovery provider is reputable?

Check the provider in the German Federal Bar Association's (BRAK) directory of lawyers at brak.de and in the commercial register at handelsregister.de. A WHOIS query of the domain name used will reveal the registration date – domains less than 12 months old are a red flag if no other proof is available. An internet search using the provider's name along with the terms "fraud" or "scam" often provides clear indications.

How do recovery scammers know I've been scammed?

Victim data is often resold internally by fraudulent platforms when they are exposed or shut down. Recovery scam networks specifically acquire these lists. In addition, perpetrators monitor public forums, review portals, and social media for reports from fraud victims and place targeted search ads for terms used by those affected. Contacting victims does not require a data breach—systematic monitoring is sufficient.

Can I get my money back?

It depends on the individual case. For payments made via traditional bank accounts or card payments, there are opportunities for recovery through claims for unjust enrichment under Sections 812 et seq. of the German Civil Code (BGB) and chargeback procedures. With crypto payments, recovery is generally not possible without forensic analysis and the involvement of law enforcement. The extent to which perpetrators can be identified and assets recovered depends on the specific case and requires an individual legal assessment.

What can crypto forensics achieve in a recovery scam?

Professional crypto forensics enables the systematic tracking of transactions across multiple wallet layers, mixing services, and exchanges – including the identification of exchange points between crypto and fiat currency. By linking technical data with publicly available sources, inferences can be drawn about perpetrator structures. The findings are documented in a court-admissible report, which serves as the basis for criminal charges, civil proceedings, or international requests for legal assistance.

When is it worthwhile to hire a lawyer?

Legal advice is advisable in almost every recovery scam case – even if no payment has yet been made. The sooner legal support is sought, the better the starting point for securing evidence and pursuing criminal charges. If you have legal expenses insurance, it will often cover the initial consultation and further legal action – check your coverage before retaining a lawyer.

Der Beitrag Rechtsanwälte für Recovery Scam – Wenn Krypto-Betrugsopfer ein zweites Mal geschädigt werden erschien zuerst auf R&U.

Recovery Scam Astra Veritas – So schützen Sie sich vor der zweiten Betrugsmasche

Stefan Selge — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:21:35 +0000

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.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

What is a recovery scam?

A recovery scam is a type of fraud in which perpetrators specifically target people who have already fallen victim to investment or cryptocurrency fraud. They promise to recover lost funds in exchange for upfront payment – but deliver nothing. Legally, this is generally considered fraud under Section 263 of the German Criminal Code (StGB).

What is behind the name Astra Veritas (astra-legalberatung.com)?

Victims report being contacted by a company called Astra Veritas, operating via the domain astra-legalberatung.com or by phone and email. The described methods correspond to the typical pattern of a recovery scam: claims of located funds, demands for advance payments, and subsequent cessation of contact. No criminal convictions are publicly known; however, victims should document all contact and seek legal advice.

How can I recognize a recovery scam?

Typical characteristics include: unsolicited contact, claims of already "located" or "frozen" funds, time pressure, advance payments in cryptocurrencies, and the use of professional-looking websites or forged documents. Authorities and reputable law firms do not demand flat-rate advance payments for supposedly already secured amounts.

Can I get a refund of payments I've made?

This depends crucially on the payment method used. For card payments via regulated payment providers, chargeback options may exist. Cryptocurrency payments are technically almost impossible to reverse, but can have criminal and civil law implications. Each case must be examined individually – a blanket statement would be irresponsible.

Should I file a criminal complaint?

Generally, yes. Filing a criminal complaint initiates an investigation and can form the basis for civil action. It also helps to identify perpetrators and protect other victims. The local police or public prosecutor's office is responsible; some federal states have specialized cybercrime units.

Can cryptocurrency payments be traced?

Transactions on a public blockchain are generally traceable, but identifying the individuals behind them is complex and requires technical expertise as well as regulatory authority. Blockchain analysis is increasingly used in criminal investigations. However, pursuing civil claims solely based on blockchain analysis is complex and case-specific.

Why do recovery scammers know so much about my original loss?

There is a well-founded suspicion that criminal groups are trading data on victims of crypto fraud among themselves, or that the same masterminds are initially operating as fraudulent platforms and later as supposed helpers. Knowledge of personal details is not a sign of trust, but on the contrary, can be an indication of criminal activity.

What happens if I make further payments?

Experience shows that after an initial payment, further demands follow – always with new justifications such as additional fees, taxes, or technical activation costs. The financial burden increases continuously without any actual service ever being provided. Therefore, under no circumstances should further payments be made.

Which authorities are responsible for recovery scams?

The police and public prosecutor's office at the victim's place of residence are primarily responsible. In cross-border cases, the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and Europol may also be involved. Consumer protection authorities such as BaFin can also be relevant points of contact, especially when regulated financial services are involved.

When is it worthwhile to hire a lawyer?

As soon as contact has been made or payments have been made, legal advice is advisable. A lawyer can realistically assess the chances of success, analyze payment flows, handle criminal charges, and examine civil claims. Many law firms – including Rogert & Ulbrich Rechtsanwälte – offer a free initial consultation. Contact a law firm specializing in banking and capital markets law early on, before making any further decisions.

Der Beitrag Recovery Scam Astra Veritas – So schützen Sie sich vor der zweiten Betrugsmasche erschien zuerst auf R&U.