Restitution
Updated 2026-09-29
Restitution means returning the actual money or property that was wrongfully taken, as opposed to damages, which is compensation calculated in money for a loss. Where restitution is possible, it aims to put the specific asset back with its rightful owner.
In a scam case, restitution is most realistic when the exact funds, or funds traceable to them, are still identifiable, such as sitting in a bank or exchange account that has been frozen in time.
Restitution becomes harder once money is spent, converted, or mixed with other funds, because it is no longer possible to point to the specific sum. At that stage, a claim usually shifts toward damages instead.
When it matters
Courts and investigators often move quickly to freeze accounts specifically to keep restitution possible before funds are spent or moved further.
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