Legal help after a scam: how it works

What a lawyer can do that a report cannot

A police report and a bank dispute are the right first steps, but they are not the same as legal action. A lawyer looks at your specific evidence and tells you whether a civil claim, a tracing order, or a freezing order fits your case.

A lawyer can also act on your behalf: filing documents, applying to the court, and dealing directly with a bank or another party’s representative. This is work that is difficult to carry out alone once a case moves beyond a report.

A lawyer cannot make your bank refund you, and cannot force a scammer to hand back money that has already been spent. What a lawyer can offer is a clear, professional view of what is actually possible in your case.

What a first assessment actually covers

A first assessment is a conversation about your specific facts: how much was lost, how the money moved, what evidence you have, and how much time has passed. It is where realistic options get laid out, not where a case is decided on the spot.

You should leave that conversation understanding whether a civil claim against the scammer or the account holder is worth pursuing, and whether urgency matters for a freezing order. Roughly what kind of cost and timeline is involved should also become clearer.

Being honest about the odds and the cost

Not every case can be recovered, and a lawyer who is honest with you will say so plainly rather than promise an outcome. The amount lost, the age of the case, and whether the recipient is known all affect whether legal action is worth the cost.

Costs vary case by case, depending on the work involved rather than a single fee that applies to everyone. Weighing the amount at stake against the likely cost is a real part of the decision, covered in more depth under whether legal action is worth it.

How this site connects you to a lawyer

This site is an independent information and referral resource for scam victims. When you send a message, someone on the team reads it and helps direct you toward a suitable next step, which can include a first assessment with a lawyer.

You stay in control of what happens at every stage, and reaching out is the start of a conversation, not a commitment.

What to do next

If you have already reported to your bank and the police, gathering your evidence together is the most useful thing you can do before speaking to a lawyer. Transaction records, messages, and account details all help a first assessment move faster.

Send a short message describing what happened, and we will help you understand whether legal action is a path worth exploring for your situation.