When a lawyer for scam victims can help
Many scams are handled without a lawyer, through your bank, card issuer, or payment app, and by reporting the fraud to the authorities. A licensed attorney can be worth contacting when:
- You lost a significant amount of money and your bank or card dispute was denied.
- The scammer is a real business you can identify, such as a car dealer, RV dealer, contractor, or online store.
- You were sold a vehicle with a hidden problem, a rolled-back odometer, or a “washed” title.
- The scam involved investments, cryptocurrency, or a broker.
- The victim is an older adult, or you are helping a family member.
- You have received court papers, a debt collection notice, or threats related to the scam.
Types of lawyers who help scam victims
- Consumer protection attorneys handle fake online stores, deceptive businesses, and unfair or deceptive trade practices. Many state laws allow extra damages and attorney fees, so some of these lawyers work on contingency.
- Auto fraud and lemon law attorneys handle car and RV purchase fraud, odometer fraud, title problems, and defective vehicles.
- Civil litigation attorneys handle larger fraud and misrepresentation cases against people or businesses.
- Securities attorneys handle investment and brokerage fraud, including some cryptocurrency cases.
- Elder law attorneys help when an older adult has been targeted.
Where to find a licensed attorney
1. Your state bar’s lawyer referral service
Most state and many local bar associations run referral services that connect you with a licensed attorney, often for a low-cost first consultation. The American Bar Association keeps a directory of lawyer referral services you can search by city and state.
2. ABA Find Legal Help
The American Bar Association’s Find Legal Help site lists state-by-state resources, including legal aid, pro bono programs, and referral services.
3. Legal aid organizations
If money is tight, local legal aid organizations may offer free or low-cost help to people who qualify based on income. Search for “legal aid” plus your state or county, or ask your state bar’s referral service.
How to check that a lawyer is real and licensed
Scammers sometimes pose as lawyers, especially after someone has already lost money. Before you share information or pay anything:
- Look up the attorney on your state bar’s website to confirm their license is active and check for any discipline.
- Find the law firm’s phone number yourself instead of using a number from an unexpected email or text.
- Meet by video or in person when possible, and ask for a written fee agreement.
Understanding legal fees
- Contingency fee: the lawyer is paid a percentage only if money is recovered. Common in consumer protection and fraud cases.
- Hourly fee: you pay for the lawyer’s time, usually with an upfront retainer.
- Flat fee: one set price for a specific task, such as sending a demand letter.
Many lawyers offer a free or low-cost first consultation. Always ask how fees work before you agree to anything.
What to bring to your first consultation
- A short timeline of what happened, with dates.
- Receipts, bank or card statements, and payment confirmations.
- Emails, texts, chat messages, screenshots, and the website or listing address.
- Copies of any reports you filed with your bank, the FTC, the FBI IC3, the police, or your state attorney general.
- Any contracts, titles, or documents from the sale.
Questions to ask a lawyer
- Have you handled cases like mine before?
- What options do I have, and what are the realistic chances of getting money back?
- How do you charge, and what costs might I owe even if we don’t win?
- How long do cases like this usually take?
- Is there a deadline I need to know about?
Warning signs of a fake “lawyer” or recovery scam
- They contacted you first and already know about your loss.
- They guarantee they can get your money back.
- They ask for payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or payment app.
- They can’t be found on any state bar’s website.
- They pressure you to act immediately or keep it secret.
If you see these signs, stop contact and report it to the FTC and the FBI IC3.
ClearPath Fraud Help is an educational resource, not a law firm. This page is general information, not legal advice, and we do not provide attorney referrals. Laws and deadlines vary by state.