The Expert Podcast

So, I'm guessing that you are suspicious that you are a victim of some type of scam. Maybe it's an online Ponzi scheme, or perhaps it's a cryptocurrency Bitcoin scheme, and you're wondering, "Am I a victim?" More importantly, you're wondering, "Can I get my money back? How do I get my money back?" In this video, we will describe how you can identify the scam, the steps you can take to get recovery, and share some stories about recoveries and prosecutions to show that this really does happen.

We will start by identifying these scams. Normally, they begin with a contact from a social media platform. Maybe you were contacted through Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. It might have been someone who follows you and posts pictures about their life. At some point, they'll post a picture showing how they made a lot of money—a big windfall on some investment—and they'll try to tempt you into asking how they made their money. Sometimes it's a referral from someone you know about an investment that promises big profits. Other times, it's about an online processing job with different levels of pay. It could even happen through a dating platform, where someone you’re in an online relationship with asks for money.

It typically starts with a small amount—$200, $500, or $1,000—an amount that feels reasonable for you to send. They show you a big profit and claim that your money has doubled in just a few weeks. Then, they ask for more and keep escalating. At some point, when you ask for your money back, they demand taxes, audit fees, government fees, or investigative fees to release your money. If you refuse, they threaten that you'll lose everything. Behind the scenes, there’s often a group of people or a company rotating the conversation with you using a script designed to keep you sending money.

At some point, you decide to stop sending money. Maybe it’s because you’re out of money, or you've even borrowed money to invest in the scheme. Now, you wonder, "Can I get my money back?" Investigations to recover your money can happen. For example, an article published on December 30, 2024, talks about the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme—the largest scam in history, involving $4.3 billion. Over 40,000 victims in 130 countries received 94% of their money back. This shows recovery is possible.

How does recovery happen? The first step is identifying the scammer. Every scammer has to communicate somehow—via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or text messaging. Even if these methods seem anonymous, there are IP addresses behind the scenes. Scammers often use VPNs to mask their location, but VPNs can sometimes reset or drop out, briefly revealing their true IP. Additionally, the VPN itself connects to a server, which can be traced. Using open-source intelligence (OSINT), investigators can track other activities linked to the scammer, connecting them to an identity.

Once the scammer is identified, the next step is an asset search to locate their resources. In the Madoff case, investigators found assets not just from Madoff but also from third parties. Banks, advertisers, attorneys, and accountants who facilitated the scam, knowingly or not, were held liable. This helped recover money, as Madoff himself didn’t have all the stolen funds. Some money had been spent on vacations, cars, and other luxuries, but third-party liabilities covered the gap.

If you’re a victim, the first thing you should do is stop sending money. Report the scam to organizations like the IC3 (a division of the FBI), your state attorney general, and local law enforcement. Submit written reports to ensure they’re on record. Don’t expect immediate action—they receive thousands of reports daily. However, your report may help them build a case as they accumulate other victims of the same scammer.

In the meantime, consider whether you want to pursue your own investigation. You can visit ActiveIntel.com to learn more about investigative services. They offer one-on-one consultations with licensed private investigators, where you can share your story and receive tailored advice. These investigators can trace where your money went, determine whether it’s truly a scam, and provide clarity on your situation.

Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers using artificial intelligence to create realistic conversations and videos. Victims often lose life savings, retirement funds, or even their children's college funds, making these situations deeply tragic. As part of victim advocacy, investigators are now receiving training not only in fraud detection but also in supporting victims through their trauma. It's not just about catching the scammer but also about helping victims recover emotionally and financially.

If you have more questions or need assistance, visit ActiveIntel.com. You can book a consultation with a private investigator for personalized help. Additionally, check out other videos on this channel for more information about scams and recovery options. We want to hear your story and help you find solutions.