Tell your bank
Call the number on your card or dial 159 (Stop Scams UK, from within the UK). The sooner your bank acts, the better the chance of freezing funds.
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Asset recovery after fraud
If you have lost money to a scam or a commercial dispute, we help you understand which legal tools exist in the UK, what they cost and what realistic prospects they have in your case.
We will be clear from the start: nobody can guarantee that you will get your money back. The outcome depends on factors such as how much time has passed, where the money is, who holds it and whether it can be traced and a judgment enforced. Be wary of anyone who promises otherwise, especially if they ask for an upfront payment.
What to do today, before speaking to a lawyer
Report the fraud
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report to Report Fraud (which replaced Action Fraud) or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, contact Police Scotland on 101. Keep your reference number.
Keep the evidence
Screenshots of chats, emails and websites, payment receipts, crypto wallet addresses and transaction hashes. Do not delete anything or alert the fraudster.
Beware of “recovery scams”. Many victims are later contacted by so-called lawyers, agencies or police officers offering to recover the money for a fee. This is very common. Before paying anyone, read how to check who you are dealing with.
Types of case
Cases we handle
Investment fraud
Fake trading platforms, Ponzi schemes, “managers” who disappear and non-existent bonds or products.
Cryptocurrency
Romance or investment scams paid in crypto, fraudulent exchanges and transfers to wallets controlled by others.
Bank fraud and APP fraud
Payments you were tricked into making (Authorised Push Payment), bank or police impersonation, fake invoices and “safe account” scams.
Commercial disputes
Partners or suppliers who keep funds, breaches of contract and diversion of company assets.
Legal tools
The routes available in the UK
Not every route suits every case, and some are expensive. In our initial review we will tell you which make sense for you and which do not.
Claim against the bank
If you were tricked into making a transfer, you can claim against your bank. Since October 2024 there has been a mandatory reimbursement scheme for many APP fraud cases involving Faster Payments and CHAPS, with limits, time limits and exceptions. We prepare and support the claim.
Financial Ombudsman Service
If the bank rejects your claim or does not reply within 8 weeks, you can go to the Financial Ombudsman, usually within 6 months of the bank's final response. It is free for you; we can help you prepare the case.
Tracing
Following the money through accounts and wallets, sometimes with forensic investigators or blockchain analysis, to identify where it is and who controls it.
Norwich Pharmacal orders
Court orders requiring an innocent third party (such as a bank or exchange) to disclose information about who received the money, often combined with gagging orders.
Freezing injunctions
Orders freezing a defendant's assets so they cannot be moved while proceedings continue. They require speed, strong evidence and undertakings to the court.
Civil claim and enforcement
Proceedings in the English courts against identified wrongdoers and, if judgment is obtained, enforcement against assets located, including abroad where possible.
Step by step
How we handle your case
Initial consultation
You tell us what happened. We tell you whether we can help and which documents we need.
Case review (fixed fee)
We analyse the evidence and give you, in writing, the realistic options, their estimated cost, timescales and risks, including the option of not litigating.
Engagement letter
If you decide to proceed, we sign an engagement letter setting out the scope and fees. Nothing is charged before then.
First steps
Claims to banks or the Financial Ombudsman, tracing and, where appropriate, urgent court applications.
Proceedings and updates
We report every development and every decision you need to make, with its cost before it is incurred.
Fees
What it costs, with no surprises
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| First consultation | £0 |
| Case review with written report | £80 (fixed fee) |
| Formal complaint to the bank or letter before action | £380 |
| Partner (hourly) | £295 |
| Associate solicitor (hourly) | £247 |
| Paralegal (hourly) | £142 |
Court proceedings are charged hourly based on the work done. Before each stage we will give you a written estimate and tell you if it is likely to be exceeded.
Disbursements (extra): court fees, barristers' fees, investigators or forensic experts, translations and service abroad. We will always check with you first.
If you lose a case, the court may order you to pay part of the other side's costs. We will explain this before any claim is issued.
How to check you are dealing with us
Fraud victims are the favourite target of fake “recovery” firms. Before sharing information or paying anything:
- Check the SRA badge at the foot of this page. Clicking it must open a page on sra.org.uk showing our name. You can also search the SRA register using number 637478.
- We never ask for payment into personal accounts or in cryptocurrency, gift cards or via “agents”.
- We never change our bank details by email, WhatsApp or social media.
- We only use the contact details on this website: {{TELEFONO}} and inf@acerprimelaw.com. If someone contacts you in our name by any other means, call us.
- We do not cold-call you offering to recover money.
See the SRA scam alerts, which list firms and solicitors being impersonated.
Tell us what happened
No obligation. We will tell you frankly whether we can help and what it would cost.