FAQ
Straight answers, before you ever speak to us
49 questions our case managers hear most - on fees, success rates, timelines and security. No sales spin; if recovery is not viable we will say so.
Confidentiality & Security
Is my information kept confidential?
Absolutely. Confidentiality is paramount in fraud recovery. All communications are encrypted using 256-bit SSL encryption. Your identity is protected at all times - we never disclose your name or case details to any third party without your explicit written consent. Our investigators operate discreetly, and all case files are stored in secure, access-controlled systems. We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and fully GDPR compliant.
How do you protect my data?
We employ multiple layers of data protection: 256-bit SSL encryption for all communications, encrypted storage for case files and evidence, access-controlled systems with two-factor authentication, regular security audits, and staff training on data handling. We are registered with the ICO and comply with all GDPR requirements. Data is retained only as long as necessary and securely destroyed when no longer needed.
Will the scammer know I hired you?
We operate with the utmost discretion. In most cases, the scammer will not know you have engaged our services until formal legal proceedings are initiated - and even then, proceedings can sometimes be conducted without naming you directly. Our investigators use professional, discreet methods to gather intelligence and trace assets. We understand that many clients are concerned about potential retaliation or further targeting.
Do you share information with law enforcement?
We only share your information with law enforcement with your consent, or where we are legally required to do so. Involving the authorities is entirely your choice. Our core focus is investigating your case and recovering your funds, and where an official report would genuinely help we can prepare your evidence and handle that process for you. We will never share your information without your knowledge except in the limited circumstances required by law.
What happens to my evidence?
All evidence you provide is stored securely in our encrypted case management system. It is accessed only by investigators assigned to your case and is used solely for the purpose of your recovery. Evidence is handled according to forensic best practices to maintain its integrity and admissibility. When your case is closed, evidence is retained for the legally required period and then securely destroyed.
Is our communication secure?
Yes. All email communications use encrypted channels, our online portal uses 256-bit SSL encryption, and phone calls are conducted on secure lines. For particularly sensitive cases, we can arrange end-to-end encrypted messaging. We never discuss case details over unsecured channels and always verify your identity before sharing any case-specific information.
What are my data protection rights?
Under GDPR, you have the right to: access your personal data, request corrections, request deletion (subject to legal retention requirements), restrict processing, data portability, and object to processing. You can exercise these rights at any time by contacting our Data Protection Officer. We will respond to all data protection requests within 30 days as required by law.
Fees & Payment
How much do your services cost?
Every case is different, so there is no single fixed price. Your initial case review is always free. Once we have assessed the details you submit, we provide a written proposal setting out the scope of work and the fees that apply to your specific case. Depending on the complexity, the amount involved and the jurisdiction, this may be a success-based fee, an upfront or staged fee, or a combination of the two, and everything is agreed in writing before any work begins. We are transparent about what our fees cover and what they do not.
Do you charge upfront fees?
Sometimes, depending on the case. Some matters we are able to take on with no upfront cost and a success-based fee, while others require an upfront or staged fee to cover genuine investigation and legal costs such as blockchain analysis, expert reports, court applications and international cooperation. We assess every case individually and always set out the exact fees in writing before you commit to anything. Please be cautious of any firm, including us, that will not clearly explain its fees in advance.
What fee structures do you offer?
Where a success fee is appropriate, it is calculated as a percentage of the amount actually recovered rather than the total amount lost, and the rate is agreed and documented in writing before we begin. Not every case suits a pure success-fee model, so for some we propose a fixed or staged fee instead. During your free review we recommend the structure that best fits your case and explain the reasoning behind it.
Do you offer payment plans?
Where a case involves an upfront or investigation fee, we can often arrange staged or flexible payment terms so that cost does not become a barrier to pursuing recovery. The options available are discussed during the written proposal stage and agreed with you before any work begins.
Can you guarantee you will recover my funds?
No responsible firm can guarantee a specific amount recovered or a completion date, and we will never pretend otherwise. Recovery depends on independent decisions taken by banks, exchanges, platforms, authorities and courts, and on whether the funds can still be located and are genuinely recoverable. If we assess your case and believe recovery is not viable, we will tell you honestly at the free review stage rather than take you through a paid process that is unlikely to help.
Are there any hidden costs?
No. We are committed to complete transparency. Before any paid work begins you receive a written agreement setting out the scope, the fees, what they cover, any third-party or disbursement costs (such as court or filing fees) and what is excluded, so there are no surprise invoices later. You will never be committed to a charge that you have not seen and agreed in advance.
When do I pay your fee?
This depends on the structure agreed for your case. Where an upfront or staged fee applies, it is invoiced exactly as set out in your written agreement. Where a success fee applies, it is deducted from the recovered funds at the point of recovery before the balance is transferred to you. Either way, you agree the payment terms in writing before we start work.
What happens to the recovered money?
Recovered funds are held in a secure client account before being transferred to you. Our success fee is deducted from the recovered amount, and the balance is transferred to your nominated bank account via secure bank transfer. All transactions are fully documented and compliant with anti-money laundering regulations. We provide a complete financial statement showing the total recovered, our fee, and the net amount transferred to you.
General Questions
What is Patterdale Recovery Limited?
Patterdale Recovery Limited is a specialist fraud investigation and asset recovery firm based in the UK. We help individuals and businesses who have been victims of fraud - including cryptocurrency scams, investment fraud, romance scams, and business email compromise - to recover their stolen funds. Our team includes Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE), former law enforcement investigators, blockchain analysts, and legal specialists.
How long have you been in business?
Patterdale Recovery Limited was incorporated on 8 April 2019 (Company No. 11933192). We have over 7 years of experience in fraud investigation and recovery, during which we have helped more than 500 clients across 30+ countries recover in excess of £35 million in stolen funds.
Are you a law firm?
No, we are not a law firm. We are a specialist fraud investigation and recovery company. However, we work closely with a network of solicitors and barristers who specialise in fraud and financial crime. When legal action is required, our legal partners handle all court proceedings. This allows us to focus on investigation, evidence gathering, and asset tracing while ensuring you receive expert legal representation when needed.
What countries do you operate in?
We have successfully handled cases across more than 30 countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Netherlands, UAE, South Africa, India, Singapore, and many more. Our international network includes legal partners, law enforcement contacts, and regulatory relationships that enable cross-border recovery efforts.
What types of scams do you handle?
We handle all types of fraud including: cryptocurrency investment scams, Ponzi schemes, romance scams (dating sites and social media), business email compromise (BEC), online shopping fraud, advance fee fraud, pension liberation scams, NFT and DeFi rug pulls, SIM swap attacks, timeshare resale fraud, employment scams, lottery and inheritance fraud, phishing attacks, and recovery scams. If you have been a victim of any type of fraud, contact us for a free assessment.
Who is on your team?
Our team comprises Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE), former police and law enforcement investigators, blockchain forensic analysts trained in Chainalysis and Elliptic, financial analysts, paralegals, and client liaison officers. Our Managing Director and founder, Paul Keogh-Davies, established Patterdale Recovery in 2019, while our casework is led day to day by Director of Investigations Jamie Billy Rastall, a former Metropolitan Police fraud investigator and Certified Fraud Examiner.
Where are you based?
Our head office is at Manor House, 35 St Thomas's Road, Chorley, Lancashire, England, PR7 1HP. However, our investigations are conducted globally and we work with clients remotely. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency cases and can be reached by phone, email, or WhatsApp.
How is Patterdale Recovery different from other recovery companies?
Unlike many recovery companies, we are a registered UK company with verifiable credentials, we provide a free initial case review with no obligation, employ certified fraud examiners rather than salespeople, provide honest assessments (we turn down cases where recovery is not viable), and agree a transparent fee structure in writing that is tailored to your specific case before any work begins. We also have published case studies with real results.
Can I trust a recovery company after being scammed?
We understand this concern completely, as it is one of the most common questions we receive, especially from victims of recovery scams. Patterdale Recovery is a registered UK company (Company No. 11933192) and registered with the ICO for data protection. Our initial case review is always free, and any paid work is agreed with you in writing before it begins, with the fees clearly explained. You can verify our registration with Companies House, read our published case studies, and speak directly with our team before committing to anything.
Legal & Compliance
Are you regulated by any authority?
Patterdale Recovery Limited is a registered UK company (Company No. 11933192) and is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for data protection. While fraud investigation is not a regulated activity in the UK, our team includes Certified Fraud Examiners accredited by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), and our legal partners are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
What legal actions can you take?
Through our legal partners, we can pursue: civil recovery proceedings against identified perpetrators, freezing injunctions to prevent dissipation of assets, disclosure orders to compel banks and exchanges to reveal account holder information, proprietary claims to trace and recover specific assets, and third-party claims against entities that facilitated the fraud. We always pursue the fastest, most cost-effective legal route first.
Do I need to sign a contract?
Yes. Before any work begins, you will receive a clear written agreement setting out: the scope of our investigation, our success fee percentage, your rights and obligations, confidentiality provisions, data handling terms, and termination rights. This protects both parties and ensures complete transparency. You will have the opportunity to review and ask questions before signing.
Can I cancel your services?
Yes. You have a 14-day cooling-off period from signing the agreement during which you can cancel without any obligation. After this period, you may still terminate our services at any time with written notice. If we have already incurred costs and subsequently recover funds, a reduced fee may apply as set out in the agreement. We believe in earning your trust through results, not locking you into contracts.
What is your complaints process?
We take all complaints seriously. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service: 1) Contact your case manager directly. 2) If unresolved, escalate to our Complaints Department. 3) If still unresolved within 8 weeks, you may refer your complaint to an independent alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provider. Full details of our complaints procedure are provided in your engagement agreement, and we are committed to resolving all issues promptly and fairly.
Are you GDPR compliant?
Yes, we are fully compliant with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), have a designated Data Protection Officer, conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments for all cases, and have comprehensive data handling policies. You can request a copy of our privacy policy at any time, and your data rights are set out clearly in your engagement agreement.
Do you comply with anti-money laundering regulations?
Yes. We conduct thorough client due diligence (KYC) checks in compliance with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017. All recovered funds are processed through compliant channels with appropriate documentation. This protects both our clients and ensures that recovered funds are not subject to future regulatory challenges.
What happens if the scammer is prosecuted?
If criminal proceedings are brought against the scammer, our civil recovery can proceed in parallel. In some cases, a criminal conviction can actually strengthen our civil claim. We work cooperatively with prosecuting authorities where appropriate, and our evidence gathering often supports criminal cases. Any compensation awarded through criminal proceedings would be factored into our overall recovery calculation.
Services & Process
How does the recovery process work?
Our process follows four main stages: 1) Free Case Assessment - submit your details and receive an honest evaluation within 2 hours. 2) Forensic Investigation - our analysts trace funds, identify the perpetrators, and gather evidence. 3) Legal Action - we pursue recovery through civil proceedings, asset freezing orders, exchange cooperation, or negotiation. 4) Asset Recovery - recovered funds are returned to you via secure, compliant channels. Each case is unique, and we tailor our approach to your specific situation.
What information do you need to start?
To begin our assessment, we need: the type of scam you experienced, approximate amount lost, when the fraud occurred, how you were contacted by the scammer, any platform or exchange used, transaction records (bank statements, crypto wallet addresses), and any communications with the scammer (emails, chat logs, screenshots). The more information you can provide, the more accurate our assessment will be.
Do I need to provide evidence?
While evidence significantly strengthens your case, it is not always essential to get started. Useful evidence includes transaction records, bank statements, cryptocurrency wallet addresses, emails, chat logs, screenshots of websites or apps, and any correspondence with the scammer. Even partial evidence is worth submitting - our forensic team can often reconstruct a case from fragments and identify additional evidence through their own investigation.
How do you trace cryptocurrency?
We use industry-leading blockchain forensics tools including Chainalysis, Elliptic, and CipherTrace to trace cryptocurrency transactions. These tools allow us to follow the flow of funds through multiple wallets, exchanges, mixers, and cross-chain bridges. While crypto transactions are pseudonymous, they leave a permanent public record - our analysts can often deanonymise the recipients by identifying exchange accounts, mixer patterns, and off-ramp points where crypto is converted to fiat currency.
What if the scammer is in another country?
International cases are more complex but frequently recoverable. We have experience working across 30+ countries with international legal partners, law enforcement contacts, and regulatory bodies. We utilise mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs), engage directly with foreign financial institutions, and work with international exchanges to freeze assets. Many scammers use UK or EU-based services at some point in their operation, which gives us a jurisdictional foothold.
Can you help if I was scammed years ago?
Yes, we have successfully recovered funds from cases that occurred several years ago. While more recent cases generally have better recovery prospects (especially within the first 24 hours for emergency cases), blockchain records are permanent and financial institutions maintain records for extended periods. The key factor is whether the assets can still be identified and traced, rather than simply how much time has passed.
What is your initial assessment process?
After you submit your case through our online form or by phone, a senior investigator reviews all provided information within 2 hours. We then provide a written assessment covering: the viability of your case, estimated recovery prospects, recommended strategy, expected timeline, and our fee structure. This assessment is completely free and carries no obligation. If we believe recovery is not viable, we will tell you honestly rather than take on a case we cannot deliver on.
Do you work with law enforcement?
Yes. Investigating and recovering your funds is our core job, and we handle the difficult work for you. We frequently prepare evidence to a standard that supports official reports and liaise with agencies such as Action Fraud, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and international equivalents on your behalf where it helps the recovery. Rather than sending you from department to department, contact us and we will guide the investigation and the practical steps needed to pursue your money.
What is blockchain forensics?
Blockchain forensics is the process of analysing, identifying, and tracing cryptocurrency transactions on public blockchains. Using specialised software, our analysts can map the flow of stolen funds through hundreds of wallet addresses, identify exchanges where the scammer cashed out, detect mixing services used to hide the trail, and ultimately link anonymous wallet addresses to real-world identities. This evidence forms the foundation of many of our cryptocurrency recovery cases.
Timelines & Expectations
How long does recovery take?
Timelines vary significantly based on case complexity: Emergency cases (scammed within 24 hours) can sometimes be resolved in days through rapid fund freezing. Simple domestic cases typically take 2-4 months. Complex cases involving multiple jurisdictions or cryptocurrency may take 4-8 months. Highly complex international cases can take 8-12 months or longer. We provide a realistic timeline estimate during your initial assessment and keep you updated throughout.
What is your success rate?
Our overall success rate is approximately 72% across all case types. Success varies by scam type: cryptocurrency scams average 65-78% recovery, bank transfer fraud achieves 80-85%, business email compromise 75-80%, romance scams 55-65%, and investment fraud 60-75%. We only take on cases where we believe there is a genuine prospect of recovery - if we assess that recovery is unlikely, we will tell you honestly rather than accept a case we cannot deliver on.
How much of my money can you recover?
This depends entirely on the specifics of your case. In the best cases, we have recovered over 90% of lost funds. On average, our successful recoveries range from 50-80% of the amount lost. Factors affecting recovery include: how quickly you reported the fraud, whether funds are still traceable, the jurisdictions involved, and whether the scammer's accounts or assets are still accessible. We always aim to recover the maximum possible amount.
What are the chances of success for my case?
Every case is unique, and we provide an honest assessment of your specific situation during the free initial evaluation. Factors that increase success chances include: reporting within 24-48 hours, having transaction records and evidence, the scammer using identifiable platforms or exchanges, and funds being traceable through blockchain or banking systems. We will never promise results we cannot deliver - our reputation depends on honesty.
How will I be updated on progress?
You will be assigned a dedicated case manager who serves as your single point of contact throughout the process. We provide regular written updates (typically every 2 weeks for standard cases, weekly for urgent cases), and you can request an update at any time via phone, email, or WhatsApp. Major developments - such as identifying the scammer, filing legal proceedings, or securing a recovery - trigger immediate notification.
Can I track my case online?
Yes. All clients receive access to our secure client portal where you can: view your case status and timeline, access documents and correspondence, upload additional evidence, communicate securely with your case manager, and view financial details of any recovery. The portal is accessible 24/7 from any device and uses two-factor authentication for security.
What if my case takes longer than expected?
Fraud recovery is inherently unpredictable, and some cases encounter unforeseen complications such as uncooperative institutions, jurisdictional challenges, or the scammer moving assets. If your case takes longer than initially estimated, we will explain the reasons clearly and provide a revised timeline. There is never any additional cost for extended cases - our fee remains the agreed percentage regardless of duration.
Is there a statute of limitations?
Statute of limitations varies by jurisdiction. In the UK, civil claims generally must be brought within 6 years of the fraud, though this can be extended in certain circumstances. Other jurisdictions may have shorter or longer periods. Regardless of timeframes, we always recommend acting as quickly as possible - the sooner we begin, the better the chances of tracing and recovering assets before they are dissipated.
Still have questions?
Talk to a live investigator - free, confidential, no obligation. We will give you an honest answer even when it is “no”.