Online fraud is increasing rapidly in an increasingly digitized world. Many victims believe that they will never see their lost funds again. The attorneys at ATB.LAW want to use recent successful cases to demonstrate that it is possible to take successful action against fraudsters. In this blog, we report on two cases in which we were able to help four clients recover their assets within a few weeks, what steps were necessary to achieve this, and why swift action is crucial.
Success story: Rapid help for fraud victims
In spring/summer 2024, four clients turned to ATB.LAW who became victims of so-called „pig butchering“ online fraud. The fraudsters had manipulated each of the victims with false promises and by using remote access tools such as AnyDesk, and induced them to transfer sums of money ranging from five to six figures to various accounts.
Through the rapid and coordinated intervention of our lawyers, it was possible to first freeze the funds at the recipient banks and subsequently have them confiscated by the public prosecutor's office. After we were able to induce the recipients of the funds (in some cases, filing a lawsuit was necessary) to enter into court-approved settlements, the funds declared forfeit were finally released by the Republic of Austria to the victims.
What is a „pig butchering“ online scam?
The term „pig butchering“ describes a perfidious online scam in which perpetrators build a supposedly trusting relationship with their victims over a long period. This manipulation culminates in convincing them to transfer large sums of money into supposedly safe investments. The scammers often use remote desktop tools like AnyDesk to gain maximum control. For more information on „pig butchering,“ see here.
How the lawyers at ATB.LAW were able to help in these cases
1. Fast response
Time proved to be the most crucial factor in pursuing online fraud. Immediately after the fraud became known, ATB.LAW began contacting banks, authorities, and other relevant parties to secure assets.
2. Cooperation with authorities
Our lawyers worked closely with the criminal police to obtain the necessary information for freezing and seizing the funds.
3. Expiration procedure and clawback
Following the confiscation, judicial forfeiture proceedings took place, in which ownership of the money was transferred to the Republic. ATB.LAW was subsequently able to successfully enforce the clients' claims against the Republic of Austria out of court.
4. Support at every step
We guided our clients through the entire process and supported them with legal and emotional assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get my money back after an online scam?
The possibilities depend heavily on the individual case. Quick action increases the chances. Banks can or must freeze funds if there is a suspicion of money laundering or fraud. The cases presented show that it is entirely possible to confiscate funds. Even if the funds have already been transferred further, there may still be a possibility to reclaim money from the recipient via claims under the law of damages or unjust enrichment.
2. What are the chances of success?
The chances of success must be examined on a case-by-case basis and depend on various factors, such as the speed of the measures taken, the type of fraud, and cooperation with authorities.
3. How much does a proceeding at ATB.LAW cost?
Our fees depend on the individual case. In an initial consultation, we will discuss the expected costs transparently.
4. Which documents do I need?
Important are transfer slips, proof of communication with the scammers, and all relevant bank information.
5. How long does the process take?
The duration depends on the complexity of the case and cannot be predicted in general terms. In the case described here, the funds were able to be confiscated within a few weeks and returned to the victims within a year.
How to protect yourself
- Be skeptical of investment opportunities that seem too attractive
- Avoid installing remote maintenance tools at the request of strangers
- Thoroughly check the reliability of new business contacts
- Get early legal assistance if you suspect anything
Conclusion
The described case shows that it is possible to recover funds after online fraud. However, each case must be evaluated individually. Quick action and professional support are usually decisive. If you or someone you know has become a victim of online fraud, we recommend seeking legal support immediately. Attorney at Law Roman Taudes and his Team are at your disposal for further information and individual consultation at any time office@atb.law or by phone at 01 39 12345 available.
Note: The described case represents a special success and does not allow for any conclusions regarding future cases. Each case is examined and evaluated individually.
