INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) The Federal Trade Commission has issued a warning about refund and recovery scams.Heres how it works.After you fall victim to a scam, an individual or business offers to help you get your money or your accou nt back.They may contact you via social media, text, email or phone call.They may have details about what kind of scam it was, and they will offer to help, said Terri Miller, a consumer education specialist with the FTC. They may say that they are with a federal agency like the FTC or even a consumer advocacy group or a law firm.Scammers may use Artificial Intelligence to look and sound legitimate. If they're asking for things like a bank account number, your social security number, or financial information, what they're really looking for is to steal your money and sometimes your identity, said Miller.Scammers are taking advantage of people who are vulnerable and want to fix the problem fast.Losing money never feels good, said Miller. You may be inclined to respond quickly and the scammers are banking on your desire to recover that money and get help.The biggest red flag is if they ask for a fee up front to recover your money or your account.Never pay an upfront fee to get a refund, said Miller. That is not the way refunds work. No government agency or legit company is going to have you pay an upfront fee to recover from a scam.If someone reaches out to you, do an internet search with their name and the word scam and complaint.A better way to recover from a scam is to contact your bank, file a police report and file a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General.Also, monitor your credit report for suspicious activity including accounts opened in your name.Also, do not do an internet search for scam recovery or tech support, as this will likely lead you into another scam.FTC Tips: Dont trust someone who contacts you claiming they can recover your lost money for a fee. Youll lose more money. Never pay up front for a refundor for help getting one. Neither government agencies nor legitimate organizations will ever ask for money or financial info in exchange for help getting a refund. Anyone who does is a scammer. Always research anyone who contacts you about a refund. Search online for their name plus words like complaint, scam, or review. Look up the contact info for government agencies on your own, if you want to confirm they contacted you. Dont use any number they give you. ...read more read less