Help for Victims of Investment and Online Fraud
We are a law firm regulated by the Czech Bar Association. We represent victims of investment fraud, phishing, deepfake advertisements, and other forms of online fraud. We do not operate as a dubious "recovery company" — we provide proper legal services on transparent terms.
A law firm, not a recovery company
In 2025 the Czech Republic saw a sharp rise in investment and online fraud. At the same time, dozens of pseudo-"recovery companies" appeared, promising to get your money back while in reality defrauding the victims themselves — collecting advance fees they never return.
Our firm is duly registered with the Czech Bar Association. We are subject to professional oversight, ethical rules, and disciplinary liability. We never demand an advance on expenses and always set out transparent terms of engagement in advance.
We specialise in criminal and civil representation of fraud victims. We combine expertise in criminal law with practical experience in communicating with banks, the police, and international authorities.
Czech Bar Association Member
Duly registered with the Czech Bar Association and subject to disciplinary oversight
Transparent Pricing
Clear terms of engagement set out in advance — no hidden fees
Fast Response
In the first hours after a fraud we act immediately — time is critical
What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Fraud
Speed is critical. In the first few hours it is often possible to recover funds via a payment recall or chargeback. Follow these four steps.
Contact your bank immediately
Call your bank's hotline (available 24/7) and request that your account or card be blocked. If the transfer has not yet been executed, request a payment recall. For card payments, request a chargeback.
Secure all evidence
Take screenshots of the websites where you entered your details, e-mails and SMS messages from the perpetrators, bank statements, and the advertisements that lured you in. Save the URLs of the fraudulent websites.
File a criminal complaint
A criminal complaint may be filed at any Czech Police station or directly with the public prosecutor's office. Having it drafted by a lawyer significantly increases the quality of the submission and the chances of success.
Seek a lawyer
Contact a lawyer specialising in fraud. Beware of pseudo-"recovery companies" — no legitimate lawyer demands an advance on expenses. That is a sign of fraud.
Types of Fraud We Handle
Investment Fraud
Fake trading platforms, fraudulent brokers, fictitious investment funds, and pyramid schemes. The victim is persuaded to deposit money into a "trading account" where fictitious profits are displayed. When they attempt to withdraw, they are asked for "fees" or "taxes". Meanwhile, the funds are transferred through a chain of accounts abroad. We assist with criminal complaints, payment recalls, and civil recovery of damages.
Phishing and Fake Payment Gateways
Fraudulent e-mails, SMS messages, and websites impersonating banks, postal services, or e-shops. The victim enters login credentials or payment card details on a fake website. The perpetrator then executes unauthorised transactions from the victim's account. Since 2026, the D+1 rule pursuant to the CJEU ruling applies — the bank must refund the money within one business day. We assist with enforcing this claim.
Romance Scams
Fraudsters on dating sites and social networks build a fake romantic relationship over weeks or months. They then request money under the pretext of illness, an accident, a blocked account, or travel costs. The victim repeatedly sends increasingly large sums. We handle these cases by filing a criminal complaint with an emphasis on identifying the perpetrators through digital footprints and banking flows.
Deepfake Celebrity Advertisements
Fraudulent advertisements using deepfake videos featuring the faces of Czech celebrities, politicians, and TV presenters to promote fictitious investment platforms. In 2025-2026 there has been a massive increase in such cases in Czechia. The procedure is the same as for investment fraud — securing evidence (screenshots of advertisements), filing a criminal complaint, and recovering damages.
CEO Fraud / BEC
Business Email Compromise — the fraudster impersonates a company director or a business partner and requests an employee to make an urgent transfer. The e-mail appears authentic, often using the real name and signature. For businesses, we assist with an immediate payment recall, filing a criminal complaint, and conducting an internal investigation. We cooperate with the company's compliance department.
Recovery Scams
A second fraud targeting people who have already been defrauded. "Recovery companies" contact victims offering to get their money back. They demand an advance for expenses, a "registration fee", or a "refund tax". After payment, they disappear. Note: no legitimate lawyer demands an advance on expenses. Verify anyone you deal with in the Czech Bar Association registry.
How We Can Help You
Drafting of Criminal Complaints
Professional preparation of a criminal complaint with legal argumentation and complete evidentiary material — significantly increases the chances of criminal prosecution being initiated.
Joinder of Civil Claim in Criminal Proceedings
Asserting a claim for damages directly within the criminal trial — without the need for a separate civil action.
Payment Recall and Chargeback
Communication with the victim's bank — requesting reversal of the transfer (recall) or reversal of a card transaction (chargeback).
Interim Measures
Securing the perpetrator's assets through a court order — freezing of accounts, prohibition on disposing of real property.
Civil Actions
Actions for damages and unjust enrichment — against identified perpetrators as well as intermediaries.
International Cooperation
Utilisation of EU mutual legal assistance (MLA) instruments, Interpol, and Europol. Cooperation with foreign lawyers in cross-border cases.
Why a Lawyer and Not a Recovery Company
Fara Law Firm
- Duly registered with the Czech Bar Association — verifiable in the Czech Bar Association registry
- We never demand an advance on expenses
- Transparent pricing set out before engagement begins
- Realistic assessment of prospects — we do not make unrealistic promises
- Professional liability insurance
- In-person meetings at our office in Prague 4
Typical "Recovery Company"
- No registration with the Czech Bar Association — neither a lawyer nor a law firm
- Demands an advance on expenses, a "registration fee", or a "tax"
- Promises 100% success rate and guaranteed return of funds
- Contacts victims unsolicited (cold call, e-mail)
- No insurance, no oversight, no accountability
- Communication only online — no face-to-face meeting
Anonymised Case Studies
Investment fraud — fake forex platform
Phishing — fake bank website
CEO fraud — fraudulent invoice
FAQ — Help for Fraud Victims
What is the success rate of recovering money after fraud?
The success rate depends on the type of fraud and the speed of your response. If you contact a lawyer within the first few hours, it is often possible to utilise a payment recall or chargeback and recover the funds. After that window closes, the chances diminish, but compensation may still be obtained through joinder of a civil claim in criminal proceedings or a separate civil action. At our firm we do not make unrealistic promises — every case is assessed individually.
How much does a lawyer's assistance with fraud cost?
The initial consultation is free and without obligation. The cost of further services depends on the complexity of the case — we charge either a fixed fee (for example, for drafting a criminal complaint), an hourly rate, or a success fee — a percentage of the recovered funds. We never require an "advance on expenses" — that is a hallmark of fraudulent recovery companies, not a legitimate law firm.
What if the fraudster is abroad?
The majority of online fraud is organised from abroad, often across multiple jurisdictions. This complicates the process but does not render it hopeless. We cooperate with international colleagues and utilise EU mutual legal assistance (MLA) instruments, Interpol, and Europol. In some cases the funds can be intercepted through the sender's bank before the final transfer is completed.
Do you also help victims of deepfake advertisements?
Yes. In 2025 and 2026 we have witnessed a massive increase in fraud involving deepfake videos featuring the faces of celebrities, politicians, and TV presenters. We handle these cases in the same way as standard investment fraud — by filing a criminal complaint, securing evidence, and pursuing recovery of damages.
Is it possible to recover money through the bank after phishing?
Yes, and since 2026 it has become significantly easier. Under the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in Case C-70/25 (Tukowiecka), the bank must refund the money to phishing victims by no later than the end of the first business day following the report (the D+1 rule). The bank may only seek to recover the funds retroactively if it can prove the client's gross negligence — the burden of proof lies with the bank.
What is joinder of a civil claim in criminal proceedings?
Joinder of a civil claim in criminal proceedings (Czech: adhezni rizeni) is a part of the criminal process in which the injured party may claim compensation for damages directly within the criminal trial — without the need for a separate civil action. If the court delivers a guilty verdict, it may at the same time order the perpetrator to pay damages. This route is faster and more cost-effective than pursuing a civil claim separately.
What if the police have discontinued my criminal complaint?
Discontinuation of a criminal complaint is not the end of the road. Options include: filing an appeal against the discontinuation with the superior public prosecutor's office, submitting a new criminal complaint with supplementary evidence, or bringing a civil action for damages (where the standard of proof is lower). At our firm we re-analyse each case and look for a different angle.
How do I recognise a fraudulent recovery company?
Warning signs: they require an advance payment for expenses up front, they promise a 100% success rate, they contact you unsolicited (cold call), they are not registered with the Czech Bar Association, they have no registered office in the Czech Republic, and they communicate only by e-mail with no option for a face-to-face meeting. A legitimate lawyer never demands a "case initiation fee" — that is a sign of fraud.
How quickly must I act after discovering a fraud?
As quickly as possible. Within the first few hours it is often possible to salvage funds via a payment recall (the bank reverses the transfer) or a chargeback (for card payments). After 24 to 48 hours the chances of a successful recall drop sharply. We recommend filing a criminal complaint within a few days — evidence is lost, servers are wiped, and trails go cold.
Do you also represent companies that have been defrauded?
Yes. CEO fraud (BEC), fraudulent invoices, fake suppliers — these are common forms of fraud targeting businesses. The procedure is analogous to that for individuals: securing evidence, filing a criminal complaint, communicating with the bank, and recovering damages. For corporate clients we often work alongside the company's internal compliance department.
Where is Fara Law Firm located?
Our office is situated in Prague 4 — Nusle, at Taborska 411/34. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 — 18:00. Telephone: +420 739 191 555, e-mail: info@advokatfara.com. The initial consultation is always free of charge.
Let's discuss your case
The initial consultation is free and without obligation. If you have been a victim of fraud, we act fast.