Cross-border romance scams have become increasingly common, leaving victims not only financially devastated but also emotionally wounded. UK-based law firm DJK LLP has built a strong reputation for helping clients recover their losses through a structured and strategic legal recovery process. This article outlines a detailed timeline, step by step, from the moment a victim realizes they’ve been scammed to the successful return of their funds.
Phase 1: Awareness & Decision (Days 1–3)
Timeframe: The first few days after discovering the scam
Victims often go through denial, shame, and confusion. Emotional instability makes early legal intervention crucial.
DJK LLP’s advice:
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Do not contact the scammer again.
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Preserve all records: chats, transaction receipts, screenshots.
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Contact a legal team immediately to begin assessment.
Phase 2: Case Assessment & Risk Analysis (Days 4–7)
Upon receiving case materials, DJK LLP’s legal and forensic team evaluates:
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Whether legal grounds exist for civil or criminal action
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If the fraud trail is traceable
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Which jurisdictions are involved
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Feasibility of obtaining a Worldwide Freezing Order (WFO)
A detailed action plan and cost estimate are provided.
Phase 3: Asset Tracing & Emergency Court Orders (Days 8–15)
Once engaged, DJK LLP（https://www.djkllp.com/） acts fast:
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Apply for Interim WFO from the UK High Court
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Send Disclosure Orders to banks, crypto platforms
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Initiate cross-border service of process
A successful freeze gives legal leverage and protects assets from disappearing.
Phase 4: Cross-Border Investigation & Evidence Gathering (Days 16–45)
This phase focuses on collecting hard evidence:
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Cooperate with foreign legal partners to confirm identities and assets
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Use digital forensics to analyze chats, IP logs, blockchain data
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Prepare a complete evidence bundle for litigation
DJK LLP works across 30+ jurisdictions to gather admissible proof.
Phase 5: Litigation or Settlement (Days 46–120)
Based on asset status and evidence strength, DJK LLP will:
A. File civil lawsuits
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Seek full repayment plus damages and legal costs
B. Initiate settlement talks
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Scammers often cooperate when facing frozen accounts
Roughly 30% of cases settle at this stage.
Phase 6: Recovery & Enforcement (Days 121–180)
Once a favorable judgment is secured:
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Apply for Enforcement Orders in relevant jurisdictions
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Work with financial institutions to release funds
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Transfer funds to the client’s account
Case is formally closed and archived.
Case Spotlight: £135,000 Recovered in 120 Days
In 2024, a woman from Hong Kong transferred £150,000 over six months to a man claiming to be a “doctor in the UAE.” DJK LLP:
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Secured an interim WFO by Day 10
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Filed a lawsuit with a complete evidence bundle by Day 35
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Reached a settlement offer by Day 70
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Recovered £135,000—a successful, timely resolution
Final Thoughts: Time Is Money—Law Is Power
Romance scams are painful, but recovery is possible. DJK LLP’s well-structured legal roadmap offers victims a predictable and powerful way to fight back. With early action and expert guidance, the law becomes a weapon—not just a shield.
