Lost money to a scam? You may owe less in taxes.
Crypto fraud, romance scams, Ponzi schemes, elder fraud — many victims qualify for federal theft loss deductions under IRC §165, recovering thousands in taxes already paid.
- ✓Losses from investment-related scams are often fully deductible
- ✓Amended returns can go back 3 years
- ✓No recovery from the scammer needed — the deduction stands alone
- ✓All consultations are free and strictly confidential
- ✓Powered by Shurek Accounting & Tax (licensed CPAs)
See if you qualify
Free 15-min consultation — no obligation
🔒 Everything you share is strictly confidential.
Everything you share is protected under CPA-client confidentiality. We are bound by professional ethics rules and will never disclose your information to anyone.
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Your privacy is completely protected.
Every inquiry, consultation, and document you share with us is held in strict confidence under professional CPA ethics standards. We are legally and ethically bound never to disclose your information. You will never be judged here — only helped.
SCAM TYPES WE COVER
We’ve helped victims of all major fraud types
If your loss was investment-related or profit-motivated, IRC §165(c)(2) may apply — regardless of whether the scammer was ever caught.
Fake exchanges, rug pulls, pig butchering scams, fraudulent trading platforms
Strong §165 caseWire transfers sent to fraudulent partners met on dating apps or social media
Often qualifiesFraudulent investment programs promising unrealistic returns
Strong §165 caseGrandparent scams, fake Medicare calls, Social Security impersonation, caregiver theft
Often qualifiesBusiness email compromise, fake invoice fraud, unauthorized wire transfers
Strong §165 caseFake IRS agents, SSA fraud, threatening calls demanding immediate payment
Case by caseFake Microsoft/Apple reps gaining remote access and stealing funds
Often qualifiesUpfront fees to claim fake winnings, sweepstakes fraud, foreign lottery scams
Often qualifiesFake job offers requiring equipment purchases or upfront training fees
Case by caseFake NFT projects, liquidity pool rug pulls, fake DeFi yield platforms
Strong §165 caseFake resale companies, fraudulent exit programs, bogus timeshare investments
Often qualifiesFraudulent nonprofits, disaster relief fraud, fake fundraising campaigns
Case by case419 / Nigerian prince schemes, inheritance fraud, upfront fee wire transfers
Often qualifiesFake rental deposits, title fraud, fraudulent real estate investment schemes
Strong §165 casePaid deposits for work never performed, fake contractor licensing scams
Case by caseFraudulent franchises, fake suppliers, deceptive business investment schemes
Strong §165 caseINTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 165
Theft Loss Deduction
Why the tax code is on your side
Under IRC §165(c)(2), losses from transactions entered into for profit — including fraudulent investments — are deductible on your federal return. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act suspended personal theft deductions, but investment-related fraud losses remain fully deductible. Our CPAs know exactly how to position your case to maximize the deduction.
THE PROCESS
How it works in 4 steps
Free confidential consult
15-min call to review your situation. Everything discussed is strictly confidential.
Document review
We gather evidence to support the IRC §165 deduction. All documents are held in confidence.
Return prep
We prepare your amended return or current-year filing on your behalf.
You get paid
IRS issues your refund once the return is processed.
Licensed CPAs
Shurek Accounting & Tax — years of IRS representation experience.
IRC §165 specialists
We know this code section better than almost any firm in the country.
Strictly confidential
Every inquiry, consultation, and document is protected under CPA-client confidentiality. You will never be judged here.
🔒 All consultations are free and strictly confidential — CPA-client confidentiality applies.