Collaborating for Good: How BBB Institute Is Bringing Legal Help to Scam Victims
Scams are becoming more sophisticated—and their victims more isolated. For many people, falling prey to fraud is not just a financial setback, but an emotional and legal burden they don’t know how to navigate. BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust is proud to announce a new endeavor to provide legal guidance for recent scam victims.
The Scam Justice Legal Clinic (SJLC) is a pro bono legal initiative launched in 2025 in collaboration with Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Amazon, the Pro Bono Institute, and the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust. Its purpose is to provide free legal advice and educational support to victims of online scams, helping them understand their rights, explore legal options, and regain confidence.
The clinic was officially announced at BBB’s National Scam Survivor Day event in Washington, D.C., a day organized by the BBB Institute to raise awareness about fraud victims and their stories.
As a founding member, BBB Institute plays a key role in supporting the work of the SJLC in assisting scam victims:
1. Closing a critical access-to-justice gap
Many scam victims are left stranded: they may report the scam but lack the legal knowledge or resources to pursue claims or recover assets. SJLC offers a structured, low-barrier legal option. By contributing referrals and infrastructure, BBB Institute helps ensure that those who need help can find it.
2. Scalability & reach
Launching a standalone legal clinic is costly and complex. By leveraging BBB’s national network, the clinic can reach across states more quickly, and benefit from economies of scale. Referrals and brand recognition mean fewer barriers to entry for victims.
3. Integration of prevention and remediation
BBB Institute’s strengths lie in education, research, and prevention. SJLC focuses on remediation (legal advocacy). Together, they create a continuum: prevent scams, detect when they happen, support victims, and—when needed—offer legal recourse.
4. Legitimacy & trust
The BBB brand is well-known in consumer circles. Involving the BBB Institute gives SJLC a degree of legitimacy and trust from the very start—helping victims feel more confident reaching out.
