Recovery guide
You paid. They didn't deliver.
It's not over.
It happens more often than you’d think. The good news: in most cases, your path isn’t ruined. Some of the work may already be done.
Updated: April 2026
First step: figure out what exists
Before starting over, take inventory.
Do you have the originals?
Certificates in your possession or does the service have them? If you have them, they’re yours. If not, request in writing.
Apostilles done?
Check if documents have apostilles attached. They don’t expire. If done, no need to redo.
Translations completed?
Signed and dated copies? They’re valid and reusable.
Application submitted?
If formally accepted, it’s in processing. No need to resubmit.
Appointment booked?
Check your Prenot@Mi account. If there, still valid.
What’s almost always salvageable
Vital records certificates
Never expire.
Apostilles
Permanent once attached.
Certified translations
Valid as long as the underlying document is.
Italian comune documents
The estratto with annotations doesn’t expire for citizenship.
Exception: criminal record certificate has ~6 month validity. If expired, request a new one ($18–30).
How to protect yourself
Document everything
Save emails, messages, receipts. Screenshot WhatsApp with dates. It’s your evidence.
Request documents in writing
Formal email for return of originals. If they refuse, that’s an additional violation.
Report to the FTC
ftc.gov/complaint. Doesn’t resolve individual cases but patterns lead to investigations.
State attorney general
Search “[state] attorney general consumer complaint.”
Consider a chargeback
Credit card: 60–120 day window. Wire/Zelle: harder to recover.
Moving forward
A bad experience doesn’t mean the case is lost. Citizenship by descent is a right from birth — it doesn’t expire because an intermediary failed. Take your documents, do the inventory, and decide whether to continue alone or with a new service. Don’t pay again for work already done.
Common questions
Can I get my money back?
Depends on the contract. If nothing was delivered, you have a strong case. If some work was done, refund will be partial. Document everything and contact the FTC and your state AG.
Are previous documents still valid?
Usually yes. Certificates, apostilles and translations don’t expire. Only exception: criminal record check (~6 months). Make sure you have the originals.
Do I have to start over?
Almost never. Take inventory. Often certificates, apostilles and translations are already done. What’s missing is the consulate submission.
Note
Informational guide. For significant contractual disputes, consult an attorney.
Not legal advice.