Question 1

What is Signal Flare?

Accepted Answer

Signal Flare is a free browser-based tool that helps prepare regulator-ready documents when standard platform support has failed to resolve an account hijack, ban, lockout, billing dispute, or impersonation. It uses your own Anthropic API key, runs entirely in your browser, and is built on an open-source framework available on GitHub.

Question 2

Does this framework actually work?

Accepted Answer

The framework is built on consumer-protection best practices — what state AG offices, the FTC, and consumer-protection attorneys expect to receive, formatted the way they expect to receive it. Documents prepared this way are more likely to be taken seriously than ad-hoc complaints. Resolution is not guaranteed; some cases stay stuck regardless of how well-prepared the documents are.

Question 3

How much does Signal Flare cost?

Accepted Answer

Signal Flare itself is free. The AI assistance uses Anthropic's API which you pay for directly. Most sessions are estimated to cost roughly thirty cents to a dollar fifty in total. A real-time cost meter shows actual usage during the session.

Question 4

Should I use Signal Flare or a paid recovery service?

Accepted Answer

These are different things and aren't in competition. Paid recovery services sometimes have informal contacts at platform trust-and-safety teams. Signal Flare prepares documents that go through formal regulatory channels (state AGs, FTC, congressional offices, attorneys) — the legitimate public pathway that doesn't depend on knowing someone. You can use both in parallel if you want.

Question 5

Is my data private?

Accepted Answer

Signal Flare has no servers. Your conversation with the AI goes directly from your browser to Anthropic using your API key — Signal Flare never sees it. Files you add to the page are read by your browser locally and never leave your computer. Your API key is held only in the current browser tab and is gone when you close it.

Question 6

What if I don't hear back after filing?

Accepted Answer

Silence in the early weeks is normal — the framework calls for a 21–35 day response window from a state AG. If the AG complaint has not produced resolution about 35 days after filing, it may be time to consult an attorney (the framework's Stage 4). Don't refile during the wait; multiple filings on the same case get treated as duplicates and slow things down.

Signal Flare: Get Your Account Recovery Case Moving