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Global
Crypto Investment Scam
Fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms, pig butchering schemes, and fake trading groups promising guaranteed returns.
How This Scam Works
- 1You're contacted via social media, dating apps, or 'wrong number' texts by a friendly person
- 2Over weeks of conversation, they mention their success with crypto trading
- 3They introduce you to a trading platform (often a fake website or app)
- 4Initial small investments show profits and you can withdraw small amounts
- 5You're encouraged to invest more. When you try to withdraw large amounts, the platform blocks you
- 6They may ask for 'taxes' or 'fees' to release your funds — this is also a scam
Red Flags to Watch For
- Guaranteed or unrealistically high returns (10%+ per week)
- Pressure to invest more before you can withdraw
- Platform or app not listed on major exchanges
- Domain registered very recently (check on whois)
- No clear company registration or regulatory information
- Celebrity endorsements for unknown trading platforms
What to Do If You're a Victim
- Stop sending money immediately
- Do not pay any 'fees' to withdraw — you will not get your money back
- Report to the FTC (US), RCMP (Canada), or cybercrime.gov.in (India)
- File a report with the FBI's IC3 (ic3.gov) if in the US
- Warn others about the platform online
- Save all communications, transaction records, and screenshots
Real Examples
- Pig butchering via dating app conversations
- Fake crypto exchange websites with professional design
- Telegram groups with fake profit screenshots