Investment scams
Lost money to a fake investment?
Fake brokers and trading platforms can look completely real. If you can't withdraw your money, you're not alone, and there may be steps that can help.
The basics
What is an investment scam?
An investment scam is when fraudsters persuade you to put money into an opportunity that doesn't exist, or that they control. It often looks professional: a polished website, a trading dashboard showing profits, and an “account manager” who keeps in touch.
The profits on screen are usually fake. When you try to withdraw, new fees, taxes, or “verification” payments appear, or the platform stops responding altogether.
It's not your fault. These scams are run by professionals.
Telling someone is the first step. Our support team will listen and explain what can realistically be done.
Contact supportHow it usually happens
The pattern most of these scams follow.
- 01
First contact
An advert, social media post, or message offers high returns, sometimes using fake celebrity endorsements.
- 02
A small start
You're encouraged to invest a small amount and shown quick “profits” to build trust.
- 03
Pressure to add more
An account manager pushes you to invest more, often urgently, to unlock bigger returns.
- 04
Withdrawal blocked
When you try to take money out, you're asked to pay fees first, or the platform disappears.
Warning signs
How to spot it.
- !Guaranteed or unusually high returns with “no risk”
- !Being contacted out of the blue about an opportunity
- !Pressure to decide quickly or to invest more
- !Fees or taxes demanded before you can withdraw
- !Requests to pay in crypto or to a personal account
- !The firm isn't registered with your country's financial regulator
What to do now
Steps to take straight away.
- 1Stop sending money, even if you're told one more payment will release your funds.
- 2Contact your bank or card provider straight away and tell them you've been scammed.
- 3Keep everything: messages, emails, receipts, wallet addresses, website links, and screenshots.
- 4Report it to the police or your national fraud reporting service and note the reference number.
- 5Change passwords and turn on two-step verification if you shared any login details.
How we can help with your case.
- We listen to what happened and review your payments and records
- We explain your options honestly, including what may not be possible
- If you go ahead, your secure dashboard shows every update on your case
Talk to our support team about what happened.
Your message goes straight to our team with the topic already filled in.
We'll never ask for your passwords or verification codes.
Other types of scam