Binary Options broker 'BinaryTradePro' just froze my account and is demanding a 'premium subscription fee' to unfreeze it for withdrawal. Scam or legit?

asked 10d ago6 views104 answers
0

Hi everyone, I'm feeling sick to my stomach right now. I got into binary options trading a few months back, thought I was doing pretty well, you know, some small wins, reinvesting. This platform, BinaryTradePro, seemed okay at first. I'd put in about £7,000 over a few deposits, mostly through my Revolut card, thinking it was safer. Now I tried to withdraw a decent chunk, about £4,500, because honestly, I needed the cash. And they just froze my account. No warning. Then I get this email saying my account is 'inactive' due to 'insufficient trading volume' and to unfreeze it and process any withdrawal, I need to pay a 'premium subscription fee' of £1,200. Is this normal? My gut says scam, but I'm desperate to get my money out. What should I do? I'm in Glasgow, UK, btw.

104 Answers

41

Okay, Edward, listen up. This is a classic scam tactic, 100%. No legitimate financial institution or broker, especially one regulated, would ever demand a 'premium subscription fee' to release *your own funds* from a frozen account. Account freezing for 'insufficient trading volume' when you're trying to withdraw profits is a red flag big enough to see from space. They're just trying to extract more money from you.

Here's the deal: Binary options, especially platforms like the one you described, are notoriously unregulated and often outright fraudulent. The FCA in the UK has strict regulations around these products, and I can almost guarantee BinaryTradePro isn't compliant if they're pulling stunts like this. Any money you send them now will just disappear too.

First step: Do NOT pay that fee. Second: Gather *all* your documentation. Screenshots of your account, their emails, transaction records from Revolut, everything. Third: Contact Revolut immediately about chargebacks. Explain you've been defrauded. They might have a dispute process. Fourth: Report this to the FCA in the UK, even if it's an offshore entity. They track these things and can advise. Also, report to Action Fraud. Your money is likely gone, but you might have a slim chance with a chargeback. Don't fall for recovery scams now.

Kevin Miller · Chicago, USAanswered 10d ago
47

Edward, this is a very common type of advance fee fraud, specifically tailored for unregulated binary options and forex scams. It's designed to make you feel like your funds are just out of reach, and if you pay *one more fee*, everything will be fine. That's the psychological trap. They exploit the sunk cost fallacy – you've already invested £7,000, so £1,200 more feels like a necessary evil to save the initial investment.

However, it's not. That £1,200 will disappear just like your initial £7,000, and they'll invent another fee after that. Think about it: if they actually had your £4,500 profit, why wouldn't they just deduct the 'premium subscription fee' from that amount? Because they don't have it, or they're not going to give it to you. The money is gone. Your best chance is the chargeback through Revolut, which handles disputes like a regular bank for card transactions. Keep all communication with BinaryTradePro, but do not engage further with their demands. Report them to Action Fraud and the FCA. The FCA publishes warnings about unregulated firms; check their website to see if BinaryTradePro is already on it, or report them if they're not.

Olivia Wilson · Sheffield, United Kingdomanswered 10d ago
22

Oh wow, Edward, I'm so sorry you're going through this. It really sounds awful and so stressful. What Kevin said is spot on, please don't pay them any more money. This 'premium subscription fee' thing is just another trick to get you to deposit more. I've heard similar stories here in Singapore, and MAS is always warning people about these kinds of unregulated platforms. They make it sound like it's your fault or a 'system' issue, but it's just them trying to fleece you.

Your focus now should be on trying to get back what you can. That Revolut card might be your best bet for a chargeback, so definitely call them first thing. The sooner you report it as fraud, the better. And don't feel ashamed, these scammers are very sophisticated and prey on people's hopes.

Jun Tay · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 10d ago
34

Edward, stop right there. This is a 100% scam. I'm from Cork myself, and I've heard of so many people falling for this binary options garbage. They never let you withdraw your money once you've put enough in. The 'premium subscription fee' is just a new flavor of the 'tax fee' or 'verification fee' scams. You pay that, and then there'll be another fee, and another, until you're completely drained. Just don't. Please. You'll only lose more money.

Seriously, anyone reading this, if a broker demands ANY kind of fee to release *your own money*, it's a scam. Full stop. Legitimate brokers don't operate like that. They deduct fees from your balance or charge commissions on trades. They don't hold your funds hostage for 'subscriptions'.

Niamh Walsh · Cork, Irelandanswered 10d ago
17

Hmm, I mean, I'm not gonna lie, it sounds fishy. Really fishy. A 'premium subscription fee' to unfreeze an account? That's not something I've ever heard from legitimate brokers regulated by AFM here in the Netherlands, for example. They have withdrawal limits, sure, or sometimes inactivity fees, but *never* a fee to unfreeze and then immediately withdraw. It definitely feels like a tactic to get more money out of you.

I'd be super cautious. Before doing anything, I'd try to find out more about BinaryTradePro itself. Are they regulated *anywhere*? If they're offshore and unregulated, your money is basically in a black hole. It's a sad situation, but you need to temper your expectations for getting the funds back.

Lucas de Jong · Amsterdam, Netherlandsanswered 10d ago
28

Dude, I've been there, like, exact same scenario. Not with binary options, but a forex platform that started asking for 'tax clearance fees' after I made some money. I fell for it once, paid an extra grand, and then they asked for *another* fee, for 'anti-money laundering verification'. That's when I finally woke up. I lost a lot more than you did by then. So yeah, 100% scam.

Don't send them another penny, seriously. They're just preying on your hope. I reported mine to the AMF France and my bank (which was Credit Agricole, not Revolut), but it was too late for a chargeback because I'd waited too long. Act fast with Revolut like the others said. Wish you luck man, it sucks.

Lucas Moreau · Nice, Franceanswered 10d ago
25

Oh man, that's rough. I know exactly how you feel. I got caught in something similar with a crypto platform that kept inventing new fees to release my 'profits'. First it was a 'liquidity fee', then a 'system upgrade fee', then a 'tax fee'. I just kept paying, hoping the next one would be the last, because I already put so much in. Ended up losing way more than I ever intended.

It's a classic sign of a scam when they keep asking for more money to 'release' your funds. A legitimate company would just process your withdrawal, maybe with a small, transparent fee, or deduct it from your balance. They wouldn't hold your money hostage. Please don't pay that fee, Edward. You'll only throw good money after bad. Focus on the chargeback, that's your only real shot.

Emma Smit · Eindhoven, Netherlandsanswered 10d ago
37

Alright, let's break this down from a regulatory perspective. First, binary options are a highly scrutinized product due to their inherent risks and the prevalence of fraud. In many jurisdictions, including the UK, the sale of binary options to retail investors is prohibited. If BinaryTradePro is operating in the UK without proper FCA authorization, they're already breaking the law.

Second, the demand for a 'premium subscription fee' to unfreeze an account for withdrawal is completely outside of normal, legitimate business practices for financial services. This is a common tactic by fraudulent entities to extract additional funds. Legitimate brokers derive revenue from commissions, spreads, or clearly stated account maintenance fees, not ransom payments to access your own money.

Your primary recourse is indeed a chargeback with Revolut. Credit card networks (and by extension, debit card networks like those Revolut uses) have robust dispute mechanisms for services not rendered or fraud. Providing clear documentation of their refusal to release funds and demand for an additional, illegitimate fee is crucial. Beyond that, reporting to Action Fraud and the FCA provides them with intelligence, even if direct recovery is difficult. Do not engage with any third-party 'recovery services' that promise to get your money back for an upfront fee; these are almost universally scams themselves.

Jacob Roy · Victoria, Canadaanswered 10d ago
19

This situation, Edward, is a very strong indicator of a scam. In the UAE, for example, MAS (though for Singapore, similar principles apply here with the Central Bank of UAE) and other financial authorities issue frequent warnings about unregulated investment platforms, especially those dealing in binary options or exotic forex products. These platforms often lure investors with promises of high returns and then, when withdrawal requests come in, they invent various arbitrary 'fees' – 'taxes', 'compliance fees', 'unfreezing fees', 'premium access' – anything to get more money out of the victim.

The fact that they froze your account for 'insufficient trading volume' *after* you tried to withdraw, and then demand a fee, is a classic modus operandi. A genuine platform would have clear terms of service regarding account activity and withdrawal processes, and these would not involve paying additional, unexpected sums just to access your own funds. Your best course of action is to follow the advice about the chargeback and reporting them to UK authorities. Do not send any more money.

Sara Al Qasimi · Sharjah, UAEanswered 10d ago
12

Ugh, this makes me so mad. Not at you, Edward, but at these absolute lowlifes running these scams. I lost about $8k CAD last year to a crypto 'investing' site that pulled the exact same trick, just with a 'regulatory compliance fee'. I was so desperate to get my money back that I almost paid it. My girlfriend talked me out of it, thankfully. Saved me from losing even more.

It's a total scam, man. They'll just keep asking for more and more. You're never gonna see that money, whether you pay the fee or not. Your best bet is that chargeback with Revolut, like everyone else said. Report them everywhere you can, burn them to the ground if you can. These people are trash.

Jacob Cote · Vancouver, Canadaanswered 10d ago
8

Oh mate, that email sounds like textbook scam behavior. Reputable brokers don't ask for 'subscription fees' to unfreeze withdrawals. It's a classic tactic to milk more money from you. Since you deposited via Revolut, contact them *immediately*. Explain the situation and start a chargeback process. Mention it's for a fraudulent service. Revolut often helps with this.

Sophie O'Connor · Cork, Irelandanswered 10d ago
3

Hang in there, that sounds incredibly stressful. I haven't heard of BinaryTradePro, but the fee they're asking for seems really odd. Don't pay it. If they're demanding extra money to release funds that are yours, that's a massive red flag. Maybe check with local consumer protection groups in Glasgow?

Yusuf Al Hashemi · Al Ain, UAEanswered 10d ago
9

STOP. Do NOT pay that fee. This is an absolute scam. They're trying to get another £1200 out of you. Binary options are already high-risk, and platforms that do this are almost always fraudulent. You've likely lost the initial £7k, but do *not* send them more money. Report them to the FCA immediately. They might not recover your money but at least others won't fall for it.

Chloe Martin · Toulouse, Franceanswered 10d ago
4

Terrible situation, I'm really sorry you're going through this. I'm not familiar with that specific broker, but demanding an extra fee for a withdrawal is definitely not how legitimate platforms operate. It sounds like they're trying to trap you. Have you tried contacting Revolut directly about this? They might have a process for disputing transactions with shady companies.

Edward Harris · Sheffield, United Kingdomanswered 10d ago
10

This pattern is extremely common in unregulated forex and binary options scams. They lure you in with small wins, then when you try to withdraw, they invent fees or taxes. The fact that they're demanding a 'premium subscription' for an 'inactive' account is a huge red flag. The safest action is to cease all communication and initiate a chargeback with Revolut. Look for the platform's regulatory details; if they don't have a clear, verifiable license with a major authority like the FCA (which they won't if they're pulling this), it's a definite scam. Report them to the FCA too.

Lina David · Nice, Franceanswered 10d ago
7

Alarm bells ringing loud here. I've seen this happen too many times. Binary options are already a grey area, and any platform asking for upfront fees to process withdrawals is almost certainly a scam. The typical advice is to dispute the transactions with your bank or card provider ASAP. For you in the UK, that would be Revolut. Also, file a report with the FCA, even if they can't recover funds, it helps track these bad actors.

Ming Ong · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 10d ago
7

Do not, under any circumstances, pay that fee. It's a trap. They want to make it seem legitimate by asking for a 'fee' but it's just to steal more money. This sounds exactly like the scams that prey on people looking for quick profits. Check if BinaryTradePro is regulated by the FCA. If they aren't, or if the details are fake, you're dealing with fraudsters. Report them to MAS if you can find any Singaporean connection, but primarily focus on Revolut chargeback and FCA complaint.

Lily Coetzee · Pretoria, South Africaanswered 10d ago
5

Yeah, that's a classic scam move, I'm afraid. If they were legit, they wouldn't ask for additional fees to unfreeze your account or process a withdrawal you're entitled to. It smells fishy. Your best bet, though it's a long shot, is to contact Revolut and see if they can initiate a chargeback for the £7,000. Explain the situation clearly – that the platform is demanding further payment under false pretenses to release your own funds. Also, file a report with the FCA in the UK.

Isla Taylor · Melbourne, Australiaanswered 10d ago
3

I'm so sorry to hear this. It's heartbreaking when you think you're making progress and then this happens. That fee is outrageous and definitely not normal. Please don't pay it. Try to get help from Revolut. Explain that you were scammed and are trying to recover your money. Keep all the emails and screenshots. Sometimes these platforms disappear quickly, so acting fast is good. Wishing you luck.

Maryam Al Hashemi · Ras Al Khaimah, UAEanswered 10d ago
4

That sounds like a total scam, I'm sorry to say. Never heard of a legit trading platform charging a 'subscription fee' to unfreeze funds for withdrawal. That's a huge red flag. You need to act fast. Contact Revolut immediately and tell them you suspect fraud. Ask about their chargeback process. Also, report this to the FCA. They regulate financial services in the UK and need to know about scam operations like this.

Jessica Martin · Atlanta, USAanswered 10d ago
12

Mate, I fell for something similar a few years back. Put in SGD 5k into a binary options thing. Same story — they froze my account when I wanted to withdraw. Wanted a 'tax fee'. Paid it. Then they wanted an 'admin fee'. Paid that. Then they just vanished. Ended up losing everything. Do NOT pay them another cent. Try the chargeback with Revolut. Also, report them to the MAS if they claim to be regulated by them, or the FCA in your case. They're not legit, I promise you.

Joshua Chan · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 10d ago
4

This feels really off. A 'premium subscription fee' to withdraw your own money? Nah. Why would an account become 'inactive' after trading? It doesn't make sense. They're trying to pull a fast one. Did you check if BinaryTradePro is regulated by the FCA? Most likely they aren't. If they aren't regulated, that's your answer. Don't pay. See if Revolut can do anything.

Grace Brown · Birmingham, United Kingdomanswered 10d ago
5

That sounds exactly like the kind of scam that's been going around with these dodgy binary options sites. They string you along, make you think you're winning, and then pull the rug out when you try to get your money. The 'subscription fee' is nonsense. They're just trying to get more cash out of you. Your best bet is to contact Revolut *now* and see if you can do a chargeback. And report them to the FCA.

Amelia Walker · Liverpool, United Kingdomanswered 10d ago
9

I'm in the same boat, almost. I put £3k into a place called 'GlobalFXInvest' and they also asked for a fee to withdraw. I paid it... stupid, I know. Then they asked for more. I never got a penny back. I'm reporting them to the FCA now, but it feels like too little too late. Please, please don't pay them. Try the chargeback with Revolut. Good luck, I hope you have better luck than me.

Isla Davies · Nottingham, United Kingdomanswered 10d ago
6

That sounds like a classic exit scam, honestly. The 'inactive account' and 'subscription fee' are common excuses these scammers use. They are never legit. You put in £7k and they want £1200 more? No way. Don't pay it. Your best course of action is to immediately contact Revolut and initiate a chargeback for the deposits. Also, definitely report them to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. They are the regulator and need to be aware of these operations.

Steven Young · Atlanta, USAanswered 10d ago
5

Oh wow, that's rough. Been there, but with a different scam. Never pay them. That fee is completely made up. They want to squeeze every last penny. What you should do is contact Revolut right away and tell them you were defrauded. Ask for a chargeback. Keep records of everything. Also, check the FCA website for a scam warning about BinaryTradePro or similar entities. You might also report it to Action Fraud.

Eva Meijer · Groningen, Netherlandsanswered 10d ago
4

Seriously? A subscription fee to unfreeze? That's just absurd. They're clearly trying to scam you. Don't give them another pound. Contact Revolut immediately and explain the situation. You'll want to initiate a chargeback. Be persistent with Revolut, sometimes they need a lot of proof. Also, file a complaint with the FCA. Every report helps them build a case against these fraudsters.

Emily Rodriguez · Portland, USAanswered 10d ago
4

I'm so sorry this happened to you. It sounds like a scam, for sure. That fee is not normal for any legitimate broker. They are likely trying to take more of your money. My advice is to immediately contact Revolut and start the process of disputing the charges. Explain clearly that this is a fraudulent platform. Also, make sure to file a report with the FCA in the UK. They are the primary regulator and need to be aware of this.

Sophie Brown · Adelaide, Australiaanswered 10d ago
5

Ugh, binary options are a minefield. That fee sounds like total BS. They're just trying to fleece you. Don't pay it. Your best bet is to go straight to Revolut and tell them you've been scammed. Ask them to start a chargeback for all your deposits. Also, head over to the FCA website and file a formal complaint. Every bit of evidence they collect helps take these dodgy outfits down.

Thomas Williams · Gold Coast, Australiaanswered 10d ago
6

This is a known scam pattern. They lull you into a false sense of security, let you make some small 'profits', and then when you want to withdraw, they invent fees or taxes. The 'premium subscription' is just another excuse to get more money. Do NOT pay it. Contact Revolut immediately and initiate a chargeback. Also, report them to the FCA in the UK. They are the regulatory body and will want to know about this. Be prepared that getting your money back can be difficult, but reporting is crucial.

Mia Ouellet · Victoria, Canadaanswered 10d ago
7

This is textbook. They lure you in, let you make small gains to build confidence, then when you try to withdraw anything significant, they hit you with these bogus fees. The 'premium subscription' is just a made-up charge to keep your money. They're not regulated, and that Revolut card detail is interesting - often these platforms try to get you to pay via crypto or wire transfers which are much harder to trace or recover.

Don't pay the fee. You'll just lose that extra £1,200 on top of your original deposit.

For anyone reading this, if a broker asks for *any* upfront fee to release *your own funds* you've already deposited, it's a massive red flag. Legitimate brokers don't do that. They might deduct fees *from* your profits when you withdraw, but never ask for an advance fee on your capital.

Jia Lee · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 10d ago
15

Oh god, reading this made my stomach clench. I was in a similar spot last year with a broker called 'GlobalFXPro' – honestly, the names all sound so legit, don't they? They also asked for a 'tax payment' to release my funds. My husband told me it was a scam but I paid it. Felt like such a fool when I lost that too.

My best advice? Stop talking to them. Don't reply to their emails. Go straight to your bank and your card provider (Revolut in your case) and tell them the full story. Lodge a chargeback claim. It's a long shot, especially if the payments have gone through, but it's your best chance. I got about half my money back this way after months of back and forth with Barclays.

Rachel Roberts · Nottingham, United Kingdomanswered 10d ago
12

mate, im so sorry to hear this. Glasgow here too. Binary options are basically gambling dressed up as trading and 99% of the platforms are scams. They make their money when people lose. They're not regulated by the FCA in the UK for retail clients like us for a reason.

DO NOT send them any more money. That fee is made up. They're trying to squeeze another payment out of you. Report them to the FCA's scam warning list if they're not already on it. Even if they are, it doesn't stop them operating, but it's a paper trail.

James Taylor · Glasgow, United Kingdomanswered 9d ago
8

This happened to me too. I lost about AU$5,000 to a platform called 'SkyTraderFX'. They also demanded an 'admin fee' to unlock my withdrawal. I was so stressed, didn't sleep for weeks. My wife told me I was being an idiot but I sent them another $1,500 because they said it was the only way. What a mistake.

I ended up reporting it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), but honestly, by the time I got around to it, the trail was cold. They never got my money back. The key thing is to act fast with your bank.

Noah Taylor · Adelaide, Australiaanswered 9d ago
5

This sounds exactly like what happened to me with 'ProfitMasters' last year. They asked for a 'security deposit' to release my profits. I was so excited about making money, I didn't think straight. Paid the €800, and then they vanished.

It's devastating, I know. Try to report it to your local police or consumer protection agency. In Germany, the BaFin wouldn't regulate binary options for us anyway, but they might have info on these scam outfits. I lost money but learned a hard lesson about 'too good to be true' offers.

Thomas Bauer · Munich, Germanyanswered 9d ago
11

Same here. Lost a few thousand euros to 'QuantumFx'. They tried the same 'fee' trick. NGL, I almost fell for it. My partner talked me down. We went to the police and filed a report, but it felt like shouting into the void. They suggested reporting it to the AFM (Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets) just to get it on their radar, even if they couldn't help directly. It’s worth trying any official channel you can find.

Lina Koch · Dusseldorf, Germanyanswered 9d ago
14

Ugh, the 'premium subscription' line. So predictable. I lost £3k to 'ApexOptions' a while back. They told me I needed to pay an 'account upgrade fee' to access my funds. It felt so wrong, but I was blinded by the thought of getting my money back. Paid it. Guess what? Nothing.

Just chalk it up as a loss and move on. Seriously. Take the lesson learned, freeze your cards if you have to, and never, ever send money to a platform that isn't regulated by the FCA. Check the FCA register! It's your best defense.

Harry Wilson · Brighton, United Kingdomanswered 9d ago
6

This is a common scam playbook. They promise easy money, get you hooked, then invent reasons why you can't withdraw. The 'premium fee' is pure fiction. They won't unfreeze your account even if you pay it. They'll just ask for more money later.

Report it to the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and also to your bank. Your bank might be able to initiate a chargeback. Don't expect miracles, but it's better than doing nothing. These guys operate in a grey area, often offshore, making recovery difficult.

Liam Bakker · Tilburg, Netherlandsanswered 9d ago
9

OMG, I feel for you. This is exactly what happened to me with 'SureBetMarkets'. They demanded a 'compliance fee' to release my $2,000. I was so stressed, I was crying every night. My sister said, 'Just report it to the CFTC, the US regulator.' I did, but honestly, they can't do much if the company is based overseas. It's a hard lesson about unregulated brokers.

Megan Lee · Los Angeles, USAanswered 9d ago
4

Binary options? Sounds like a scam from the get-go. They always ask for more money when you try to cash out. 'Premium subscription fee' - seriously? Never heard of such a thing for withdrawing your own cash. I'd tell them to get lost and report it to the MAS if they're operating out of Singapore, or whoever regulates them wherever they claim to be based. They're probably not regulated anywhere legit.

Conor Walsh · Belfast, Irelandanswered 9d ago
7

This is just awful. I was scammed out of R10,000 by a platform called 'QuickTrade'. They said I needed to pay a 'withdrawal tax' before they could release my profits. I was so naive. My mom warned me, but I was so excited about the fake profits they showed me.

I reported it to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) here in South Africa. They couldn't get my money back, but they did put out a warning about that specific broker. Please, please report them to the FCA in the UK. Even if they can't recover your funds, it helps warn others.

Chloe van der Merwe · East London, South Africaanswered 9d ago
10

A 'premium subscription fee' to withdraw your own money? That's ridiculous. They are definitely trying to scam you. I had a similar thing happen with 'FXTradeGlobal'. They wanted a 'transfer fee'. Don't pay them another cent.

Contact your bank immediately. Explain the situation and see if they can do a chargeback. Also, look into the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. If this broker is claiming to be regulated, check their registration number on the FCA website. If they're not listed, that's another nail in the coffin.

Niklas Klein · Hannover, Germanyanswered 9d ago
5

Yeah, that's a scam. Sorry you're going through this. I lost a bit to a similar operation a few years back. They always have a new fee. First it's a deposit, then a 'verification fee', then a 'withdrawal fee', or in your case, a 'subscription'. They'll just keep inventing them.

Don't pay. Go to your bank. If you paid via credit card, you have stronger rights for a chargeback. Revolut might have its own process, check their terms. Also, maybe check if they are mentioned on any scam warning lists from regulators like BaFin in Germany or ASIC in Australia.

Emma Murphy · Cork, Irelandanswered 9d ago
2

It's always tough when you see your money frozen like that. Brokers sometimes have legitimate reasons for account restrictions, but a demand for an extra fee to unfreeze for withdrawal is highly suspicious. You should check if BinaryTradePro is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) or any other reputable financial authority. Unregulated platforms are often where these issues pop up.

Anna de Jong · Rotterdam, Netherlandsanswered 9d ago
3

Oh no, that's terrible! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. It sounds incredibly stressful. Remember to take deep breaths. It's completely understandable to feel sick, but try not to let them panic you into sending more money. You've done the right thing by asking for advice here.

Wei Koh · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 9d ago
4

This sounds very much like a scam, I'm afraid. The FCA in the UK has issued warnings about many binary options platforms that operate this way. They make it seem easy to make money, but then they invent obstacles for withdrawals. Don't pay the fee.

Levi Bos · Nijmegen, Netherlandsanswered 9d ago
10

Yep, classic scam move. The 'premium subscription' is just a made-up fee designed to get more money out of you. They'll never let you withdraw, even if you pay it. I lost €1,500 to a site that did this last year. Reported it to my bank and got a chargeback on my Visa. It took a few months but I got it back. Try that ASAP.

James Lynch · Cork, Irelandanswered 9d ago
8

I'm so sorry this happened. It's a horrible feeling. I had a similar experience with 'TradeXyz' a couple of years ago. They asked for an 'international transfer fee' to release my funds. It was a total lie. I reported it to my bank, but they couldn't help because it was a wire transfer.

For withdrawals, always try to use a credit card if you can, as they offer better protection and chargeback options. Since you used Revolut, contact them immediately and explain the situation. They might be able to assist with a dispute.

Edward Hughes · Liverpool, United Kingdomanswered 9d ago
12

This is a major red flag. These binary options platforms are notorious for this kind of scam. They will invent fees endlessly. Don't pay the 'subscription fee'. Report this broker to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK immediately. You can file a complaint on their website. Also, contact Revolut and explain you're trying to recover funds from a potentially fraudulent transaction.

Olivia Gagne · Victoria, Canadaanswered 9d ago
9

This sounds exactly like the kind of scam I've seen warnings about from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). They often let you deposit and even see 'profits' but then invent reasons why you can't withdraw. The 'premium subscription fee' is a classic trick to get more money. DO NOT PAY IT. Report them to the FCA and contact Revolut to see about a chargeback. Act fast.

Lukas Fischer · Berlin, Germanyanswered 9d ago
8

This pattern screams scam. The FCA in the UK regulates forex and CFD trading, but binary options are a bit of a grey area depending on the exact product. However, demanding an extra fee like this *after* you've deposited and want to withdraw is a classic red flag. They're likely hoping you'll pay and then find another excuse not to let you withdraw. If they were legit, they wouldn't need a 'premium subscription' to process your own funds.

My advice? Report this immediately. You can start with the FCA's scam reporting page. Also, check if Revolut has any consumer protection for these types of transactions, though it might be tough since it was framed as a trade.

Fatima Al Nahyan · Al Ain, UAEanswered 9d ago
5

Oh man, that's brutal. I'm really sorry you're going through this. It sounds incredibly stressful, especially needing the money. Try not to beat yourself up too much; these scammers are good at what they do. Keep your chin up, and let's see if we can figure out a path forward here. A lot of people have been burned by these kinds of platforms.

William Bergeron · Victoria, Canadaanswered 9d ago
7

My friend, this is 100% a scam. They lure you in with small wins, then when you try to take your money out, they invent fees or say you need to trade more or pay for 'verification'. It's a well-known playbook. Do not pay this £1,200. They will just keep asking for more money. You need to report this to the FCA in the UK. They might not get your money back directly, but it helps them shut these operations down.

Lucas Robert · Nice, Franceanswered 9d ago
6

Yep, sounds exactly like a scam. They invent problems to get more money. The whole 'premium subscription' thing is totally made up to get you to pay more. I've seen this happen to mates. Don't pay it. Honestly, I'd cut your losses and report them to the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and maybe Action Fraud. I doubt you'll see that £7,000 again, but reporting it is crucial.

Isabella Tremblay · Halifax, Canadaanswered 9d ago
4

That sounds like a nightmare scenario, mate. Really feel for you. It's easy to get caught up when things seem to be going well, and then BAM. Try to stay calm. There are good people on here who might have gone through similar things. Don't give up hope just yet. Maybe explore chargeback options with Revolut, though it's usually tricky after a certain time.

Henry Martin · Sydney, Australiaanswered 9d ago
9

Hold on, a 'premium subscription' to withdraw your *own* money? That's not how regulated financial services work, at all. If they were regulated by the FCA (which you should check immediately on the FCA Register), they wouldn't pull stunts like this. Most likely, they are unregulated offshore or just outright fraudulent. Did they ever send you any official-looking documents when you signed up? Any contact details beyond a web form?

James Hall · Birmingham, United Kingdomanswered 9d ago
10

From my experience in the markets, this is textbook scam behavior. Legitimate platforms might have withdrawal *conditions* tied to trading volume or bonus requirements, but never a blanket 'subscription fee' to unlock your own deposited funds. That's purely arbitrary. The fact that you deposited via Revolut is also a common route for these scams, as it can be harder to trace/reverse than a direct bank transfer sometimes.

Your best bet is to file a dispute with Revolut immediately, citing potential fraud. Also, submit a complaint to the FCA. While they may not recover the funds directly, reporting helps build a case against these operators. Document *everything*: emails, chat logs, transaction history. Every bit of evidence counts.

Liam Lavoie · Halifax, Canadaanswered 9d ago
12

Mate, I was in *exactly* the same boat last year. With a platform called 'GlobalFXMarkets' – might be related. They hit me with a similar 'tax fee' to withdraw. I paid it. Then they wanted another 'insurance fee'. Totaled about £3k. Never saw a penny. They went dark a month later. Don't pay them another cent. Report them to the FCA and Action Fraud. I never got my money back, but maybe you'll have better luck. It f***ing sucks.

James Jones · Leeds, United Kingdomanswered 9d ago
5

I'm so sorry this happened to you. It's devastating when you think you're making progress and then this. I was scammed out of $500 last month by a crypto mining site. They said I needed to pay a fee to unlock my earnings. I paid it, then they asked for more. I felt so stupid. Just know you're not alone. They prey on people's hope. It's so unfair.

Logan MacDonald · Winnipeg, Canadaanswered 9d ago
7

This is a very common scam. They operate these fake trading platforms, often unregistered with any serious financial regulator like the FCA. The 'premium subscription' is a fabrication designed to extract more money from you. Do not pay it. Report them to the FCA immediately. They also often operate under slightly different names or websites, so look out for that. If you can find any company registration details, check those too, but often they're fake.

Saoirse O'Connor · Belfast, Irelandanswered 9d ago
11

Oh no, that's awful. Sounds like a classic scam. I lost £1,500 about 2 years ago to something similar. Platform looked slick, I got a few small wins, then they wanted a 'processing fee' to withdraw. Paid it. Then they wanted a 'tax clearance fee'. Total joke. Never saw the money. I reported it to the FCA and Action Fraud UK. Didn't get my money back, but they took the site down eventually. Don't pay them any more. Try a chargeback with Revolut, but be quick.

Amelia Wright · Leeds, United Kingdomanswered 9d ago
6

This is exactly how they got me last year. They promised huge returns on forex. I put in €4,000. Then when I wanted to withdraw my profits, they said I needed to pay a 'verification fee' of €800. I paid it. Then they wanted €1500 for 'anti-money laundering compliance'. It never ends. They are thieves. I reported them to my local police and BaFin, but they were based offshore. Just awful.

Lotte de Jong · Almere, Netherlandsanswered 9d ago
9

Just wanted to chime in - this sounds EXACTLY like what happened to my brother-in-law. He lost about £5k to a 'ForexPro' site. They froze his account and demanded a £1k 'withdrawal tax'. He paid it. Then they wanted more. He ended up reporting it to the FCA and doing a chargeback with his card provider, which *did* work for some of the funds eventually. It took months though. Don't pay the fee. Report them. Try the chargeback ASAP.

William Cote · Vancouver, Canadaanswered 9d ago
13

This is precisely the MO of unregulated binary options scams. The FCA in the UK has repeatedly warned about these schemes. They are not licensed to operate in the UK. The 'subscription fee' is a fictional charge to defraud you. You need to act quickly.

  1. Contact Revolut immediately: Request a chargeback for fraud. Provide all evidence you have.
  2. Report to the FCA: Use their 'Report a scam' portal.
  3. Report to Action Fraud: The UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.

Don't expect to get the money back easily, but these steps are crucial for trying and for preventing others from falling victim.

Cian Ryan · Dublin, Irelandanswered 9d ago
5

Ugh, this is so frustrating. They always come up with some ridiculous excuse. A 'premium subscription' to get your *own* money? That's hilarious if it wasn't so serious. My bank is Barclays, and they're usually pretty good about spotting dodgy transactions, but I've never used them for something like this. I'd say try contacting Revolut about a chargeback, but honestly, they might say it's too late since it wasn't an immediate transaction error. Still worth a shot though.

Tess Mulder · Almere, Netherlandsanswered 9d ago
6

This is a horrible situation. It sounds exactly like the scam my cousin fell for last year. She invested about R10,000 with a platform that promised guaranteed returns. When she tried to withdraw, they asked for a 'currency conversion fee'. She paid it. Then they wanted a 'capital gains tax payment'. She lost everything. She reported it to the South African Reserve Bank, but it was too late. I'm so sorry. Please don't send them more money.

Sarah Kruger · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 9d ago
7

Oh mate, that's rough. I know a guy who lost his savings to a very similar setup. They froze his account and asked for a 'technical upgrade fee'. He paid it, obviously wanting his money back. Then they asked for a 'legal compliance fee'. It just kept going. He ended up losing about $10,000 AUD. He never got any of it back. He reported it to ASIC, but said it was like shouting into the wind. I feel for you, man.

Henry Jones · Darwin, Australiaanswered 9d ago
10

This is a known scam technique. These platforms are often unregulated and prey on people's greed and desperation. The 'subscription fee' is a fabrication. They will likely invent new fees if you pay this one.

Action you must take:

  • Contact Revolut immediately to initiate a chargeback due to suspected fraud.
  • Report the platform to the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) in the UK.
  • File a report with Action Fraud.

These platforms are designed to disappear once they've extracted enough money. Acting fast is your only chance, however slim, of recovering anything.

Hui Ng · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 9d ago
5

That sounds absolutely terrible, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. These guys are predators. Don't pay the fee. Definitely report them to the FCA. Did you look them up on Trustpilot or similar sites? Sometimes you can find warnings there, although the scammers often flood those with fake positive reviews too. Stay strong, and try not to let them get any more of your cash.

Daan van den Berg · Breda, Netherlandsanswered 9d ago
8

Wow, that's awful. This happened to my friend last year with a crypto broker. They demanded a 'withdrawal tax' and then a 'KYC fee'. He paid about $2,000 extra. Never got his money. He reported it to MAS in Singapore, but since the company was offshore, there wasn't much they could do. He said the worst part was the feeling of being utterly stupid. Try to get a chargeback through Revolut. Fingers crossed for you.

Hui Chan · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 9d ago
5

Ah, the classic 'unfreeze fee' gambit. This is a textbook advance-fee scam, unfortunately common in unregulated trading spaces. Binary options themselves are highly speculative and often operate in a grey area. The demand for a subscription fee to access your *own* funds is a massive red flag. Never pay it. The money is likely gone, but you can report them. Check if they're registered with any financial authority in Europe, like the AMF in France or BaFin in Germany. If they claim to be regulated anywhere legit, report them to that authority. But honestly, expect little back.

Arthur Petit · Toulouse, Franceanswered 9d ago
7

Oh man, I know that feeling. My stomach dropped just reading this. I lost about £4k to something similar a year ago. They told me I needed to pay taxes *before* I could withdraw my 'winnings.' Sounded legit at the time because I *had* made money. Paid it via Bitcoin transfer, of course. Then… poof. Account gone. These guys are vultures. My advice? Cut your losses emotionally, but report them everywhere you can. The FCA might not be able to get your money back directly, but every report counts.

Jia Koh · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 9d ago
3

£1,200 to unfreeze your own money? Seriously? That screams scam louder than a fire alarm. If they were legit, they wouldn't ask for more money to let you access funds you've already deposited. Did you do any due diligence on BinaryTradePro before depositing? Check ASIC if they claim any Australian ties, but I doubt they're registered anywhere reputable. Don't pay them a penny more.

Isla Anderson · Canberra, Australiaanswered 9d ago
6

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I'm dealing with a similar thing right now with a different platform. They keep moving the goalposts. First it was verification, then a 'security deposit,' now this. It feels like a trap you can't get out of. I deposited R50,000 (about £2k) into a forex platform and now they want me to pay 'anti-money laundering fees' to withdraw. It's devastating. I'm trying to report them to the FSCA here, but it's slow going.

Sarah Smit · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 9d ago
5

This is awful. My brother fell for something just like this last year. He put in about €5,000 and then they hit him with a 'withdrawal tax' of €1,500. He paid it, thinking it was legit, and then they vanished. He was absolutely broken. He eventually reported it to the Garda fraud unit, but like most people here, he never saw a cent again. Don't pay them another euro. It's gone.

Aoife O'Neill · Galway, Irelandanswered 9d ago
4

Mate, that's exactly how they get ya. The 'premium subscription' is just another layer of the scam. They prey on people who are starting to see profits and want to cash out. They'll keep inventing fees until you either pay them everything you have or they just disappear. I had a mate lose about AU$10k to a crypto scam like this. They told him he had to pay 'regulatory fees' for a new international transfer license. Report them to the ACORN for cybercrime, it's a long shot but better than nothing.

Henry Taylor · Adelaide, Australiaanswered 9d ago
8

Warning! This is an absolute scam. Do NOT pay the fee. These platforms often operate offshore or with fake licenses. They lure you in with promises of high returns, then make it impossible to withdraw your money. The 'subscription fee' is just an extortion tactic. You should immediately report this to the FCA in the UK. If they aren't regulated by the FCA, that itself is a huge red flag. File a complaint online with them ASAP.

Emma Meyer · Hamburg, Germanyanswered 9d ago
6

From a technical and financial perspective, this scenario is highly indicative of a scam. Legitimate brokers do not freeze accounts arbitrarily and demand fees for withdrawals. The requirement for a 'premium subscription' to access your *own* funds is illogical and predatory. Binary options trading itself is often a high-risk activity, and platforms that lack proper regulation, such as by the CFTC in the US or the FCA in the UK, are dangerous. I would strongly advise against paying any further fees. Instead, gather all your documentation (emails, transaction records) and consider reporting them to the relevant authorities. If they have any presence in Germany, BaFin would be the place to start, though I suspect they are not properly registered there.

Michael Smit · Cape Town, South Africaanswered 9d ago
4

Oh no, that sounds absolutely dreadful! I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's completely understandable that you're feeling sick. My sister had a similar scare with an investment app last year, though thankfully she hadn't deposited that much. They kept asking for more money for 'clearance.' We told her to stop immediately and report it. It's scary how convincing these people can be. Keep all your evidence safe. Maybe try reaching out to MoneySavingExpert for advice too?

Isla Wilson · Nottingham, United Kingdomanswered 9d ago
5

Hey, really feel for you, mate. That sinking feeling is the worst. I was almost caught out by a similar thing. They promised amazing returns on crypto and then, when I wanted to take out just a small bit, they said I needed to pay a 'processing fee.' I nearly did it, but then my wife found a forum post about this exact scam. We checked the company registration and it was dodgy as. So, we just walked away. Please, whatever you do, don't pay them. Maybe try a chargeback with Revolut if you can?

Wei Teo · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 9d ago
7

This is a classic phishing and extortion scam. They invent arbitrary fees to prevent you from withdrawing your funds. Binary options are highly regulated or outright banned in many jurisdictions because of their inherent risk and susceptibility to manipulation. If BinaryTradePro claims to be regulated in the EU, check the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) register. If they are not listed, they are operating illegally. The fee they are demanding is not a legitimate 'subscription' but a way to steal more money from you. You should report them to the FCA in the UK, providing all the evidence you have.

Sophie O'Neill · Galway, Irelandanswered 9d ago
6

Stop! Don't pay them. This is a known scam tactic. They operate on the principle of 'advance fees.' They'll invent more and more reasons for you to pay them money, claiming it's for taxes, fees, verification, whatever. It never ends. I've seen this happen to friends and family. They get you with the lure of making money, then trap you when you try to retrieve it. I'd advise you to report them to the MAS in Singapore if they claim any sort of operational base there, or any other regulator they might falsely claim to be under. But honestly, the chances of getting that £7,000 back are slim to none.

Mia Thomas · Montpellier, Franceanswered 9d ago
4

Urgh, this is awful. That subscription fee is pure fantasy. They just want another chunk of your cash. It's a very common scam with these unregulated binary option brokers. They operate outside of the usual financial oversight. Did you check their regulatory status on the FCA website before depositing? That's usually the first step. If they aren't listed, it's a massive warning sign. I wouldn't pay them anything. I'd also look into reporting them to Action Fraud in the UK, they handle these kinds of online scams.

Lily du Plessis · Johannesburg, South Africaanswered 9d ago
3

This smells strongly of a scam. The language they used – 'inactive account,' 'insufficient trading volume,' 'premium subscription' – are all buzzwords used by fraudulent platforms to extort money. Did you research BinaryTradePro before depositing? Check if they are registered with a reputable financial authority like the CFTC. If they are not, it's a huge red flag. Do not pay them the fee. Your funds are likely gone, but reporting them is important. Try reporting to the FTC in the US if they have any US nexus.

Daniel Moore · Phoenix, USAanswered 9d ago
6

This is exactly the kind of scam that plagues the forex and binary options world. They lock your funds and demand 'fees' to release them. It's predatory and frankly, disgusting. My neighbour lost €3,000 this way last year. They told him he had to pay a 'capital gains tax' before withdrawing. He paid it, and then they asked for more for 'international transfer insurance.' Never pay these fees. I'd suggest you report them to the regulator where they claim to be based. If they say they're regulated by the AFM in the Netherlands, report it there. It's unlikely to get your money back but helps authorities track them.

Laura Bauer · Dusseldorf, Germanyanswered 9d ago
5

This is a well-known advance-fee scam. Binary options trading is inherently risky, and unregulated brokers are a breeding ground for fraud. The demand for a 'premium subscription fee' to access your own money is a clear indicator of illicit activity. Legitimate brokers do not operate this way. You should gather all your communication and transaction records and report them to the FCA in the UK. If they claim to be regulated by a specific authority, like the ASIC in Australia, report them there as well. Do not send them any more money.

William Smith · Ottawa, Canadaanswered 9d ago
4

Don't pay the fee! This is a scam. I worked in customer support for a similar platform once, and I saw how they operated. They'd invent fees constantly. The 'subscription' is just the latest excuse. They hope you'll get tired of paying and just give up, or that you'll pay so much you can't afford to lose any more. If they claim to be regulated by the AMF in France, you can report them there, but honestly, they're likely operating illegally. Gather all your evidence and file a report with Action Fraud UK.

Liam Nel · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 9d ago
7

This is a classic 'advance fee fraud' scenario. The platform is designed to take your money and prevent withdrawals. The 'premium subscription fee' is a fabricated charge to extract more funds. Binary options trading is highly volatile and often attracts scam operations. You should immediately report this incident to the FCA in the UK. They oversee financial services firms. If BinaryTradePro claims any other regulatory affiliation, such as with the CIMA in the Cayman Islands (a common offshore haven), you can report them there too. It's unlikely you'll recover your funds, but reporting helps authorities track these criminal enterprises.

Anna Jansen · Tilburg, Netherlandsanswered 9d ago
5

Oh heck, that sounds awful. I had a friend get caught out by something similar. She'd put about $3,000 into what looked like a legit crypto investment app. Then they asked for $500 for 'withdrawal processing fees.' She paid it, and then they asked for another $1,000 for 'international tax clearance.' She never saw her money again. She reported it to the SEC, but they said it was outside their jurisdiction. It’s a harsh lesson, but please, please don’t pay them another penny. Try a chargeback with Revolut first thing tomorrow.

Connor Naidoo · Pretoria, South Africaanswered 9d ago
6

Gut feeling is spot on here, mate. That subscription fee is a massive red flag. They're just trying to squeeze more money out of you. Binary options platforms that aren't FCA-regulated are basically the wild west. They can do whatever they want. I've seen similar stories online where people get asked for all sorts of fake fees – taxes, admin charges, you name it. My advice? Report them to the FCA immediately. Also, check if they have any ties to Germany; if so, report to BaFin. Keep every email, every chat log. Don't give them any more cash. Sorry you're going through this.

Emily Walker · Manchester, United Kingdomanswered 9d ago
5

Oh mate, that sounds like textbook scam behaviour. They reel you in with small wins, then when you try to cash out, BAM. Suddenly there's a fee or a 'problem'. Honestly, if they're asking for *more* money to get *your* money out, it's a massive red flag. Binary options are already dodgy, and unregulated ones even more so. That 'premium subscription fee' is just a made-up barrier. Did you ever check if BinaryTradePro is even regulated by the FCA? If not, that's your first clue.

Leo Leroy · Lille, Franceanswered 9d ago
4

I'm so sorry you're going through this, it sounds incredibly stressful. It's completely understandable to feel sick to your stomach. Don't beat yourself up about it. Scammers are very good at what they do, and they target people's hopes. Try to breathe. Focus on the next step. We're all here to help you figure this out.

Maryam Ahmed · Sharjah, UAEanswered 9d ago
3

£1,200 to unfreeze your own money? Nah, that doesn't sound legit at all. Especially from a broker that just 'froze' your account out of nowhere. Are you sure they're even a real company? I'd be looking into their registration details. Most 'brokers' that pull stunts like this are just shells. Keep all your communication with them logged, btw. It might be useful later.

Chloe Coetzee · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 9d ago
4

Reading your post sent a shiver down my spine. That 'premium subscription fee' sounds like a classic money-grab. They want more cash before they disappear. Is there any way you can check if BinaryTradePro is registered with the FCA? If they're not, then that's a huge sign they're not legit. It's tough when you're in that moment, but try to stay calm and gather all the proof you can.

Olivia Thompson · Adelaide, Australiaanswered 9d ago
6

Ugh, been there. Similar thing happened to me with a Forex scam last year. They hit me with 'tax charges' to withdraw profits. It's always something new. The key thing to remember is they *want* you to pay that fee. It's a trap. They make it sound official, but it's just another way to fleece you. Don't send them another penny. The money's likely gone, but you can at least stop them getting more.

Lucas Fortin · Toronto, Canadaanswered 9d ago
5

This is exactly how these schemes operate. They bait you, let you see some 'profits', and then when you need your cash, they invent a problem. The 'subscription fee' is a classic gambit. I lost a few grand myself a while back to something similar, completely gutted. You need to report this ASAP. Try filing a complaint with the FCA if BinaryTradePro claims to be UK-based, or if you used a payment provider regulated there. Every bit of evidence counts.

Aaron Tay · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 9d ago
7

Alright, let's break this down. Binary options trading itself is highly speculative and banned in many jurisdictions for retail investors precisely because of the high risk and potential for fraud. The fact that they're demanding an additional fee to release funds that are rightfully yours after you've deposited is a huge red flag, almost certainly indicative of a scam.

Here's what you should do:

  • Do NOT pay the fee. This is critical. Paying it will only encourage them to invent new fees or simply disappear with your money.
  • Check Regulation: Verify if BinaryTradePro is regulated by the FCA. You can usually do this on the FCA Register website. If they are not registered or are on the FCA's warning list, that confirms it's an unregulated entity and likely a scam.
  • Contact Payment Provider: If you used a credit card or services like PayPal, contact them immediately to dispute the charges. Explain the situation; they might be able to initiate a chargeback, especially if the service wasn't delivered as promised (i.e., inability to withdraw funds). Revolut might also have dispute resolution processes.

Keep all emails and chat logs. This evidence is crucial if you decide to pursue reporting it further.

Oliver Brown · Hobart, Australiaanswered 9d ago
4

My heart goes out to you. This is awful. That 'premium subscription' sounds like pure BS. They just want to squeeze more cash out of you before they ghost. I was in a similar spot last year, lost about $5k to a 'crypto investment' thing. They told me I had to pay capital gains tax *before* they'd release my 'profits'. Total lie. It’s devastating. I'm so sorry.

Brittany Moore · Denver, USAanswered 9d ago
6

This is a classic fraud pattern. Binary options, especially those not regulated by a reputable body like the FCA, are rife with scams. The 'account freeze' and subsequent demand for a 'fee' are designed to trick you into sending more money. They operate on the principle of delayed gratification – making you think you're close to getting your money, thus making you more likely to pay the 'fee'.

Here’s a practical tip: Whenever a platform demands an upfront fee to release your own funds, especially after you've already deposited and traded, treat it as a major warning sign. Legitimate financial institutions don't operate like that. They might have fees for *services*, but not to unlock funds you've already put in and earned on. Always verify regulatory status independently.

Noah Ouellet · Edmonton, Canadaanswered 9d ago
3

£1,200? To get your *own* money? Yeah, no. That's not how any legit financial service works. They're praying you're desperate enough to pay it. I'd be betting my last dollar this is a scam. Did you even check if they're regulated by the FCA? If they're not, they're basically operating outside the law. Definitely don't pay them anything else.

Cian O'Brien · Limerick, Irelandanswered 9d ago
5

Oh no, this sounds terrible. That's a really common scam tactic, demanding money upfront to release funds. I've heard similar stories. Please, whatever you do, do NOT pay that £1,200. It's a trap. Once you pay, they'll likely just disappear or come up with another 'fee'. You need to report this immediately. Have you tried reporting it to Action Fraud in the UK? They handle this kind of online scam.

Hannah Koh · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 9d ago
4

Reading this makes me furious. I got hit by something similar a while back with an investment platform – they said I owed 'clearance fees' to get my withdrawal. It's always some made-up charge. The worst part is feeling so stupid afterwards for falling for it, even though you know they're professionals. My advice? Cut your losses on getting the money back and focus on reporting them. Don't let them get away with it. File a report with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Noah Harris · Perth, Australiaanswered 9d ago
6

Ugh, that's rough. I'm really sorry you're dealing with this. It sounds like a classic scam where they dangle the possibility of withdrawal, then hit you with a bogus fee. It's designed to prey on your hope. Never pay these 'fees'. What you should do is immediately contact Revolut and tell them about the situation, initiate a dispute for the deposits. Also, check if BinaryTradePro is listed on the FCA register. If they aren't, it's a clear sign they're unregulated and likely fraudulent. Keep records of everything. Don't give them any more money.

Samantha Garcia · Portland, USAanswered 9d ago
5

Oh man, that sounds like an absolute nightmare. I'm really sorry you're going through this. £1,200 just to unlock your own money? Red flag the size of a barn, mate. Binary options, especially from platforms that pop up out of nowhere, are notoriously shady. They make it look easy with those small wins, then reel you in. The 'premium subscription' is a classic move to get more cash from you before they vanish. Don't send them another penny. Your £7k is likely gone already, and paying that fee will just be £8,200 gone. You need to report this immediately. Have you contacted your bank, Revolut? They might have some dispute process, though it's tough after a few months. Also, look into Action Fraud in the UK. They collect reports for scams like this.

William Smith · Adelaide, Australiaanswered 9d ago

Your answer

You'll be asked to sign in to post.