My 'broker' is asking for a 'profit conversion fee' for crypto profits. Legit or scam?

asked 22d ago8 views124 answers
0

Hey everyone, I'm feeling so sick to my stomach about this. I've been trading crypto on a platform I found through an online ad, let's just call them 'GlobalTradeFX' (not a real name, just for privacy). I deposited some funds via bank transfer, and then more via crypto, and their 'analyst' helped me trade. My account balance shows a significant profit, which is great, or so I thought.

Now, when I tried to withdraw, they're saying I need to pay a 'profit conversion fee' to convert my crypto profits into fiat before they can release it to my bank account. They're asking for about 15% of the profit. This sounds really dodgy to me. I've never heard of such a fee. Is this a common thing in crypto trading? Or am i being scammed? I'm in Singapore, and I'm really worried. I've put a lot of my savings into this. Any advice on what to do?

124 Answers

41

Oh wow, Jia, that sounds like a classic recovery scam setup, or rather, the final stage of the initial scam. A 'profit conversion fee' is not a legitimate charge. Real, regulated exchanges and brokers will include any conversion fees in their spread or clearly state them upfront as a tiny percentage for specific services. They absolutely do not demand a large percentage of your *profit* just to let you withdraw.

This is a huge red flag. It's designed to get more money out of you. They'll keep coming up with new fees – a 'tax fee', an 'AML verification fee', whatever – as long as you keep paying. Stop all communication with them immediately. Don't send them another cent. Your funds are likely gone, but paying more will only make it worse. You need to gather all your screenshots, transaction IDs, chat logs, everything, and report it to the MAS here in Singapore. Also, notify your bank if you used bank transfers. They might not get your money back, but it's important to report these things.

Noah Meijer · Tilburg, Netherlandsanswered 22d ago
47

Jia, this is textbook scam behaviour. No legitimate broker, especially one dealing with crypto, would ever demand a 'profit conversion fee' as a percentage of your profits before withdrawal. Think about it: if you're holding crypto, you'd usually convert it on the platform or an exchange you control, and any fees are typically small transaction fees, not a huge chunk of your profits. The whole point of these scams is to make you think you've made money and then extract more funds from you under various pretexts. They'll use emotional manipulation, pressure tactics, and even threats if you push back.

Your best course of action is to cease all communication with them immediately. Do not pay any more money. Contact the Singapore Police Force and the MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) and provide them with every detail you have – screenshots, transaction records, communications. While recovery is often difficult with these offshore scams, reporting is crucial. Also, if you used a credit card or certain bank transfer methods, speak to your bank about potential chargeback options, though crypto transactions make this very complicated. The key takeaway here: any upfront fee to *access* your own 'profits' is a scam.

Conor O'Neill · Dublin, Irelandanswered 22d ago
28

Mate, I'm so sorry to hear this, but yeah, that's a scam, full stop. I got stung by one last year, not a 'profit conversion fee' but a 'regulatory compliance fee'. Same tactic though, they just want you to throw good money after bad. I lost about 8k AUD through some dodgy crypto site, went through the whole emotional rollercoaster. I tried to do a chargeback through my bank, Commonwealth, but because it was crypto and then transferred to a dodgy wallet, they couldn't really do much. ASIC didn't help much with my specific case either, since the 'broker' was offshore and basically untraceable. Cut your losses now, don't give them another cent. It hurts, I know, but trust me, they'll never let you withdraw.

Noah White · Darwin, Australiaanswered 22d ago
17

This is exactly what they do. I've seen countless reports, especially in the Netherlands, where people get sucked into these 'investment' schemes. They show you huge profits on a fake platform, then hit you with a 'withdrawal fee' or 'conversion fee' or 'tax' when you try to take it out. It's never-ending. Your money is basically gone. Please, please do not pay this fee. They will just invent another one. This is how they milk victims for every last penny. The only 'conversion' happening here is your money converting directly into their pockets. Report it to your local financial authorities, like the MAS, and your bank. Even if you don't get the money back, reporting helps others not fall into the same trap.

Julia Jansen · Utrecht, Netherlandsanswered 22d ago
35

Yeah, Jia, sorry to be blunt but that's a scam. Absolutely 100%. A 'profit conversion fee' doesn't exist in legitimate trading. The only fees you should expect are standard transaction fees or spread differences, which are usually small. Asking for 15% of your profit is just them trying to squeeze more money out of you. I've seen countless cases like this through my work. These unregulated platforms often operate out of places like Vanuatu or St. Vincent and the Grenadines, making recovery extremely difficult. Your money is probably long gone. Don't pay them anything else. It's a hard lesson, but cutting your losses now is the smartest thing to do.

Lucas Smith · Darwin, Australiaanswered 22d ago
21

Oh no, this sounds exactly like what happened to my uncle last year. He lost over 10k euros to one of these platforms. They showed him big gains, made him feel like a genius, then hit him with 'taxes' and 'fees' to withdraw. My aunt was so angry, and he felt so embarrassed. He even borrowed money thinking he'd pay it back from his 'profits'. It was a nightmare. Please don't pay them, Jia. It's fake, the profits aren't real, and they'll just take more of your actual money. He reported it to the AMF France but they couldn't do much because the company was completely offshore and had disappeared by then. I hope you can get some help.

Lina Garcia · Toulouse, Franceanswered 22d ago
12

Ugh, Jia, I know that horrible feeling. I fell for something similar, although it was a 'liquidity fee' they asked for. Lost about 3k. My 'broker' called me almost daily, so friendly at first, then really pushy when I wanted to withdraw. The moment they asked for an extra fee, I knew it was wrong in my gut, but the thought of losing all the money I'd 'made' made me almost pay it. Thank goodness my husband stopped me. Please, don't send any more money. It's a trap. These people are ruthless. Report them, block them, move on. It's tough, I know. Sending you strength from Lille.

Lea Garcia · Lille, Franceanswered 22d ago
39

This is a very common tactic used by unregulated brokers or outright scam operations. Legitimate brokers make their money through spreads, commissions, or subscription fees, all of which are disclosed transparently *before* you trade. They do not invent arbitrary, large percentage-based 'conversion' or 'withdrawal' fees on your profits when you try to take your money out.

The 'profit conversion fee' is a creative way to extract more money, playing on your desire to access your supposed gains. The 'profits' you see on their platform are likely fabricated and exist only on their fake interface. Paying this fee will simply result in them asking for another fee, and then another, until you either run out of money or realize the scam. Your priority should be to stop all payments and gather evidence. The MAS is the correct authority in Singapore for this kind of financial fraud. They can't always recover funds, but reporting is essential for intelligence and protecting others. Also, perform due diligence on any platform before depositing funds – check for proper regulation in your jurisdiction (e.g., BaFin in Germany, AFM in the Netherlands, MAS in Singapore).

Sophie de Boer · Nijmegen, Netherlandsanswered 22d ago
8

Been there, felt that. It's a scam, plain and simple. I lost a significant amount to a platform that demanded a 'tax compliance fee' before they'd release my 'profits'. I even got fake documents and emails that looked official. I was so desperate to get my money that I almost paid it, but a friend who works in finance told me to stop. Turns out, the profits were never real. It's just a way to make you feel like you're close to getting your money back so you pay more. Please, don't fall for it like I almost did. Report it. It probably won't get your money back, but it's important to do.

Oliver Clark · Bristol, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
25

Absolute classic scam. No legit broker does this. Ever. A 'profit conversion fee' is 100% made up. They show you numbers on a screen that look like profits, but those aren't real assets you own. They're just trying to squeeze more money out of you. If you pay this, they'll invent another fee next week. Don't engage further, don't send another cent. You're dealing with criminals. The best thing you can do now is report them to the authorities in Singapore and warn everyone you know about 'GlobalTradeFX' if you're comfortable. It's a tough lesson, but you really gotta just walk away from them.

Lea Schmidt · Hannover, Germanyanswered 22d ago
7

Classic scam, mate. There's no such thing as a 'profit conversion fee' in legitimate crypto trading. If you've deposited via bank transfer, see if your bank can reverse the transaction, although that's unlikely after it's cleared. For crypto deposits, it's usually gone. The MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) is the place to report unregulated entities, but unfortunately, for recovering funds from these types of operations, it's slim pickings. Don't send them another cent.

James Sullivan · Galway, Irelandanswered 22d ago
3

Oh no, that sounds absolutely dreadful. I'm so sorry you're going through this, especially with your savings. It's incredibly frustrating when you think you're making progress and then hit a wall like this. Don't blame yourself at all, these scammers are slick. Sending you strength, I really hope you can find a way to sort this out. Keep us updated if anything changes.

Harry Hughes · Edinburgh, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
6

This is 100% a scam. They'll keep coming up with fees – 'tax fees,' 'withdrawal fees,' 'compliance fees.' Never ever pay them. They're trying to bleed you dry. If they had your actual profits, they wouldn't need you to pay to convert them. They'd just deduct their fees and send the rest. Block them. Report them to MAS if you can, but don't send them more money. Seriously, don't fall for any more requests.

Hannah Naidoo · Johannesburg, South Africaanswered 22d ago
9

I feel your pain. I lost a similar amount last year to something that looked like this. They used jargon to make it sound official, 'international liquidity charges,' or some nonsense. I ended up paying about AUD $10k in 'fees' before realizing it was a black hole. They vanished. My bank said nothing they could do once the money left my account. The only thing that helped me sleep a little better was reporting it to the ASIC scam reporting facility, even if I knew I wouldn't get it back.

William Thompson · Brisbane, Australiaanswered 22d ago
7

DO NOT PAY THIS FEE. This is a classic pump-and-dump or outright scam. They create a fake profit on your screen, then invent fees to steal your initial deposit or more. They are not a real broker. They have no intention of letting you withdraw anything. If you pay this fee, they will just invent another one. Report them to MAS immediately and check if any of your deposits were made via services that offer chargebacks, but honestly, once crypto is involved, it's usually gone.

Olivia Coetzee · Durban, South Africaanswered 22d ago
5

Ugh, I've seen this exact scenario play out before, but with a different fake company name. They're all part of the same network, I reckon. They'll use fake charts, fake news, and then hit you with a 'fee' when you try to cash out. My advice from experience: consider it a very expensive lesson learned. The best action is to cut your losses, block all contact, and report them to MAS. Never pay any further requested 'fees.' It's a trap.

Aisha Al Hashemi · Dubai, UAEanswered 22d ago
8

Yeah, this is a huge red flag. I got caught by something similar last year, not crypto but stocks. They wanted a 'regulatory compliance fee' to release my 'profits.' Sounded official, right? Paid it, then they hit me with another 'unforeseen tax liability.' Total scam. Lost about $5k. The CFTC has a scam reporting page, but recovery is rare. If you paid with a credit card, maybe try a chargeback, but bank transfers and crypto are usually final.

Michael Lee · Portland, USAanswered 22d ago
5

Oh dear, I'm so sorry you're in this situation. This sounds exactly like the kind of thing my uncle fell for last year. He was trading forex, not crypto, but the 'fee' story was identical. He ended up losing SGD $20k. He reported it to the MAS and they told him that because the entity wasn't regulated by them, their hands were tied. He never saw a cent again. The only thing he *did* do, which might help you feel better, is block them completely and never engage again.

Jia Tan · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 22d ago
7

SCAM. 100%. They are NOT a real broker. There's no such thing as a profit conversion fee. They just made up a number on your screen to scare you into paying them more money. If you send them money for this 'fee,' they'll invent another fee. And another. Until you have nothing left. Report them to the MAS. Even if they can't recover your funds, reporting helps them track these scams. Don't send any more money.

Sean Ryan · Limerick, Irelandanswered 22d ago
6

This is textbook. They create a virtual profit, then invent a fee to extract your actual funds. It’s a common tactic. No legitimate platform asks for fees like this *after* you've deposited and seen a profit. They'd deduct fees upfront or as part of the transaction. Check if your initial deposit was via credit card; if so, contact your card issuer for a chargeback. If it was bank transfer or crypto, it's much harder. You can report to the CFTC, but recovery is unlikely. Best bet is to cut losses and report.

William Roy · Halifax, Canadaanswered 22d ago
4

Hmm, a 'profit conversion fee' sounds very unusual. I trade crypto myself, and I've never encountered that with any legitimate exchange or broker. Usually, any fees are clearly stated upfront or are standard network/exchange transaction fees. This smells fishy. Are you sure the platform is regulated by MAS? If not, that's a major red flag. I'd be very hesitant to send them any more money.

Faisal Al Suwaidi · Abu Dhabi, UAEanswered 22d ago
9

This happened to me. I was trading stocks on this platform called EuroFX. They had my money locked up and then suddenly wanted a 'capital gains tax' fee to release my 'profits.' I paid it, stupidly. Then they wanted another fee. I was in tears. My husband told me to stop sending money. I think we lost about $8,000. They just disappeared. I reported it to BaFin, but nothing came of it. It's a horrible feeling.

Stefan Wolf · Stuttgart, Germanyanswered 22d ago
8

Wow, I got out of something similar myself about six months ago. Mine was called OptionStarsGlobal, and they wanted a 'verification fee' before they'd let me withdraw my 'earnings.' Total scam. I lost about €3,000 of my initial deposit. I refused to pay the fee, obviously, and they just blocked me. I reported them to AMF France, but I know I'll never see that money again. The best advice I can give is: STOP all communication and NEVER pay any more fees. Consider that money gone.

Cian O'Brien · Dublin, Irelandanswered 22d ago
6

I've been through this exact same thing with a fake forex platform. They showed massive profits on my dashboard, then demanded a 'withdrawal processing fee' which was a percentage of the fake profit. It's a common scam. They want you to keep paying fees until you have no money left or you realise it's a scam. Don't pay it. They are not legitimate. Cut your losses, block them, and report them to MAS. Take it as an expensive lesson in recognizing scam patterns.

Mia Johnson · Melbourne, Australiaanswered 22d ago
7

Oh man, that's rough. I was scammed by a crypto platform too, maybe a year back. They also wanted a 'tax fee' to release funds. I sent them about $5k of my savings. It's a total scam. They showed me a fake profit too. I reported it to the CFTC, but it was useless. The MAS is probably your best bet for reporting in Singapore, but honestly, recovery is near impossible once the money is out. Don't send them any more money. They'll just invent new fees.

Hao Lee · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 22d ago
5

This is a huge red flag. That 'fee' isn't real. They've likely faked your account balance and are trying to scam you out of more money. Never pay it. Real brokers or exchanges don't operate this way. If you deposited using a credit card, contact your bank immediately to initiate a chargeback. For bank transfers or crypto, recovery is extremely difficult. Report them to MAS. Just consider the money lost and be much more careful in the future.

Niamh Doyle · Galway, Irelandanswered 22d ago
5

Oh no, this sounds exactly like the trap I almost fell into last month! They showed me huge profits and then asked for an 'admin fee' to process withdrawal. I almost sent them R10k. Luckily, I stopped and did some digging online. Found similar stories everywhere. This is a common crypto scam. They will keep asking for more money. Don't pay them anything. Report them to MAS and block them. Your initial deposit might be lost, but don't lose more.

Samantha Gonzalez · Minneapolis, USAanswered 22d ago
8

That's brutal. I lost $3,000 to a platform called 'XtremeTradePro' last year. They said I needed to pay a 'validation fee' to get my profits out. I paid it, then they asked for a 'legal fee.' I finally realized it was a scam. They just vanished. My bank said it was too late for a chargeback. I reported it to the AFM, but nothing happened. It’s devastating. Just don't pay any more money.

Lily Coetzee · Pretoria, South Africaanswered 22d ago
5

Friend, I'm so sorry. This is a well-known scam. They create a fake trading platform, show you fake profits, and then invent fees to steal your money. There is no 'profit conversion fee.' The best thing you can do is stop all contact, block them, and report them to MAS. While recovery is unlikely, reporting helps authorities track these criminals. Consider this a harsh but valuable lesson learned. Never trust platforms advertised on random ads.

Ethan Bergeron · Vancouver, Canadaanswered 22d ago
5

DO NOT PAY. This is a scam. They'll invent more fees if you pay this one. They are not a real broker. There is no such thing as a profit conversion fee. Report them to MAS immediately. If you funded via credit card, try to do a chargeback. Otherwise, the funds are likely gone. This is a brutal lesson, but please, never send them any more money.

Lucas Taylor · Brisbane, Australiaanswered 22d ago
5

This sounds highly suspect. There is no legitimate 'profit conversion fee' in standard crypto or fiat transactions. Legitimate exchanges or brokers do not operate this way. They are likely trying to extort more money from you before you realize the full extent of the scam. The MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) regulates financial services; check their registry to see if 'GlobalTradeFX' is licensed. If not, that's another huge red flag.

Fatima Al Falasi · Abu Dhabi, UAEanswered 22d ago
6

Oh god, been there. That exact 'fee' game. They dangle the profits, make you feel like a genius, then BAM. Suddenly they need a 'tax clearance certificate' or a 'compliance fee.' It's all smoke and mirrors. Don't send them another cent. I lost about AUD $8k to something similar last year. Felt like such an idiot. Reporting it to the ASIC helped raise awareness, though I never saw my money again.

Olivia Johnson · Perth, Australiaanswered 22d ago
4

Danger! This is a classic exit scam tactic. They make the profits look good to lure you into depositing more or paying these fake fees. Once they have your money, they vanish. NEVER pay any upfront fee to withdraw funds, especially if it's a percentage of the supposed profit. Report them to the MAS immediately. This is not how legitimate financial platforms work, not in UAE, not anywhere.

Omar Ahmed · Sharjah, UAEanswered 22d ago
5

I'm so sorry this is happening to you. It sounds exactly like what happened to me. They told me I owed a 'regulatory compliance fee' after I made a big profit on what they called 'forex options'. It was all lies. I paid it, hoping to get my money out, and then they just disappeared. I'm still trying to recover from the R150,000 I lost. Please, please don't pay anything else.

Olivia Naidoo · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 22d ago
3

A 'profit conversion fee'? That sounds like pure invention. Where is this fee documented in their terms of service? What specific regulation requires it? Unless they can provide concrete, verifiable proof of this fee's legitimacy and its legal basis, I'd treat it as a scam. Most regulated entities (like those overseen by BaFin or AMF France) would be upfront about all fees *before* you invest.

Lucas Garcia · Paris, Franceanswered 22d ago
5

This smells like a scam, 100%. In my experience, legitimate platforms (like those licensed by AFM in the Netherlands or BaFin in Germany) have clear, upfront fee structures. They don't invent new fees at the withdrawal stage, especially not for 'converting profit.' This sounds like a ruse to get more money from you. Always check the regulatory body for the jurisdiction the platform claims to be in. If they aren't licensed by a reputable authority, walk away.

Sem Mulder · Nijmegen, Netherlandsanswered 22d ago
4

I'm really sorry to hear you're going through this. It's a horrible feeling when you think you've made good money, only for this to happen. Don't panic. You're right to be suspicious. A fee like that is extremely unusual. Try to gather all communications and documentation you have. If you decide to report it, the FCA in the UK has a fraud reporting service, though it might not apply directly if the platform isn't UK-based. Stay strong.

Edward Hall · London, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
5

Ugh, been there. They hit me with a 'withdrawal tax' after I supposedly made bank on some fake AI trading bot. I was so excited about the fake numbers on the screen, I almost paid it. Thankfully, my husband talked me out of it. He said, 'If it sounds too good to be true...' so true. We reported it to the authorities, but yeah, the money's gone. Just chalked it up to a very expensive lesson.

Milan Smit · Nijmegen, Netherlandsanswered 22d ago
4

That's definitely a scam. There is no such thing as a 'profit conversion fee' for crypto withdrawals that requires you to pay an additional percentage. Reputable brokers and exchanges list all fees clearly in their terms and conditions. If this 'GlobalTradeFX' is asking for money upfront like this, especially for a made-up fee, it's a strong indicator they are fraudulent. Always check if the platform is regulated by authorities like BaFin or the FCA.

Leon Neumann · Frankfurt, Germanyanswered 22d ago
3

This is a very common scam. They create a fake trading platform, show you fake profits, and then invent fees to get more money. Look at the website URL, the contact details, and search for reviews – are they all generic or suspiciously positive? Often, these sites are not registered with any financial authority. Don't pay them. Seriously, block them and try to report the website if possible.

Mohammed Khan · Abu Dhabi, UAEanswered 22d ago
4

Oh no, that sounds absolutely dreadful. It's completely understandable that you're worried, especially when it's your savings. You're doing the right thing by asking for advice. It's very unlikely that this is a legitimate fee. My advice would be to stop all communication with them and try to find out if the MAS has any consumer protection advice for these situations. Keep all the evidence you have.

Grace Jones · Sheffield, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
5

This is a textbook advance-fee scam, unfortunately. 'Profit conversion fee,' 'tax,' 'admin fee' – it's all the same playbook. If they were regulated by a body like the Netherlands' AFM or Germany's BaFin, they'd have to adhere to strict rules about transparency and fees. What they're doing is illegal. The key is they want you to send *more* money. Do not send any more money. Report it to the MAS Singapore and consider filing a police report.

Milan Janssen · Groningen, Netherlandsanswered 22d ago
4

Yep, sounds like the 'withdrawal fee' scam. They let you see big numbers on a fake dashboard, then hit you with a 'fee' to release it. Lost about $5k to something like this a few years back. It's gutting. I tried reporting it, but it was hard because the platform was overseas and shady. They vanished. The main thing is, they prey on greed and excitement. Next time, I'm sticking to banks.

Yusuf Al Falasi · Abu Dhabi, UAEanswered 22d ago
5

Oh mate, that sounds like a total scam. I had a similar thing happen with an investment platform last year, they wanted an 'international transfer fee' after I supposedly made a killing on stocks. Turned out it was all fake. Don't pay them anything! Seriously. Cut your losses on communication and block them. I reported mine to the FCA, but never got anything back. It's a harsh lesson, but don't fall for it again.

Emma Garcia · Montpellier, Franceanswered 22d ago
4

This is a big scam. Don't pay. There is no such thing. I saw something similar on a EuroFX type site. They wanted money for 'clearance.' It's a way to get more money from you. Check if they are registered with MAS. If not, they are fake. Report them to MAS. Don't send them anything else.

Jun Tay · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 22d ago
3

Hold on, 'profit conversion fee'? That's not a standard term. If they were regulated by ASIC in Australia or BaFin in Germany, they would have clearly outlined all charges. This sounds like a manufactured fee designed to extract more funds before they ghost you. What specific laws mandate this fee? I'd be very wary.

Jules Martin · Strasbourg, Franceanswered 22d ago
4

Yeah, that's a scam. I've seen this happen to friends. They show huge profits on a fake platform, then invent fees like 'tax adjustment' or 'transfer processing fees' to get you to send more money. They'll keep inventing fees until you have no more money to give. This 'profit conversion fee' is just another trick. Don't pay it. If they were legit, they'd be regulated by someone like the AMF France or MAS.

Sophie Ryan · Limerick, Irelandanswered 22d ago
4

This is exactly the kind of thing that happens with fake brokers. It's a common scam tactic. Don't send them any more money. You're likely not going to see the profit you think you have. Try to report them to the MAS. It's unlikely you'll get your money back, but reporting helps authorities track these scams. I'm sorry you're dealing with this.

Raphael Moreau · Nice, Franceanswered 22d ago
5

This is a known scam. They create fake trading accounts and fake profits, then invent fees to take your money. There is no such thing as a legitimate 'profit conversion fee' that you have to pay upfront. Always check if the broker is regulated by a financial authority like the CFTC or MAS. If they aren't, it's a scam. Do not pay them.

Lea Simon · Marseille, Franceanswered 22d ago
5

I’m so sorry, I know exactly how this feels. My husband fell for a similar thing last year. They called it a 'liquidity fee' after he made a big profit on some crypto. He paid it, and then they just vanished. He lost thousands. It broke his spirit for a while. He eventually reported it to the police, but it didn't help get the money back. Please don't send them more money.

Ling Chan · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 22d ago
6

This is a classic scam tactic. There's no such thing as a 'profit conversion fee' in legitimate crypto or forex trading. They invented that just to get more money from you. Report them to the MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) immediately. They are the regulatory body for finance there. Don't send them any more money.

Kevin Garcia · Phoenix, USAanswered 22d ago
5

Oh wow, that sounds like an absolutely dreadful situation. I can only imagine how stressful this must be for you, especially with your savings involved. Sending you strength. It's really good you're questioning this fee; that's a smart move. Keep us updated, okay?

Eva Janssen · Nijmegen, Netherlandsanswered 22d ago
7

STOP. Do not send them another cent. This is a 100% scam. They lure you in with fake profits and then invent fees to bleed you dry. These people operate out of unregulated offshore locations, making recovery very hard. The MAS in Singapore has warnings about unlicensed platforms. Check their website ASAP. This sounds like the work of EuroFX or similar scam operations.

Hassan Al Hashemi · Ras Al Khaimah, UAEanswered 22d ago
3

Hmm, a 'profit conversion fee'? Never heard of that. Usually, fees are for trading, withdrawal processing, or account maintenance, not for the profit itself. Seems odd. Are you sure the ad wasn't for something like OptionStarsGlobal or similar shady outfit? They pull all sorts of tricks.

Connor Ndlovu · Bloemfontein, South Africaanswered 22d ago
5

Absolutely a scam. Legit platforms don't ask for fees like this to release your own money. They might have withdrawal fees, but never a 'conversion fee' on profits. The fact that they are asking for this strongly indicates you're dealing with fraudsters. Block them, report them, and accept the loss if you have to. Trying to 'fight' them for the money will just cost more.

Tess Jansen · Almere, Netherlandsanswered 22d ago
6

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I was in a very similar boat last year. Found this amazing platform online, lots of promises. They told me I owed a 'tax compliance fee' before they could release my funds. Sent them another $5k. Idiot, I know. Then they just disappeared. Lost everything. Wish I'd seen this thread sooner.

Niklas Schroder · Hamburg, Germanyanswered 22d ago
4

Reading this made my blood run cold. It sounds EXACTLY like what happened to my mate Dave. He lost about AUD 20k. They told him he had to pay a 'compliance levy' to move his money out. He paid it, then they asked for an 'anti-money laundering fee'. Just kept inventing reasons to ask for more cash. He's still trying to get it sorted with the authorities.

Henry Martin · Adelaide, Australiaanswered 22d ago
5

Oh dear, this is grim. I've seen this happen to a few people in the UK. They use all sorts of fancy names for the fees – 'regulatory uplift charge', 'international transfer validation fee'. It's all garbage. If they're asking for money *before* you can withdraw profit, it's a scam. The best you can do is report it to Action Fraud.

Harry Harris · Leeds, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
5

I feel your pain. I fell for a similar thing a few months ago with a 'forex' site. They said I needed to pay an 'insurance fee' on my supposed profits. I actually paid it, like a fool. Then they asked for another fee for 'legal clearance'. It never ends. You're not alone, but unfortunately, I don't think we'll see that money again.

Julia de Jong · Groningen, Netherlandsanswered 22d ago
4

C'est terrible! This sounds just like the scams that plague us here in Quebec. They promise the moon, get you hooked, and then invent fees out of thin air. My cousin lost nearly $10k to one of these 'investment' platforms. They asked for a 'capital gains tax payment' upfront. It's heartbreaking. Contact the AMF right away.

Emma Cote · Quebec City, Canadaanswered 22d ago
5

This is a horrible situation, I'm so sorry. My experience was similar; they asked for an 'international transaction fee' when I tried to withdraw. I paid it, and then they demanded a 'software upgrade fee' for the withdrawal system. It was a never-ending cycle. Please, please do not send them any more money. Report them to the Central Bank of Ireland if they are operating there.

Emma O'Connor · Waterford, Irelandanswered 22d ago
6

Nop, that's not legitimate at all. There are no 'profit conversion fees' in any regulated market. It's pure fiction designed to extort more money from you. If you deposited funds through a bank transfer, contact your bank immediately and see if you can initiate a chargeback. Also, report this to the Canadian Securities Administrators. Don't trust anything they say.

William Gagne · Winnipeg, Canadaanswered 22d ago
7

This is a textbook advance-fee scam, often seen in the crypto space. Brokers like this usually aren't regulated. In the US, you'd report this to the CFTC and your state's securities regulator. The key red flag is the demand for payment *before* you can access your funds. Legitimate brokers and exchanges don't operate this way. They want to drain you completely before disappearing.

Matthew Young · New York, USAanswered 22d ago
7

Oh no, this sounds exactly like my nightmare. I'm in Singapore too and I lost SGD 15,000 to a fake platform. They also asked for a 'profit withdrawal fee' and then an 'anti-money laundering check fee'. I paid both. Then they said my account was flagged and I needed to pay a 'security deposit'. It's utterly devastating. Please report them to MAS.

Rachel Lau · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 22d ago
6

I know this feeling all too well. I lost a huge chunk of my pension to a similar setup. They were so convincing! They spoke about diversification, market trends... then BAM, the 'taxes' and 'fees' started rolling in. Sent them money for an 'income tax payment' on my 'winnings'. Then they vanished. You're not alone, and it's okay to feel sick. Take deep breaths. The advice here about reporting to MAS is spot on.

Grace Khumalo · Johannesburg, South Africaanswered 22d ago
6

This is it. The exact same scam. They got me for about $8,000. Said I had to pay a 'verification fee' to release my profits. Sent it. Then they came back saying there was a 'network congestion fee'. It never stops. They operate out of somewhere untraceable. I reported it to the police, but they said it's hard to pursue offshore fraud. Be careful everyone. This is why I stick to Coinbase now.

Jun Lim · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 22d ago
4

Oh là là, c'est une arnaque classique. They invent fees on the spot. I saw a friend go through this. They were asked for a 'bank processing fee', then a 'government compliance fee'. It's a way to extract every last cent. The best thing to do is to report them to the AMF if they claim to be operating in France. But honestly, don't expect to see your money again.

Louis Martin · Toulouse, Franceanswered 22d ago
4

Don't worry, you're doing the right thing by asking. That fee sounds completely made up. No legitimate crypto exchange or broker charges a fee just to convert your profits to fiat. They usually charge a small percentage for the *transaction* itself, but not for the profit amount like that. Check if they are registered with MAS, that's a good first step.

Chloe Ndlovu · Cape Town, South Africaanswered 22d ago
5

It is almost certainly a scam. They prey on people's excitement about profits. The fact that they are asking for money *before* you can withdraw is a massive red flag. No regulated financial institution operates like that. Think about it – why would they need you to pay *them* to convert *your* profit? It makes no sense. Report them to your local financial regulator, which is MAS in Singapore.

Lea Richard · Lille, Franceanswered 22d ago
5

OMG, I am so sorry this is happening to you. I almost fell for this too last year. They told me I had to pay a 'capital gains tax' upfront before they could release my funds. I was about to do it, but my husband stopped me. He said it sounded too suspicious. They are just thieves. Please, please don't send them any more money. Report them to the ASIC if they claim to be Australian based.

Ava Harris · Darwin, Australiaanswered 22d ago
12

This sounds like a classic advance-fee scam. No legitimate exchange or broker will ask you to pay a 'profit conversion fee' like this. The MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) has warnings about unregulated platforms. You should check their website for registered entities. If GlobalTradeFX isn't listed, that's a massive red flag. The scammer's goal is to keep asking for more fees until you have nothing left.

Maryam Khan · Ajman, UAEanswered 22d ago
10

Oh man, I feel this. Had a similar thing happen last year with some 'forex' platform. They promised the moon. Then came the 'withdrawal tax' then the 'compliance fee'. Total BS. Lost about $5k. NGL, I was devastated. Felt like such an idiot. What I learned is if it sounds too good to be true, it *always* is. Report them to MAS if you can, but don't hold your breath for the money back. Just cut your losses.

Samuel Lau · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 22d ago
9

A 'profit conversion fee'? That's not a thing. Seriously. Crypto exchanges handle conversions internally, and any *taxes* due would be on your end, not a fee paid to the platform before withdrawal. This screams scam. Did you do any due diligence on this platform before depositing? Check if they're regulated by MAS. I doubt they are. Be very careful.

Anna Meyer · Berlin, Germanyanswered 22d ago
11

Absolutely not legitimate. This fee is a fabrication designed to extract more money from you. Legitimate platforms either handle conversions seamlessly or will inform you of any *actual* bank or network fees, which are usually small and transparent. They will *not* demand a percentage of your profit as a 'conversion fee' upfront. Report this to the MAS and your bank immediately. Also, check if they are associated with any known scam entities like EuroFX.

Leo Thomas · Strasbourg, Franceanswered 22d ago
7

Oh no, that sounds so stressful! I'm really sorry you're going through this. It's good you're asking questions now before sending them more money. Stay strong. Take a deep breath. You've got this. Focus on what you can do next, like reporting it. Don't let them make you feel bad or stupid – they're the ones doing the preying.

Lerato van der Merwe · Durban, South Africaanswered 22d ago
10

RUN. That is NOT a legit fee. They will keep inventing fees. 'Compliance fee,' 'anti-money laundering validation,' 'transfer tax' – you name it. They'll drain your account. I saw a friend nearly go through this. They were asked for an 'international transfer validation fee' next. Don't send them another cent. Block them. Report them to the MAS and IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) in the US, as they often coordinate.

Grace Khumalo · Bloemfontein, South Africaanswered 22d ago
9

Same boat, different storm. Mine was a 'capital gains tax' they said I had to pay *to them* before they'd release funds. Sounded fishy. I told my husband, and he basically confirmed it's a scam tactic. They want to scare you into paying more. They'll never send you the money. I lost about SGD 2,000. It hurts, but at least it wasn't my life savings. File a report with MAS and your bank.

Sara Sheikh · Ras Al Khaimah, UAEanswered 22d ago
6

Oh dear, that's awful. It sounds like a real scam, I'm afraid. Don't send them any more money. It's a common tactic to invent fees to get you to pay more. You're doing the right thing by asking around. The most important step now is to report it to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). They can investigate and might have resources to help. Keep all your communication records.

Ciara Sullivan · Belfast, Irelandanswered 22d ago
14

My heart sank reading this. I went through something identical a few months back. They called it a 'regulatory compliance fee.' I paid it. Then they asked for another one. Then a 'withdrawal processing fee.' I ended up losing almost 10,000 USD. They were so convincing, too. Their website looked so professional. I reported it to the Abu Dhabi Police, but what can they do? They are probably in another country. I feel so stupid and ashamed.

Maryam Al Marri · Abu Dhabi, UAEanswered 22d ago
11

Urgh, the 'profit conversion fee' – that's a classic. Been there, done that, lost money. They're just making it up as they go along. My scammer asked for a 'liquidity fee' and then an 'anti-fraud verification fee.' Total scam. You need to stop all communication and report them. Check the MAS website for a warning list. If they're not regulated, it's a dead giveaway. Don't send them anything else.

Tess de Vries · Utrecht, Netherlandsanswered 22d ago
9

This sounds highly suspicious. A 'profit conversion fee' isn't a standard practice in any regulated financial market. Fees are typically explicit, like trading commissions, withdrawal fees set by the *exchange*, or bank transfer charges. If they're asking for a percentage of your *profit* as a fee *before* you can withdraw, it's almost certainly a scam. Check if GlobalTradeFX is registered with BaFin or any other EU regulator. If not, walk away.

Lea Meyer · Leipzig, Germanyanswered 22d ago
7

That's terrible, I'm so sorry. It's a horrible feeling when you realize you might have been scammed. Don't beat yourself up too much. These scammers are good at what they do. The best thing you can do now is report it to MAS, and also to your bank if you used a direct transfer. They might be able to initiate a chargeback, though it's tricky with crypto. Keep all the evidence you have.

Daniel Byrne · Galway, Irelandanswered 22d ago
13

This sounds exactly like the scam I fell for last year! They also promised amazing returns and then hit me with a 'withdrawal tax'. So many fees. I ended up losing SGD 8,000. My wife was furious, and rightly so. I reported it to the police and MAS, but it felt like shouting into the void. Lesson learned the hard way: never trust an ad promising easy crypto money. If it's not on a regulated exchange like… well, anything *not* this. Just avoid.

Xin Tay · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 22d ago
10

Oh no, that sounds exactly like the scam I got caught in! They call it different things – 'tax,' 'fee,' 'commission.' It's all a lie to get more money. I lost $7k CAD. I tried reporting it to the Canadian Securities Administrators, but they said if the company isn't registered here, there's little they can do. I wish I'd reported it to ASIC in Australia as well, as some of these operations claim to be based there. Definitely a scam. Don't pay.

Olivia Cote · Victoria, Canadaanswered 22d ago
9

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. It's a horrible situation. I lost about £3,000 to a similar 'broker' last year. They asked for a 'validation fee' after I'd made a 'profit'. It's such a common scam, unfortunately. I felt so foolish afterwards. The only thing that helped a little was reporting it to Action Fraud in the UK. They compile the reports, even if they can't get the money back. Maybe check if Singapore has a similar central reporting body.

Aoife O'Connor · Limerick, Irelandanswered 22d ago
9

Nope, absolutely not legitimate. This is a well-known scam pattern. They lure you in with fake profits, then invent fees to 'release' your money. They might even ask for proof of identity or source of funds, claiming it's for regulatory reasons, and then use that to further scam you or for identity theft. Check if GlobalTradeFX is regulated by the AFM (Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets). If they aren't, it's a scam. You're likely dealing with unregulated criminals.

Hassan Al Falasi · Abu Dhabi, UAEanswered 22d ago
8

This is textbook. They promise big, show big numbers on a fake dashboard, and then hit you with fees. Never pay a 'profit conversion fee' or any fee *before* you receive your funds. If you can, try reporting it to the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) in the US, even if you're not in the US. They track international fraud schemes. But honestly, the money is likely gone. Don't send more.

Christopher Garcia · Phoenix, USAanswered 22d ago
11

This is 100% a scam. There is no such thing as a legitimate 'profit conversion fee' in crypto. Any fees should be clearly stated upfront by the exchange or network, not invented by a so-called 'broker' when you try to withdraw. They are preying on your excitement about profits. Check the regulatory status of this 'broker' with the MAS. If they are not registered and licensed, they have no legal standing. Avoid any further communication and report them.

Lily Mokoena · Bloemfontein, South Africaanswered 22d ago
10

Oh gosh, that sounds awful. I had a similar situation with OptionStarsGlobal a while back – total nightmare. They kept asking for 'verification fees' and 'tax payments'. It's a scam, plain and simple. They just want to keep taking your money. I ended up reporting them to the FCA in the UK, which is who I should have checked in the first place. They might not get the money back, but at least they get warnings out there. Don't pay them another penny.

Amelia Brown · Nottingham, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
9

Totally a scam. Sorry, but that's the reality. They build up fake profits to make you feel good, then pull the rug with made-up fees. You're not alone, loads of people fall for this. Best advice? Report them to MAS. Check their website to see if they're even listed as a licensed financial institution. If they're not, they're operating illegally. Don't send them any more money, and try to block their communication.

Oliver Clark · Edinburgh, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
5

This sounds like a classic red flag, especially coming from an unregulated platform. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) oversees financial services here. If GlobalTradeFX isn't registered with them, that's a huge warning sign. Legitimate platforms don't typically ask for fees like this *before* you can withdraw profits. They usually deduct any *standard* fees during the transaction or withdrawal itself, not as a separate, upfront 'conversion' payment on profit. I'd advise against sending them any more money. Your best bet is to contact MAS directly to report this, and also consider filing a report with your local police's cybercrime unit.

Jia Lim · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 22d ago
4

Oh no, that sounds absolutely dreadful! I'm so sorry you're going through this, it must be so stressful, especially with your savings involved. Don't blame yourself for a second, these scams are designed to look so convincing. I haven't traded crypto myself, but my cousin got caught by something similar with a 'forex' platform. They kept asking for more and more fees. Did you get any official-looking documents from them? Sometimes you can check if a company is regulated by checking the Financial Conduct Authority's website in the UK.

Isla Smith · Leeds, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
4

Profit conversion fee? Sounds like pure BS. Why would *they* be converting it to fiat? You're the one withdrawing to your bank. If the exchange itself needs to convert, that's their internal business and cost. They should just let you withdraw your USD, EUR, or whatever, and your bank handles the rest. Or, if you're withdrawing crypto directly, no conversion fee applies. This feels like they're just trying to squeeze more money out of you before you realize they're not letting you cash out. Don't pay it.

Tyler Miller · Los Angeles, USAanswered 22d ago
4

Attention! This is a very common scam tactic. They lure you in with fake profits, then present an impossible withdrawal condition. That 'profit conversion fee' is not a real thing in legitimate crypto exchanges or brokers. They want you to pay this fee, and then they'll likely invent another fee or simply vanish. The platform might not even be real, just a fancy website showing numbers that aren't actually yours. Do NOT send them any more money. Report them to the AMF France if you can, and also block all contact.

Lina Laurent · Toulouse, Franceanswered 22d ago
5

I'm in Singapore too and this happened to me a few months ago, but with a fake investment site. They showed I had made S$20k profit, then asked for a 'withdrawal processing fee' of S$3k. I was so excited about the profit, I almost paid it. My husband talked me out of it. We later found out from a friend that the site was a known scam. They never intended to let anyone withdraw money. I feel so stupid now, but at least I didn't lose more. They are criminals. I tried reporting it to MAS but I'm not sure if they could do anything since the site was offshore.

Hannah Koh · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 22d ago
4

From a regulatory standpoint, this structure is highly irregular. In regulated markets, any fees associated with withdrawals or currency conversions are transparently disclosed in the terms of service *before* you deposit funds. Asking for a 'profit conversion fee' post-trade, especially one that's a percentage of the profit itself, is not a standard financial practice. Platforms like MetaTrader 4/5, while they can be used by shady brokers, typically operate under specific regulatory frameworks (e.g., FCA in the UK, BaFin in Germany). Check if 'GlobalTradeFX' is licensed by MAS. If not, it's almost certainly a scam.

Adam Simon · Montpellier, Franceanswered 22d ago
4

Ugh, I feel this so hard. I lost about $5k to a similar situation last year. They called it an 'anti-money laundering verification fee'. I paid it because I really needed the money I had in there. Then they ghosted me. It ruined my credit score because I had taken out a loan to invest. It's devastating. I ended up reporting it to the FBI's IC3 website, but honestly, I don't think they ever caught the people behind it. Just wanted to warn you, don't send them another cent.

Joshua Walker · Seattle, USAanswered 22d ago
5

This is textbook fraud. There is no such thing as a 'profit conversion fee' required by a legitimate broker for withdrawing crypto profits. Your profits are yours. If they need to convert to fiat to send to you, that's their problem or a standard bank wire fee, not a percentage of your gains. The platform is likely unregulated, possibly a shell or a scam like OptionStarsGlobal that vanished overnight. Your primary course of action should be: 1. Do not pay any further fees. 2. Gather all communication and transaction records. 3. Report to MAS and file a police report immediately. These scammers prey on greed and the desire for quick returns.

Camille Laurent · Nice, Franceanswered 22d ago
4

Dude, I've been there. Saw an ad, thought it was easy money. They hit me with a 'tax payment' before I could withdraw my fake earnings. I paid it. Then they wanted more for 'international transfer'. I finally stopped and realized it was a scam. The big tip I learned: If you didn't explicitly agree to a fee in their *original* terms and conditions *before* depositing, and it's not a standard, universally recognized fee (like a network fee for the crypto itself), then it's probably fake. Report them to the AFM in the Netherlands if you think they have any ties here, and definitely your local authorities.

Noah Janssen · Eindhoven, Netherlandsanswered 22d ago
4

That sounds incredibly stressful! I'm really sorry you're in this position. It’s good that you’re questioning it because that fee definitely sounds fishy. It’s so hard to tell what’s real online these days. My sister had a similar thing happen with an online shopping site asking for an 'import duty' after she'd already paid for the item. Thankfully she didn't pay. Just keep all your records and try to stay calm. Maybe check the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website for advice?

Olivia Smith · Ottawa, Canadaanswered 22d ago
5

STOP. Do not send them any more money. That is NOT a legitimate fee. It's a scam. They want to bleed you dry. This is how they operate: invent fees, ask for more money, and then disappear. The 'profits' you see are almost certainly fake, just numbers on a screen designed to trick you. Look up 'advance fee scam'. This is exactly what it is. Report them to the authorities, contact your bank to see if the transfers can be reversed (unlikely but worth a shot), and change all your passwords. Never trust a platform that isn't regulated by a trusted body like ASIC or BaFin.

Logan MacDonald · Winnipeg, Canadaanswered 22d ago
4

Ah, the classic 'fee to get your money' scam. I fell for a version of this years ago with a fake lottery win. They wanted an 'admin fee' and then a 'tax payment'. Paid both. Never saw a penny. The 'profit conversion fee' is just their new excuse. They're trying to get you to pay more money into their scam. Your crypto profits are *your* assets. A legitimate platform doesn't charge you a percentage of your profit to *convert* it; they might charge a standard withdrawal fee, but that's different. Don't pay. Report them to the Garda cybercrime unit and your bank.

Sean Kelly · Galway, Irelandanswered 22d ago
4

Yeah, that fee sounds completely made up. I've traded crypto for years, never encountered a 'profit conversion fee'. If the platform converts it to fiat for you, that's usually built into their spread or a small withdrawal fee, not a percentage of your gains. They're probably just trying to get more money out of you before they ghost you. This is a very common scam. Don't send them anything else. Check if the platform is registered with the FCA, though if they're asking for this kind of fee, they probably aren't.

Sophie Byrne · Dublin, Irelandanswered 22d ago
4

Oh wow, that's awful. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. It sounds really scary, especially when it's your savings. A 'profit conversion fee' is definitely not standard practice for any legitimate crypto exchange or broker. They might charge network fees or standard withdrawal fees, but not a percentage of your profits just to convert it. You should absolutely NOT pay this fee. It's a huge red flag. Maybe try reporting it to the CFTC if you think the platform might have US ties? At the very least, try to get your bank to block any future transactions.

Ashley Jones · Denver, USAanswered 22d ago
5

Listen, I've been through this. They showed me $50k profit on a trading platform, then wanted $5k for a 'compliance fee'. I sent it. Then they wanted $10k for 'capital gains tax'. That's when I woke up. It was all fake. The money was never really there. They're just numbers on a screen. Don't pay them. Report them to IC3.gov and your local police. You probably won't get your money back, but you can help stop them from doing it to someone else. Hang in there.

Amelia Smith · Manchester, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
4

I'm so sorry this is happening to you. This is a horrible feeling. This 'profit conversion fee' is 100% a scam. I lost AUD$10,000 last year to a similar situation with an investment site. They kept asking for more money for 'verification' and 'taxes'. It was all lies. I contacted the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) and my bank, but recovering the funds is extremely difficult once it's gone. The best thing you can do is NOT pay any more money. Treat the 'profit' as fake and the platform as a scam. Report them to MAS, that's the right step.

Grace Ng · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 22d ago
4

That sounds exactly like the scam I almost fell for. They showed me huge profits, then wanted a 'transfer fee'. I nearly sent them $2,000. I stopped at the last minute. Thankfully, I checked online and found out it was a scam. They're preying on people who have just made money and are excited. The 'profit conversion fee' is total BS. No legit broker does that. You should immediately stop all communication and report them to the authorities, like the CFTC. Seriously, don't send them another dollar.

Ryan Hernandez · Austin, USAanswered 22d ago
5

Run. Don't walk. This is a textbook advance-fee scam. That 'fee' is fabricated. They will ask for more and more. The 'profits' are fake. They are not going to let you withdraw anything. Ever. This is how they operate. You've identified the scam, now act on it. Cease all contact. Report them to the relevant financial regulators in Singapore (MAS) and potentially to law enforcement. Consider it a lesson learned, albeit a painful one. Never invest with platforms you find through random ads, and always verify regulation.

Lucas Jones · Brisbane, Australiaanswered 22d ago
5

My wife and I went through something eerily similar a few months back. Fake crypto platform, showed massive gains. Then came the 'documentation fee'. We paid it. Then the 'withdrawal tax'. We paid that too. Total loss: about $15k. They eventually just disappeared. The police report felt futile. What I learned is this: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And never, ever pay a fee that isn't clearly stated *before* you deposit. Check the platform's regulatory status with the SEC if you suspect US involvement, or MAS in your case.

Brian Hall · Austin, USAanswered 22d ago
4

This is absolutely a scam. That fee is not real. They are trying to get more money from you. This is a common trick. They will keep inventing fees until you have no money left or they just disappear. I lost money this way too, on a fake stock trading app. I should have reported them to the BaFin in Germany because they claimed to be based there. Just do not pay them. Gather all your evidence and report them to the MAS and your local police. That 'profit' is likely not even real.

Chloe David · Lyon, Franceanswered 21d ago
7

Oh wow, that sounds incredibly stressful. NGL, the crypto space can be a minefield, and 'profit conversion fees' are almost always a huge red flag. I've seen this exact same scam play out many times. They lure you in with promises of big returns, and then when you want your money, they invent fees like this. They're trying to squeeze more money out of you before you realize they have no intention of letting you withdraw anything. Standard practice for these unregulated outfits.

Sophie Williams · Perth, Australiaanswered 21d ago
4

Hang in there. It's completely understandable why you're worried, especially when it's your savings on the line. Don't send them any more money. This 'fee' sounds like a classic scam tactic. They just keep inventing new excuses to get more funds from you. I'm really sorry you're going through this, it's a horrible situation.

Saar Bos · Nijmegen, Netherlandsanswered 21d ago
9

STOP. Do NOT pay that fee. Seriously. This is a textbook 'advance fee' scam. They'll take your 'fee,' and then come up with another fee, or say there was a 'technical issue,' or that your account needs 'verification' by paying *more*. There is no legitimate platform that operates like this. 'GlobalTradeFX' sounds like a made-up name for a reason. Check if they are registered with MAS in Singapore, but I suspect they won't be. If you can't find any legitimate regulatory body approving them, it's a scam.

William Nguyen · Hobart, Australiaanswered 21d ago
6

This is a very common fraudulent scheme. Legitimate exchanges and brokers do not impose 'profit conversion fees' like this. Such fees are fabricated to extort additional funds from unsuspecting traders. Always verify the regulatory status of any platform before depositing significant capital. For Singapore, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is the primary regulator. If GlobalTradeFX is not regulated by MAS, you should assume it's an unregulated entity operating illegally.

Omar Al Qasimi · Dubai, UAEanswered 21d ago
5

I'd bet my life savings this is a scam. That whole setup sounds fishy from the get-go. Online ads for trading platforms? Red flag number one. Then the 'analyst' who magically makes you profits? Red flag number two. And now this 'fee'? Big, flashing, siren-blaring red flag number three. They prey on people who are new to crypto or desperate for quick money. They are counting on you being scared and willing to pay to get your 'profits'.

Sophia Gagne · Toronto, Canadaanswered 21d ago
3

Man, that really stinks. It's rough when you think you've made good, and then they hit you with something like this. Don't send them any more money, that's the main thing. It's a common trick. They want to see how much you'll pay before they ghost you. I hope you can get some of your funds back. Have you tried looking for a scam reporting contact through MAS?

Christopher Lopez · Miami, USAanswered 21d ago
4

A 'profit conversion fee'? Never heard of such a thing and I've been in the crypto game for ages. Sounds like pure BS to me. They probably just want to see if you'll fall for it and send them more cash. They are probably not licensed to operate anywhere legit. Be super careful with platforms that aren't well-known and regulated.

Emma Mokoena · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 21d ago
8

I am in a similar situation. They told me I owe a tax fee, then a withdrawal fee. Now they want another 'validation fee'. I already paid them so much. My husband is furious. I just wanted to help our family.

Fatima Al Qasimi · Abu Dhabi, UAEanswered 21d ago
7

That 'profit conversion fee' is a classic scam. It doesn't exist in legitimate crypto trading. They're trying to trap you into paying more money. The best course of action is to cease all communication with them and report them immediately. For your situation in Singapore, you should file a report with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). They handle complaints regarding financial services and potential fraud.

Ashley Rodriguez · Boston, USAanswered 21d ago
5

This sounds like a typical advance-fee fraud targeting crypto traders. These unregulated platforms often operate just long enough to scam as many people as possible before disappearing. They create fake profits to entice users, and then invent fees to prevent withdrawal. Your best bet is to stop interacting with them and report the platform to the relevant financial authorities, like the FCA here in the UK if you were based here, or MAS in Singapore.

Sophie Hall · London, United Kingdomanswered 21d ago
3

Oh no, that's terrible! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. It sounds exactly like a scam. They prey on people's excitement when they see profits. Please don't send them any more money. Maybe try contacting your bank and see if they can do anything about the transfers? It's a long shot, but worth a try.

Sarah Nel · Bloemfontein, South Africaanswered 21d ago
4

Ugh, I've seen this kind of thing before. They promise the moon and then invent fees. 'Profit conversion fee' is definitely not a real thing for withdrawals, especially not like that. If they're asking for a percentage of your supposed profit, it's almost certainly a scam to get more money out of you. They might even threaten to close your account if you don't pay. Don't fall for it.

Chloe Garcia · Paris, Franceanswered 21d ago
6

I feel sick reading this. I had something similar happen to me last year with a forex scam, not crypto. They called themselves 'EuroFX' - total scam artists. Showed me fake profits, then wanted a 'processing fee' and then a 'tax payment'. I lost about $8k AUD before I realised. They are just stealing from you. I reported them to ASIC eventually, but didn't get anything back.

William Johnson · Brisbane, Australiaanswered 21d ago
4

This sounds like a really common scam, I'm sorry you're going through it! They often create fake profits to make you feel good, then hit you with these invented fees when you try to cash out. Definitely don't pay them any more money. Have you tried checking the MAS website to see if this 'GlobalTradeFX' platform is licensed or if there are any warnings about them? That's usually a good first step.

Ava Roy · Ottawa, Canadaanswered 21d ago

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