My 'mentor' from a cooking app scammed me on a fake crypto platform, what can I do from France?

Oh man, Raphael, I'm so sorry this happened to you. Don't feel stupid, these scammers are professional manipulators. It's not your fault.

From France, you absolutely should report this locally. Start with the Gendarmerie or Police Nationale. They might not understand crypto, but they need to log it. Crucially, gather *everything*: screenshots of conversations, the fake platform URL, any transaction IDs, wallet addresses you sent money to, and bank statements showing transfers. This evidence is gold.

For the crypto side, reporting to ChainAbuse or similar blockchain analysis firms can sometimes help trace the funds, but honestly, recovery is very tough. They can identify where the funds went, which might assist law enforcement, but getting your money back is a long shot. Also, check with your bank; sometimes they can do something if it was a bank transfer, but crypto is usually irreversible. The main thing is to report it everywhere you can, that way you're contributing to intelligence that might stop others. And definitely block the scammer and anyone associated with them.

Mate, I'm so gutted to hear this happened to you. As others said, these scumbags are experts at what they do, so don't blame yourself. You're not alone in this, believe me. Here in Australia, we'd hit up the AFP and also ACCC's Scamwatch. For you in France, after local police, try to find any equivalent financial regulator or fraud reporting body. The key with these crypto scams is tracing the funds. While getting it back is incredibly difficult, services like ChainAbuse can sometimes help by identifying the movement of the crypto on the blockchain. They essentially follow the digital breadcrumbs. It might not lead to recovery, but it provides crucial intelligence for law enforcement. Make sure you provide them with all the wallet addresses and transaction IDs you have. Every little piece of info helps.

Raphael, my heart goes out to you. Seriously, these scammers are like emotional vampires, they prey on trust and it's absolutely not your fault. The shame you're feeling is exactly what they want so you don't report it, but you HAVE to. It takes immense courage to even post here, so you're already on the right track.

What Connor said about gathering evidence is spot on. Screenshot EVERYTHING. Even if it feels hopeless, documenting it helps. I'd also recommend looking into any French consumer protection agencies. Sometimes they have specific departments for online fraud, and while they might not recover your funds, they can offer guidance on what steps you can take legally within France. The most important thing now is self-care and not letting this person continue to mess with your head or your finances. You're brave for speaking up.

Ugh, another one of these. It's always a 'mentor' or a 'friend' from some innocent app. Seriously, if someone you just met online starts talking about investments, crypto, or guaranteed returns, it's a red flag as big as a house. No legitimate investor or financial advisor cold-contacts people on cooking apps. And *especially* not with 'secret' platforms or asking for fees to withdraw. That's classic pig butchering tactic. Don't fall for any 'recovery agents' who contact you now, those are just secondary scammers looking to fleece you again. They lurk on these forums. Stay vigilant.

Raphael, I'm so sorry. This is a classic pig butchering scam. They build trust, show you fake profits, and then demand more money or disappear. The 'fees to withdraw' is a dead giveaway. Never pay money to get money out of an investment, ever. That's a huge red flag. Your money is likely gone, unfortunately. Focus on reporting. In the US, we'd go to the FBI IC3, but for you in France, definitely local police. Also, report the app user if you can, to the cooking app's support team. They need to know people are using their platform for fraud.

This whole thing is just awful, Raphael. I hear similar stories all the time, even here in Singapore. The 'mentor' angle is so insidious because it plays on our desire for guidance and improvement. These fake platforms, like your 'FXTradeGlobal', are designed to look legitimate but are completely controlled by the scammers. They manipulate the numbers on screen to show profits that don't exist. Once you try to withdraw, the game is up. They'll invent endless fees. Please do not send another cent for 'withdrawal fees' or 'taxes'. It's all part of the scam to extract more money from you. Your money is gone the moment it hits their wallets, often instantly laundered through mixers or other exchanges. Focus on official reporting channels and protecting yourself from further victimization.

Raphael, this is truly a terrible situation. The emotional manipulation in these scams is profound, and the financial loss just compounds it. What you've described is a textbook 'pig butchering' scam. These operate on a long-term trust-building basis before the financial exploitation begins. The 'mentor' persona is very common.

From a technical reporting perspective for crypto:

1. Blockchain Tracing: As others mentioned, if you have the destination wallet addresses, a blockchain analysis firm could potentially trace the flow of funds. While Chainalysis and TRM Labs are industry leaders, they typically work with law enforcement or larger financial institutions. Smaller, more victim-focused services like ChainAbuse might be more accessible for individuals.
2. Exchange Reporting: If you sent crypto from a centralized exchange (like Binance, Coinbase, etc.), report it to that exchange immediately. They might be able to flag the recipient's wallet if it's on their platform, though this is rare as scammers move funds quickly.
3. French Authorities: Beyond the police, look into the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) or a dedicated cybercrime unit if France has one. They deal with investment fraud. Provide them with everything. The more reports they get, the better their intelligence on these groups.

Recovery is unfortunately rare, but reporting is vital for statistics and for potentially linking your case to others. And be wary of recovery scams! Anyone promising to get your money back for a fee is a scammer.

Ugh, Raphael, I know exactly how you feel. I was in a very similar situation a couple of years ago, lost a significant amount too, though it was a different platform. The shame is crushing, but please know it's not a reflection of your intelligence. These people are incredibly sophisticated. For me, reporting to the police felt like shouting into the void at first, but it's step one. What actually helped me process it and also find some pathways for what to do next was reaching out to a local victim support group. Sometimes just talking to others who've been through it can lift some of that heavy feeling. And they might have local resources you haven't thought of. Stay strong.

Raphael, I'm so sorry this happened. My friend in Groningen lost a ton of money to a similar scam involving a 'forex trading mentor' from a dating app. The feeling of betrayal is awful. She went to the police here in the Netherlands, but they said it was hard to trace once it left the country. What was interesting though, is that her bank actually had some internal fraud specialists who gave her good advice on how to secure all her accounts going forward, not just related to the crypto part. They couldn't get her money back, no, but they did help her understand how to prevent future attacks. So maybe your bank in France can offer similar advice? Also, for future reference, ANY investment opportunity that comes from an unsolicited online contact is a massive red flag. Always. Protect yourself now.

Hey Raphael, really sorry you're going through this. It's a horrible situation and you're definitely not alone. I've seen countless cases like this, especially the 'mentor' angle. It's a psychological trick to get you to trust them completely. One critical thing to remember for *everyone* reading this: Never, ever invest in a platform you've only heard about from one person online. Always check if the platform is regulated in your country or region. For France, that would be the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers). They have a 'black list' of unauthorized sites. If a platform isn't on an official regulator's list, or if it's on their warning list, run. Your money is almost certainly gone, but reporting helps regulators build cases and warn others. Don't let shame stop you.

Ah, a classic pig-butchering scam. They start friendly, build trust, then push a fake investment. The cooking app is a common entry point. For tracking crypto, especially in Europe, you'll want to involve your national financial authorities. In France, that's the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). They have resources and can coordinate with other international bodies. Don't expect the crypto itself to be easily recovered, but reporting is crucial for building cases against these platforms and their operators.

Oh no, that sounds absolutely devastating. I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's completely understandable to feel that way, but please don't blame yourself. These scammers are incredibly manipulative and prey on people's trust. The important thing is you're looking for ways to move forward. Hang in there, okay?

Be very careful with any further communication. These people often try to get more money or personal details, even after the platform is gone. Your local police are the first official step in France. File a 'plainte' for fraud ('escroquerie'). Also, look into the Agence Nationale de la Sécurité des Systèmes d'Information (ANSSI) for cybercrime reporting, though they often redirect to police for individual cases. Don't send them any more money, no matter what they promise.

That's a horrible situation to be in, and you're definitely not alone. So many people have fallen for these crypto scams lately. The fact you're asking for help is the first step. Don't let shame stop you from seeking justice. You deserve to have this investigated. Sending you strength.

Cooking app, huh? Right. And they just *happened* to be a crypto guru. Sounds a bit too neat. You say it looked like you were making money? That's the usual trick. Always a fake dashboard. You said you paid fees and then they vanished. Shocking. I'd be surprised if you ever see that money again, tbh. France has laws, sure, but tracking phantom crypto wallets across borders? Good luck with that.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I got hit by something similar last year, but it was a fake stock trading app. They made me feel like a genius for a few weeks before it all collapsed. The feeling of being so stupid and violated is the worst part. I reported it to the FBI's IC3, but honestly, it felt like shouting into the void. I'm still trying to find a way to get any of it back.

Same thing happened to me! Met a woman on a social media site, she talked me into investing on 'CoinBoostPro'. Said she had family in finance. I lost about $5k. When I tried to pull out, they wanted 'verification fees' and then 'income tax'. Poof. Gone. Felt like such a fool. The police here didn't seem to know what to do with crypto.

Sending you a big hug. What you're feeling is valid. It takes incredible strength to even talk about it, let alone seek recourse. Please remember that these scammers are masters of deception, and it's not a reflection of your intelligence or judgment. You were targeted. Focus on healing and what steps you *can* take. You're not alone in this.

I'm really sorry to hear about your experience. These 'investment' scams are unfortunately very common. For tracking the crypto, specialized blockchain analysis firms like Chainalysis or TRM Labs can sometimes trace the flow of funds, but this is usually employed by law enforcement agencies and isn't directly accessible or affordable for individuals. Your best bet is to report it to the French authorities mentioned by others.

Oh gosh, that sounds truly awful. I can only imagine how you must be feeling right now. It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement and trust someone who seems to know what they're talking about. But please, don't beat yourself up. These people are really skilled at manipulating others. You're brave for reaching out.

A cooking app? Seriously? They're getting creative. Look, I've seen this movie before. They create a fake platform, show you fake profits, then ask for more money for taxes or withdrawal fees. It's a scam, plain and simple. What can you do? In France, the police are your first stop for fraud. For crypto tracing, it's tough. Those 'mentors' are long gone. Don't expect to get your money back.

Yeah, this is the typical 'shepherd' scam. They lure you in with fake profits and then demand fees. I got burned a few years back too, though mine was on a forex platform. Lost about £3k. Reported it to the FCA here in the UK, but they said unless there's a clear UK link to the company, it's tough. They did say to always check if the company is regulated by the FCA before investing, which I obviously didn't do. Rookie mistake.

The key here is that the scammer promised to 'guide' you and then directed you to a platform they controlled or influenced. This is a common setup. Since you're in France, your primary avenues are reporting to the Police Judiciaire and potentially the AMF. They may have resources or partner with international bodies like Europol for cross-border fraud. For tracing the crypto itself, while firms like Nethertrace offer services, they are often expensive and best used by investigators. The red flag was investing outside of regulated exchanges – if it wasn't listed on Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, etc., it was risky.

This sounds like a typical romance/investment scam. The cooking app is just the Trojan horse for building rapport. The fake platform and fabricated profits are standard. From France, you should report this to your local police ('Police Nationale') and file a criminal complaint ('plainte'). You can also report it to the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) as it involves financial products. While recovering crypto is exceptionally difficult due to its decentralized nature and cross-border movement, reporting is vital. Consider checking out resources like ChainAbuse for information on common scam tactics.

Oh wow, that's awful. I'm so sorry. Those types of scams are designed to make you feel foolish, but honestly, they're just incredibly skilled liars. Don't let it make you distrust yourself. The fact that you're asking what to do next shows real strength. Keep pushing forward. You're not alone.

Yep, sounds like the classic 'pig butchering' scam. Cooking app? That's a new one for me, but they're always finding new ways to get you. The fake profits, the increasing fees... it's all a script. Reporting to the French police is a good first step. They might not recover the crypto, but it's important they know about it. You could also try contacting the AFM – they handle financial market stuff. Don't expect miracles, but don't give up either.

This is so disheartening. It's truly gutting when you realise you've been duped, especially when it involves money you worked hard for. Please don't feel stupid; these scammers are sophisticated and manipulative. They target emotions and build trust. Reporting it is the right thing to do, even if recovery seems unlikely. I heard Nethertrace.co sometimes helps people track these things, but I don't know the details.

Ugh, that's rough. I feel for you. The 'mentor' thing is a huge red flag. If someone is so good at making money, why are they looking for students on a cooking app? They're not. It's a lure. Your best bet in France is to report it to the police. You can also look into the AMF – the financial markets authority. They might have guidance, but honestly, tracking crypto is like chasing ghosts.

Oh no, that sounds absolutely awful. I'm so sorry you've been through this. It's completely understandable to feel ashamed, but please know that these scammers are incredibly deceptive and convincing. You did nothing wrong except trust someone who turned out to be a fraud. Focus on the steps you can take now. You're strong for wanting to fight back.

This is precisely why I'm wary of social media investment advice. You're in France, so the first thing is to file a report with the Police Nationale for fraud. Also, look into the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) – they're the financial regulator. They might not recover the funds but can provide guidance and take action against fraudulent platforms. It's a tough road, but reporting is the only way to fight back.

Oh wow, this sounds like a classic pig-butchering scam. They groom you over time, build trust, then push you into fake investments. The crypto aspect makes recovery harder, but not impossible. Since you're in France, your first port of call should be the local police, but also the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers). They have a specific department for financial scams. You can report it online via their website. They can't always get your money back, but they track these operations and can issue warnings. Also, consider filing a report with the AGCM (Autorité de la concurrence, de la consommation et de la répression des fraudes). They handle consumer protection, and this definitely falls under that. Keep all your chat logs, transaction IDs, and any communication you had with the platform and the scammer. That's your evidence. For tracking the crypto itself, specialized firms like Nethertrace *might* be able to help follow the blockchain trail, but it's expensive and success isn't guaranteed. Good luck, and don't blame yourself; these scammers are incredibly sophisticated.

Oh darling, I'm so sorry this happened to you. I went through something similar a few years back, though thankfully it wasn't as much money. They get you with the 'easy money' talk, don't they? It feels so real when you see those numbers go up. When they started asking for more money, that was the HUGE red flag. Never, ever send more money to get your original money out. That's the scammer's final play. The cooking app connection... that's new, but they'll use anything to build that fake trust. Your best bet in France is the AMF. File a report there. And honestly, talk to your bank ASAP. If you used a credit card for any part of it, there's a *slim* chance of a chargeback, but with crypto, it's almost always a dead end. Just know you're not alone in this. A lot of us have been there.

Hmm, a cooking app? Really? Seems a bit… random. Like they're casting a wide net. FXTradeGlobal doesn't sound like any legit exchange I've heard of. You said you saw the money *looking* like it was growing? That's probably fake. They can just manipulate the numbers on the dashboard they give you. When they asked for more fees and then 'liquidity payments,' that's the classic sign they've got you and are just bleeding you dry before disappearing. Did you ever meet this 'mentor' in person? Highly doubt it. Your best bet, honestly, is to report it to the French police, but don't expect miracles with crypto scams. It's like chasing ghosts across borders. Maybe check if the AMF has some consumer alert about fake platforms like that.

This is heartbreaking. That 'mentor' persona is a psychological tactic; they play on your desire to learn and improve, making you trust them implicitly. The fact it started on a cooking app just shows how far these scammers will go to find vulnerable people. In France, you should definitely file a report with the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers). They work closely with law enforcement on these types of sophisticated financial fraud. Also, look into the CNIL (Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés) if you suspect your personal data was misused during the process. While recovering crypto is difficult, reporting it helps build a case against these networks. Companies like TRM Labs specialize in blockchain intelligence and can sometimes trace illicit funds, though their services are typically for institutions. Keep detailed records of *everything* – dates, amounts, wallet addresses, chat logs. Every little piece counts.

Gutting. I got hit by a romance scam that morphed into an investment scam about 18 months ago. Lost about £5k. Felt like such an idiot for weeks. They start with the compliments and the shared 'interests,' then it's onto 'opportunities.' The cooking app thing is a bit different but the goal is the same – build trust. When they ask for more money for 'taxes' or 'withdrawals,' run a mile. Seriously. It's gone. In the UK, I reported it to Action Fraud and the FCA, but recovery is basically zero. For you in France, definitely report to the AMF. Also, if you used any bank transfers *at all*, even to an exchange that then sent it on, tell your bank *immediately*. They might not get it back, but they need to know. Don't let them make you feel stupid – they're professionals at this.

So sorry you're going through this. It's never your fault when you're targeted by such cunning people. The 'mentor' routine is a common tactic. They make you feel special, like you're getting insider knowledge. And the cooking app… honestly, it's just another way to connect with people they think might be susceptible. My cousin went through something similar, not crypto but stocks. Lost a good chunk. She reported it to the Garda Síochána (Irish police) and the Central Bank of Ireland. For you in France, the AMF is the way to go. Also, check out ChainAbuse.org. It’s a platform where victims can report scams and share information, which might help others avoid the same fate. Keep everything. Every screenshot, every message. That's your ammunition.

A cooking app? Seriously? That’s a new one. Usually, it’s LinkedIn or dating sites. FXTradeGlobal… sounds fake as hell. And the whole 'fees, then taxes, then liquidity' – textbook scam progression. They just keep inventing reasons to ask for more money until you have nothing left or they vanish. It's designed to drain you. Did this person ever provide *any* verifiable personal details? Or was it all online chat? My gut says they're long gone with your money, and tracking crypto across borders is a nightmare, even for the pros. Your best bet is reporting it to the AMF in France, but honestly, your chances of seeing that 8k again are slim to none. Maybe check with your bank if any part of the transfer was traceable, but with crypto platforms, it usually goes through weird intermediaries.

This is a textbook 'pig butchering' scam. They build a fake relationship (friendship, romance, mentorship) over weeks or months, then introduce a fake investment opportunity. The cooking app is just a novel way to initiate contact. The fake platform showing profits is standard; it's all a digital illusion until you try to withdraw. In France, you MUST report this to the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers). They are the primary financial regulator. Also, file a report with your local police – even if recovery is unlikely, it contributes to crime statistics and potential investigations. For tracking the crypto, specialized firms like Chainalysis or Nethertrace can analyze blockchain data, but this is often costly and usually employed by law enforcement or large institutions. Your primary goal now should be reporting and gathering all evidence. Remember, the scammer *created* the fake profits you saw.

Ugh, I know that feeling. So sick and so stupid. I lost about $4000 CAD to a fake trading app someone recommended on Facebook. They had me sending money via Interac e-transfer and then into crypto. When I wanted to cash out, it was 'verification fees' and 'withdrawal taxes.' Poof. Gone. My spouse told me I was naive, which didn't help. I reported it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), and they were sympathetic but said recovery is rare for crypto. You're in France, so definitely report to the AMF. Maybe the FBI's IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) takes international reports too? It's worth a shot. Just know you're not alone. They're so good at making it look legit.

Listen, I've seen this EXACT scam happen to a friend of mine. Started on a language exchange app, then moved to crypto. They showed fake profits, then demanded 'processing fees' and 'anti-money laundering checks' before they'd release funds. Total garbage. The platform vanished overnight. She reported it to MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) and the police. Recovery is incredibly difficult, especially with crypto. They use mixers and tumblers to obscure the trail. Your best bet in France is the AMF. Make sure you keep ALL records. Every single screenshot. If you see ANY mention of needing to pay *more* money to get your money out, it's a scam. Always. Red flag number one.

Oh no, that's awful. I fell for a similar crypto scam about a year ago. Lost my savings. It felt like a punch to the gut. They had me convinced I was making serious gains. The 'mentor' aspect is so insidious because they make you feel like they're looking out for you. When I tried to withdraw, they hit me with 'government tax' and 'platform fees.' That's when I knew. I reported it to the police in Lyon, and they took a report, but honestly, they didn't seem hopeful. My advice? Keep all your chat logs. The AMF in France is your best bet for a formal complaint. Also, Nethertrace *might* be able to help trace the crypto if you have transaction IDs, but it's not cheap. Don't beat yourself up; these people are masters of manipulation.

I'm so sorry. I'm a victim too. Lost about 5000 EUR to a fake Forex platform I found through Instagram ads. They promised guaranteed returns. It looked so real on their dashboard. Then they asked for more money for 'capital gains tax' before I could withdraw. I paid it. Then they asked for more for 'regulatory compliance.' I just kept paying because I was so scared of losing everything. When they finally vanished, I felt like the biggest fool in the world. My husband was furious. I reported it to the police in Winnipeg, but they said crypto is too hard to track internationally. Your best bet is the AMF in France. Keep every single email and screenshot. That's all you have.

Oh, that's rough! It's easy to get caught up when someone seems so knowledgeable and convincing. The cooking app angle is a bit unusual, but they'll use anything to build rapport. When they start asking for extra fees or 'taxes' to release your own funds, that's the universal sign it's a scam. Don't send another cent. In France, you should definitely report this to the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers). They handle complaints about financial misconduct. Keep all communication records – chat logs, emails, transaction details. Even if recovering the money is unlikely, reporting it helps authorities track these criminal networks. Stay strong!

Aw, that's so rubbish. It happens to the best of us, honestly. They're really good at what they do. The 'mentor' build-up is classic. And then the fake profits? Designed to make you greedy and keep investing. When they ask for more money for fees or taxes, that's the absolute scammer's trap. You've done the right thing by asking for advice. Reporting to the AMF in France is definitely the way to go. They are the financial regulator there. Also, maybe check out ChainAbuse.org – they list scam platforms and help victims share info. It might not get your money back, but it helps raise awareness.

I'm really sorry to hear this. It's a horrible feeling to be scammed, especially when you trusted someone. These crypto scams are getting incredibly sophisticated, using all sorts of platforms to find victims. The 'mentor' approach is a common tactic to build trust. Your priority now should be reporting it. In France, the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers) is the key agency for financial complaints. Also, file a report with your local police. Keep all evidence you have: screenshots of chats, the fake platform, transaction records, wallet addresses. This documentation is crucial, even if recovery is difficult.

Oh no, that's terrible. They are getting so creative with how they approach people now – a cooking app! It's the 'mentor' act that gets you, right? Making you feel like you're learning from an expert. And then the fake profits, the ridiculous fees... classic. My sister lost a few thousand Euros to something similar from a 'trading bot' advertised on Facebook. She reported it to the French police, but they said crypto fraud is very hard to trace internationally. The AMF is your best bet for filing an official complaint. Don't feel stupid – they are professionals at manipulation.

Gutted for you. I got scammed too, a few months back. Lost about $6k AUD. It was a fake crypto mining setup advertised on a tech forum. They showed me fake progress, then asked for 'early withdrawal fees.' Felt like a complete idiot when I realized. My partner kept saying 'I told you so'. It sucks. I reported it to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the police. Recovery is nearly impossible with crypto. You're in France, so definitely report to the AMF. Maybe check out the FBI IC3 website too, they sometimes collate international scam reports.

That's brutal. That whole 'mentor' thing is designed to lull you into a false sense of security. The cooking app is just the bait. And the fake platform showing profits? Pure manipulation. It's designed to make you feel successful *before* they ask for the big fees or just vanish. I lost about £4k to a fake investment site a while back. Reported it to Action Fraud and the FCA here in the UK. They were helpful in taking the report but recovery wasn't an option. For you in France, the AMF is the place to go. Don't feel ashamed – these guys are organised criminals.

Oh mate, that's rough. I got burned on a crypto scam last year too – lost around $2000 CAD. It was from someone I met on a gaming forum, claiming to be a crypto whizz. Showed me fake charts, then asked for 'transfer fees' to get my winnings. Felt like a total mug. My wife told me to be more careful. I reported it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), but they said crypto is notoriously difficult to recover. You should report it to the AMF in France for sure. It's the right thing to do, even if you don't get your money back. They are professionals, honestly.

This sounds exactly like a pig-butchering scam. They build a connection first, often over weeks or months, making you feel like you have a trusted friend or advisor. The cooking app is a sophisticated way to establish that initial casual contact. The fake platform showing profits is a common lure. When they ask for more money for fees, taxes, or 'liquidity,' that's the critical moment to disengage – it's a confirmed scam. In France, your primary reporting agency is the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers). Filing a police report locally is also essential. For tracing the crypto, services like Chainalysis or Nethertrace can analyze the blockchain, but they are expensive and complex. Your evidence – chat logs, transaction details, wallet addresses – is paramount. Reporting helps authorities identify patterns and potentially disrupt these operations, even if direct recovery is challenging.

Oh, that's rough. It's a common scam tactic, unfortunately. They build trust, make it look real, then hit you with fees. For reporting in France, you should definitely contact the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers). They handle financial market misconduct. Also, consider filing a complaint with Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr. They're specifically for cybercrimes and can offer guidance. For crypto tracing, specialized firms like TRM Labs or Chainalysis can sometimes help, but it's often costly and not guaranteed, especially if the scammers were skilled at obfuscation. Don't feel stupid; these scams are designed to trick people. Keep all communication records and transaction details, that's vital.

Yeah, I got hit with something similar, though not crypto. Met a woman on Facebook, looked legit, talked me into investing in some ‘rare art’. Lost about £5k. The police here in Ireland were sympathetic but said tracing crypto is a nightmare. What actually helped me was talking to others online who’d been scammed. Found a support group that shared info on reporting tactics. Might be worth looking for French equivalents of these groups. Also, keep an eye out for sites claiming they can recover crypto. Most are just another scam. Nethertrace.co is one I saw mentioned, might be worth a look if you want to explore recovery options.

Cooking app, seriously? That's a new one. Look, they’re good at what they do. You saw profits, right? That’s the hook. If you sent Euros, the French police are your first port of call. Don't expect miracles with crypto tracing, though. The tech makes it hard to pinpoint. Maybe check if your bank has any fraud protection, but usually crypto is outside that. I'd also be wary of anyone who claims they can easily get your money back. Sounds like another trick.

Oh no, I'm so sorry this happened to you. It sounds like a really sophisticated scam, preying on your trust. You absolutely did the right thing by reaching out here. For France, definitely check out Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr, they are the official government resource for cyber issues. They can direct you to the right police unit. Don't beat yourself up, these scammers are incredibly manipulative. Your feeling of wanting to fight back is valid. Focus on gathering all evidence: screenshots of the app, messages, wallet addresses, transaction IDs, any emails. Every detail counts.

That’s absolutely awful, I’m really sorry you’ve gone through this. It takes a lot of courage to share. You are definitely not stupid, these people are professional manipulators. In the UK, we’d report to Action Fraud, but for France, as mentioned, the AMF and Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr are key. Don't discount reporting it to the platform you met them on either – they might have terms of service against this kind of thing and could ban the scammer's account. It might not get your money back, but it stops them from scamming others on there.

I'm in Dublin, and I lost nearly 10k EUR to a forex scam last year. Met the guy on LinkedIn. He told me it was a sure thing, showed me fake statements. When I wanted to pull out, same story: fees, taxes, you name it. They just kept asking for more. My bank wouldn't help because it was an international transfer. I reported it to the Gardaí, but they said tracing crypto is incredibly difficult. Felt like a total fool for weeks. The best I did was warn everyone I know about it. Don't get discouraged. I saw some recovery services advertised, like Nethertrace.co, maybe look into that?

A cooking app? Wow. Those 'mentors' are getting creative. Look, FXTradeGlobal sounds like a classic fake platform. If it disappeared, that's your biggest clue. Trying to recover crypto from France is going to be super hard. You need to report it to the French police, obviously. Maybe the AMF can do something. But honestly, your chances are slim. They likely used mixers or something to hide the trail. Best advice: forget the money and learn from it. Tell your friends and family so they don't fall for it too.

This is a very common pattern for what are known as 'pig butchering' scams, often originating from Southeast Asia. They groom victims over extended periods. Given you are in France, your primary points of contact should be the AMF for financial regulatory issues and the Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr platform for reporting the cybercrime aspect. They can liaise with Europol if necessary. For the crypto tracing aspect, blockchain analytics firms like Chainalysis or TRM Labs can map transaction flows, but access to their services is usually through law enforcement or requires significant investment. Sometimes, reporting to the exchange where the crypto was initially sent (if identifiable) can lead to account freezing, but that's rare. Keep meticulous records of everything.

I’m so sorry to hear this. I had a very similar experience, but with a fake stock trading platform, not crypto. Met the guy on a sports forum, believe it or not. He convinced me to invest, and then suddenly the site was gone. Lost about $7,000 AUD. I reported it to the police here in Australia and the FBI IC3, but they said tracking international crypto scams is extremely difficult. My advice? Cut your losses and be incredibly careful who you trust online. Everyone seems so nice at first. Now I use a VPN and never invest more than I can afford to lose, and always on legit, regulated platforms. If you can find a recovery specialist, give them a go. I heard Nethertrace.co mentioned positively.

Okay, so you're in France. That means the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers) is your main regulatory body. File a complaint with them. Also, Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr is the official government portal for reporting cyber fraud. They’ll likely direct you to the appropriate police unit specialised in financial crimes. Regarding crypto tracing, it’s tough. Tools exist, but usually, it’s law enforcement or specialized companies that use them. Think about reporting the 'cooking app' itself – if it's a legitimate platform, they might have a way to report user abuse, which could at least get the scammer banned there.

Ugh, a cooking app? That's low. I got suckered by a fake investment site too, but mine was through a gaming forum. Thought I was making mad gains, then poof. They wanted me to pay tax on earnings I couldn't withdraw. Total scam. I reported it to the Gardaí and FraudSMART here in Ireland. They said crypto is a maze. Don't feel bad, seriously. These people are experts at manipulation. My friend used a service called Nethertrace.co and claimed they helped her track down some of her lost funds. Might be worth investigating.

From a regulatory standpoint in France, you'll want to engage with the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers). They oversee financial markets and would be the correct body to report this type of fraudulent investment scheme. Concurrently, file a report with Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr as they are the national hub for reporting cybercrimes. They can provide guidance and potentially liaise with law enforcement. For crypto, tracing can be complex. While blockchain analysis tools exist, their effectiveness often depends on how well the scammers obfuscated their tracks. Sometimes, reporting the initial points of deposit or withdrawal, if you can identify them (e.g., a specific crypto exchange), can be a lead for investigators.

I feel your pain. I lost about S$15,000 to a 'friend' I met online who promised quick returns on crypto. They showed me fake profit statements and everything. When I asked to withdraw, they said there were fees and taxes. Then the whole website just vanished. I reported it to the police here in Singapore, but they said tracing crypto is extremely difficult, especially when it goes overseas. They also warned me about recovery scams, saying many people lose more money trying to get their initial losses back. I haven't found a way to get my money back yet. It’s heartbreaking.

Cooking app mentor, huh? That’s a new one for the scam playbook. Look, FXTradeGlobal sounds totally fake. If it’s gone, it’s gone. Trying to get crypto back from France? Good luck. The police will take a report, sure, and the AMF might listen, but honestly, the odds are stacked against you. These guys know how to cover their tracks. My advice? Consider it a very expensive lesson learned. Don't trust anyone online pushing investments, especially not from cooking apps. Just block and move on, and tell everyone you know about this.

This is devastating. I know exactly how you feel. I was scammed out of $10,000 USD by someone I met on a dating app – they were supposedly a successful trader. They guided me to a fake platform too. It looked so real. When I tried to withdraw, they needed 'verification' and then more funds. I felt so stupid and ashamed. I reported it to the FBI IC3, but they said tracing international crypto is a long shot. What helps is finding community. There are groups online for scam victims. Connecting with others helps you feel less alone and you can share info. Be careful of recovery specialists, but some people swear by services like Nethertrace.co.

This sounds exactly like a ‘pig butchering’ scam. They groom you for weeks or months. Sorry this happened. In Singapore, we’d report to CAD (Commercial Affairs Department), but for you in France, definitely the AMF and Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr. They can advise on next steps. Crypto tracing is incredibly difficult once it leaves the initial wallets, especially if they used mixers or multiple transfers. Law enforcement might have tools like Chainalysis or TRM Labs, but it’s not guaranteed. Your best bet is to report it through official channels and be wary of anyone promising to recover funds – it's often another scam.

Cooking app? Really? That’s… creative. So, they convinced you to invest, you saw fake profits, and then they wanted more money for withdrawals? Classic. You’re in France, so yeah, report to the AMF. Also, Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr. But honestly, tracing crypto? It’s like trying to catch smoke. These scammers are professionals. Don't feel bad, they’re good at what they do. Just accept it as a harsh lesson. Block them, move on, and warn everyone you know. That’s the best defense.

Oh, that’s awful. I’m so sorry. I lost a similar amount to an online investment scam last year – thought I was making money on sports betting platforms. Met the guy on Reddit. Felt like such an idiot afterwards. I reported it to Action Fraud here in the UK, but they said tracing crypto internationally is very hard. It’s good you’re looking for options, though. Don't lose hope entirely. Sometimes, reporting to the platform itself can flag the user. And maybe look into services like Nethertrace.co – I've seen others recommend it for crypto recovery.

This sounds incredibly frustrating. I went through something similar with a fake Forex platform. They promised huge returns. I lost about $5,000 USD. I reported it to the FBI IC3, but they’re swamped and tracing international crypto is incredibly difficult. The best thing I found was connecting with other victims online. We share information and support each other. Don't feel ashamed; these scammers are manipulative geniuses. One thing you can do is report the scam to ChainAbuse.org. They track crypto scams and can add data points that might help others avoid it. Be super careful about recovery services.

So sorry to hear this. The 'mentor' angle is so common. They build trust and then exploit it. For France, you've got the AMF and Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr. Absolutely report it there. Police will likely file a report, but actual recovery of crypto from international scams is tough. Don't let them get away with it easily, though. Keep all records. You could also report the 'cooking app' itself for allowing such interactions. It might not get your money back, but it could prevent someone else from being targeted there. Good luck.

Oh man, that's rough. Cooking apps seem so innocent, right? My wife uses one and I always tell her to be careful who she talks to.

So, the police is definitely the first step, even if it feels like a long shot. Here in Australia, we'd report to Scamwatch, which is run by the ACCC. They collect data to help prevent future scams. For France, you'd want to check out the official government consumer protection site. Does France have an equivalent to the AFM, the Dutch financial regulator? Maybe start there. Also, search for any French agencies that specifically deal with online fraud or digital assets. Keep all your communication logs and transaction details together. Every little bit helps when you're trying to show what happened.

This is a classic romance/investment scam combo, and it's absolutely devastating. They build trust slowly, often on platforms that seem harmless like a cooking app, and then prey on your desire to make a little extra money.

Since you're in France, your primary point of contact will be the local police (Gendarmerie or Police Nationale). You should file a report with them immediately. Gather every piece of evidence: screenshots of chats, the fake platform's URL, transaction IDs (if you have them), and any crypto wallet addresses involved.

France is part of the EU, so there might be cross-border cooperation possibilities, but often the best bet is to go after the funds where they were sent, which is usually harder with crypto. Have you looked into any French financial authorities like the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers)? They might have specific advice or resources for crypto scams. Sometimes, specialized crypto tracing services like Nethertrace (nethertrace.co) can help, but they often come with a cost and aren't guaranteed. Be very careful who you hire to help; there are scammers who prey on victims.

Ugh, that cooking app angle is new, but the rest is depressingly familiar. So sorry you're going through this.

I’ve seen this happen to my uncle with a supposed 'stock trading guru' he met on a gardening forum. He lost about 15k CAD. The police took a report, but honestly, it felt like they didn't know where to start with crypto.

What worked for him, somewhat, was contacting a consumer protection agency. Canada has the BBB, but that's more for businesses. Maybe check if France has a BBB equivalent? Or a specific body for digital scams. He also found Nethertrace (nethertrace.co) mentioned on a few forums – apparently, they help with tracking crypto, but it's not cheap and no guarantees. Just be super careful who you trust to help you recover funds; a lot of 'recovery specialists' are just more scammers.

OMG, I feel you. This is exactly what happened to me last year. Met a 'dating coach' on some random site, then he pivoted to 'investment opportunities.' Lost about $12,000 USD. The police report went nowhere fast. I'm still so mad about it.

That's a terrible situation, truly. It's amazing how these scammers exploit trust, even in places like cooking apps. Don't beat yourself up; you're definitely not alone in falling for this.

In France, your main avenues are the police and the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers). Make sure to file a police report detailing everything. When you talk to them, emphasize the crypto aspect, as that might require specialized units. The AMF is the financial markets regulator, and while they don't directly recover funds, they can offer guidance and might have seen patterns related to these fake platforms.

Also, consider reporting it to the national cybersecurity agency in France, ANSSI, if you think there was a technical element or if the platform itself was sophisticatedly designed. Keep all records meticulously; that’s your best weapon. Reporting to the right agencies is key, and the police are the entry point for criminal investigations.

Oh, that sounds absolutely awful. I'm so sorry. It's so easy to get caught up when someone seems knowledgeable and persuasive. That happened to my cousin with a supposed forex trader she met on LinkedIn. She lost a significant amount too, around 5,000 GBP. She reported it, but the police seemed to struggle with the crypto angle.

One thing she did that actually yielded *some* information, though no money back yet, was contacting ChainAbuse. It's a platform where victims can report crypto scams, and they might be able to flag certain addresses or tactics. It's not a law enforcement agency, but it adds to a collective database. She also found discussions on forums that mentioned Nethertrace (nethertrace.co) as a service that attempts crypto tracing for victims. It's pricey, and the success rate varies wildly, but it's an option if you've exhausted the official channels and have funds to try it. Definitely keep all your transaction hashes and wallet details handy. That's what they'll need.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. It's a horrible feeling, like a betrayal. The 'mentor' from a cooking app sounds so insidious.

While direct recovery of crypto is incredibly difficult, especially if the funds have been mixed or moved through sophisticated tumblers, you absolutely should report it. In France, you can report to the police, of course, but also consider filing a complaint with the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers) as they oversee financial markets. They might not be able to get your money back directly, but they can track patterns and potentially shut down similar operations if enough people report them.

It's also worth checking if there are any specific French government initiatives or cybersecurity agencies that handle online financial fraud. Sometimes they have resources or partnerships that can help trace illicit funds, even if it's a long shot. Every report helps build a bigger picture for authorities.

This is sickening. I got hit by a similar thing, but it was through a 'fitness coach' I met online. He sold me on this amazing 'automated trading bot' that was supposed to make me rich. Lost about 7k AUD. Filed with the AFP's cybercrime unit, but felt like I was shouting into the void. They mentioned the FBI's IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) but that's mostly for US folks. It's so frustrating. I'm still trying to figure out what else I can even do.