My 'broker' EuroFX is demanding a 'withdrawal security deposit'. Is this just another scam tactic?

asked 23d ago17 views73 answers
0

Hi everyone. I'm really at my wit's end here. I traded with EuroFX for about six months, put in a pretty substantial amount, around 10k euros, and actually saw some decent profits reported in my account. I tried to withdraw a few weeks ago – just a small amount to test the waters, like 1k euros. They initially said it was 'processing'. Then I got a call, saying that due to increased regulatory scrutiny and 'international money laundering concerns,' I need to pay a 'withdrawal security deposit' of 2,500 euros before they can release any funds. They claim it's fully refundable once the withdrawal clears. It sounds fishy to me, like all the other stories I've read. Is this a common tactic with these unregulated brokers? I've already lost so much sleep over this, and I really don't want to throw more money after bad. Has anyone dealt with this specific 'deposit' demand?

Mentioned in this discussion
EuroFX· scam

73 Answers

42

James, my heart sinks reading this because it's such a classic scam pattern. Here in Singapore, MAS is constantly warning people about these unregulated brokers. The 'withdrawal security deposit' is 100% a trick. They'll keep asking for more and more fees – 'compliance fees', 'tax fees', 'account activation fees'. It never ends. The money isn't really there; it's just numbers they manipulate on a screen to make you think you've made a profit. Please, please do not pay them another cent. That money will just vanish like the others. Your priority now should be to see if you can reverse your original transfer, especially if you used a credit card. Contact your bank immediately and explain you've been a victim of fraud. Gather every piece of evidence you have.

Rachel Tan · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 23d ago
45

James, I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. To cut to the chase: yes, it's a scam. A classic one, actually. Any legitimate broker, regulated or not (though regulated is always safest), will never ask you for an *additional* deposit to *withdraw* your own money. Period. They already have your funds, if anything, withdrawal fees are typically deducted from the amount you're trying to take out, not paid upfront from your personal bank account. This 'withdrawal security deposit' is a common ruse. They invent some plausible-sounding, yet completely made-up, reason like 'regulatory scrutiny' or 'AML compliance' to extract more money from you. Once you pay that, they'll come up with another fee – 'tax clearance,' 'source of funds verification,' 'international transfer fee' – the list goes on. It's a game of endless fees designed to bleed you dry. The profits you see in your EuroFX account? Likely fake, just numbers on a screen to entice you to deposit more. Your best bet is to stop all communication with them, especially any notion of paying that 'deposit'. Focus on recovery strategies, mainly chargebacks if you used a credit card for your initial deposits. If it was a bank transfer, that's harder, but not impossible. Reach out to your bank and report the fraud immediately. Also, file a report with your national financial authority, like the Central Bank of Ireland, even if EuroFX isn't regulated there, it adds to data on these scams. Also, check if the FCA has any warnings on EuroFX, i'm pretty sure they do. Good luck.

Liam Kruger · Pretoria, South Africaanswered 23d ago
21

Oh man, James, that sounds absolutely awful. I can totally understand why you're at your wit's end. Trust your gut feeling on this one; what they're asking for is definitely not normal practice for a genuine brokerage. A 'withdrawal security deposit' is just another one of their made-up fees. They play on your desperation to get your money back, hoping you'll pay just one more time. Please, please don't send them any more money. It's just throwing good money after bad, like you said. You're right to be suspicious. Focus on what you can do now without engaging with them further. Have you kept all your communications? Screenshots of your account, their emails, everything? That'll be important for any chargeback attempts.

Milan Smit · Breda, Netherlandsanswered 23d ago
17

Yeah, that's not how any legitimate financial operation works, James. A 'withdrawal security deposit'? Seriously? They're just making it up as they go along, trying to milk you for more cash. The 'international money laundering concerns' and 'regulatory scrutiny' are just buzzwords they use to sound official and scary, hoping you'll panic and pay. It's a classic red flag when they invent fees to release your *own* money. You've already put in 10k, and they're showing you phantom profits. Don't be surprised if that 2.5k deposit just disappears too, and then they'll ask for something else. That's usually the playbook. Pretty sure EuroFX is on a bunch of warning lists. You should check the FCA or BaFin sites, I bet they're red-flagged there.

Oliver Nguyen · Perth, Australiaanswered 23d ago
29

Mon dieu, James, this is exactly what happened to me with a similar 'broker' a few years ago. Not EuroFX, but the same script. They showed me amazing profits, and when I tried to take out a small amount, they came up with some ridiculous 'tax compliance fee'. I was so desperate, I almost paid it. My husband stopped me, thank god. It's a tactic to extract more money. They already have your initial deposit, and now they want to see how much more they can get before you finally give up. Do not pay that deposit. It's truly throwing money away. I ended up losing what I put in, but at least I didn't lose *more* trying to chase it. It's a hard lesson, but you're not alone. I reported them everywhere I could but never got my money back. It's heartbreaking.

Camille Durand · Lille, Franceanswered 23d ago
19

James, I'm from Pretoria and I've seen these scams pop up so many times here. This 'withdrawal security deposit' is unfortunately a very, very common red flag. Any time a broker asks for a *new* payment from *your bank account* to facilitate a withdrawal, you can be 99.9% sure it's a scam. Legitimate financial institutions deduct fees from the withdrawn amount or state them clearly upfront. They don't invent new fees when you try to take out your money. The 'refundable' part is just a lie to get you to send more. Don't fall for it. Write off the 10k for now and focus your energy on reporting them and exploring chargeback options, rather than sending them another 2.5k which you will never see again.

Joshua Botha · Pretoria, South Africaanswered 23d ago
38

This whole scenario, James, is literally textbook unregulated broker fraud. The 'withdrawal security deposit' is pure fiction, a manufactured hurdle to squeeze more funds from you. Think about it logically: if they have your supposed profits, why can't they deduct any legitimate 'security deposit' from THOSE funds? Because there are no real funds. The amounts you see reflected as 'profit' are just phantom figures designed to create the illusion of success, thereby enticing you to commit further. This tactic is specifically engineered to exploit your desire to recover your initial investment, making you believe that one more payment will unlock everything. It will not. It will lead to another, then another, until you either run out of money or realize the futility. Your best recourse is to cease all communication, do not send any more money, and report to your bank and relevant authorities like the CFTC if there's any US connection, or the AMF here in QC, or even the FCA in the UK as they've likely issued warnings about EuroFX. Focus on documented proof for potential chargebacks for your initial deposits. Any recovery firm promising guaranteed returns after you've lost money, also ignore them - they're usually just secondary scammers.

Ava Cote · Quebec City, Canadaanswered 23d ago
11

Ugh, this sucks, James. I'm sorry you're going through this. A 'withdrawal security deposit'? Seriously, how do they even come up with this stuff? It sounds like total garbage. Like everyone else is saying, it's a classic scam tactic. They wanna see if you're desperate enough to pay more. If you pay it, they'll just invent another fee right after. I've heard this story way too many times. Just cut your losses. Don't engage with them anymore, don't pay anything. Just report them to whatever financial authorities you can and try a chargeback if you used a credit card. Save yourself the stress and the additional money.

Amelia Gauthier · Vancouver, Canadaanswered 23d ago
14

:( James, this is definitely a scam. I have seen this many times from unregulated brokers operating from places like St. Vincent and the Grenadines or Montenegro, targeting people globally. The 'withdrawal security deposit' is purely fictional and designed to make you panic and put in more cash. They will keep inventing fees – 'AML fee', 'tax clearance', 'processing fee', 'risk assessment fee' – as long as you keep paying. The profits shown in your account are not real. They are just manipulating numbers to string you along. Please, do not send them any more money. That 2,500 euros will just disappear, and you'll be even deeper in the hole. Cut off all contact with them, block their calls and emails. Your best hope is to see if your bank can do a chargeback on your original deposits, but you need to act fast. Report them to your local financial regulator and keep all documented evidence.

Hassan Iqbal · Sharjah, UAEanswered 23d ago
8

Oh, James, that's absolutely horrible. I'm so sorry. I know firsthand how stressful and infuriating it is when you realize you've been scammed. This 'withdrawal security deposit' is 100% a fake fee, designed to trick you into sending even more money. They count on the fact that you're desperate to get your original investment and supposed profits back. Please, do not pay them. It's a trap, and you'll never see that money again, just like you probably won't see your original investment from them. It's a painful lesson, but sometimes the best thing to do is cut your losses before you lose even more. I'd definitely recommend reporting them to your bank and trying to initiate a chargeback. Gather all your evidence, every email, every screenshot. It really helps when you have everything documented.

Sarah Anderson · San Antonio, USAanswered 23d ago
5

That's a textbook advance-fee scam, plain and simple. Anyone asking for a 'security deposit' or any other extra fee to release funds you're already entitled to is trying to milk you for more. If they were regulated, like by the FCA in the UK or BaFin in Germany, they wouldn't operate like this. They're preying on people who don't know better. Don't send them another cent.

Daniel Williams · Atlanta, USAanswered 23d ago
4

Oh gosh, that sounds absolutely dreadful. I'm so sorry you're going through this, it must be so stressful. You're right to be suspicious; it definitely sounds like a scam tactic. Hang in there, and try not to lose hope. There are people here who understand and want to help you figure this out.

Grace Taylor · Birmingham, United Kingdomanswered 23d ago
3

‘Regulatory scrutiny’? ‘Money laundering concerns’? Sounds like fluff to scare you into paying. If they were legit, they’d be able to sort that out internally or through proper channels. They want your money. This whole story seems a bit too convenient for them, doesn't it? Be careful.

Louis David · Nice, Franceanswered 23d ago
6

I experienced something very similar with a different platform, called OptionStarsGlobal, about a year ago. They also asked for a 'tax payment' before releasing any profits. I stupidly paid it, thinking it was the only way. Lost another £500 and never saw a penny. I know it's hard, but please, please don't send more money. I wish I had listened to my gut then.

Niamh Burke · Galway, Irelandanswered 23d ago
5

EuroFX... doesn't ring any immediate bells as a regulated entity. That 'security deposit' thing? Classic red flag. Legitimate financial institutions already have your funds secured; they don't typically demand *more* money from you to *give* you your own money back. Especially not refundable ones. Stick to regulated brokers. Report them if you can.

Joshua Coetzee · East London, South Africaanswered 23d ago
5

This is a very common scam. They lure you in, show you fabricated profits, and then hit you with these 'fees' or 'deposits' to 'unlock' your money. The truth is, there are no profits to withdraw, and they just want to extract more cash from you. Check if they're regulated by any major authority like the CFTC or FCA. If not, consider it a lost cause and report them.

Jason Rodriguez · Dallas, USAanswered 23d ago
7

The exact same thing happened to me, but with FXChoice. Said I needed to pay a 'compliance fee' to release my $5k profit. I paid it. Then they asked for another 'transfer fee'. That's when I knew it was a scam. I contacted the MAS a few months later and they confirmed FXChoice was an unregulated fraudulent operation. It's awful, I know. Take all your comms with EuroFX and go to your local consumer protection agency.

Jonathan Chan · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 23d ago
6

Don't fall for this! It's a trap. They're called 'advance fee fraud'. They make you believe you're going to get your money, but the deposit is just another step to take more of your cash. The 'regulatory scrutiny' is just a made-up story. If you haven't already, check the website of your local financial regulator (like the Monetary Authority of Singapore if you're here) to see if they are even registered.

Yi Ong · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 23d ago
7

This sounds exactly like the modus operandi of unregulated forex brokers looking for a quick exit scam. The 'withdrawal security deposit' is a classic bluff. Reputable brokers, under strict supervision by entities like BaFin or the FCA, would never ask for such a thing. Their internal processes handle verification and compliance. The fact they mention 'money laundering concerns' sounds like an excuse to stall and get more money. You should report EuroFX to your national financial market authority immediately.

Anna Schmidt · Hamburg, Germanyanswered 23d ago
6

I was in your shoes about two years ago. Had about $8k in a platform that folded weeks later. They pulled the same 'security deposit' stunt. I was naive and paid part of it, thinking I’d get the rest back. It was gone. They just disappeared. I ended up reporting them to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, but it was a long shot. Please learn from my mistake: never pay extra fees to withdraw winnings from shady brokers.

Emily Lee · Los Angeles, USAanswered 23d ago
5

This happened to me too, a few years back. They promised me huge returns and when I wanted to take out my initial 5k investment, they asked for a 'validation fee'. I was so desperate to get my money out, I paid it. Then, they said there was a problem with the bank transfer and I needed to pay a 'bank processing fee'. I lost everything. It's a nightmare. I wish you luck, but don't send them anything else.

Liam Kruger · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 23d ago
6

This is exactly how my cousin got scammed. He invested nearly £15k with a Forex broker. When he tried to withdraw profits, they told him he needed to pay a 'capital gains tax' upfront. He paid it, then they asked for a 'liquidation fee'. He emptied his savings. Please, for the love of all that is good, do NOT send them any more money. Report them to IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) if you're in the US, or your local equivalent.

Lerato Dlamini · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 23d ago
6

Ugh, the SAME thing happened to me! I invested about $7,000 with this broker, and when I tried to withdraw $1,000, they demanded a $2,000 'anti-terrorism financing fee'. I was so confused and scared. My husband told me it was definitely a scam, and thank goodness I listened to him. I didn't pay. They never let me withdraw anything, but at least I didn't lose any more money. It's awful what they do.

Emma Cote · Winnipeg, Canadaanswered 22d ago
5

Yup, heard this one before. 'Withdrawal security deposit'. Sounds official but it's pure nonsense. They want to see if you'll panic and pay more. If they were legit, they'd have your details and could verify things. They *want* you to pay again. Check their regulatory status on the FCA's register if you're in the UK, or equivalent. If they're not listed, it's a giant scam.

Hannah Wilson · Liverpool, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
5

This is a classic phishing and advance-fee scam. EuroFX is likely not regulated, and those 'profits' are fake. They just want to keep you hooked until they can extract more money. If they were a legitimate entity, they would be registered with a financial authority like the CFTC (for US clients) or your country's equivalent. Do NOT pay the deposit. Report them to your bank and the relevant financial regulators.

Samantha Lopez · Seattle, USAanswered 22d ago
7

This is precisely the sort of predatory tactic employed by unregulated boiler rooms. The 'withdrawal security deposit' is a fabrication designed to exploit your desire to get your money out. Real financial institutions don't operate this way. If you're in the UK, you can check the FCA register. If they're not on there, they're operating illegally. Always verify a broker's registration with their national regulator before investing.

James Walker · Manchester, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
5

I fell for this! Exactly the same story. They said I owed 'capital gains tax' to withdraw my $2k profit. I paid it, and then they wanted a 'processing fee'. I lost all $2,500 I put in. Haven't slept properly since. Please, please heed the warnings. Don't send them any more money. Go to the police and report it as fraud.

Grace Wilson · Newcastle, Australiaanswered 22d ago
7

Mate, that's the oldest trick in the book. 'Refundable deposit' my foot. It's never refundable. They just vanish. My mate Dave lost his retirement fund to a similar operation last year, they demanded a 'clearing fee' after he showed profits. He never saw a cent again. Report EuroFX to AFM if you're in Europe, or your local financial watchdog. Check their official website for reporting links.

Liam O'Neill · Galway, Irelandanswered 22d ago
6

This is a scam, 100%. Those 'profits' are totally fabricated. When you try to pull out any money, real or fake, they invent a reason to charge you more. 'Regulatory scrutiny' is just code for 'we're going to bleed you dry'. I was targeted by a similar group and almost sent them money, but my sister-in-law, who used to work in finance, stopped me. She told me to check the website of the regulatory body in my country. They weren't listed, and that was it. Total scam.

Noor Al Nahyan · Dubai, UAEanswered 22d ago
5

Oh my god, this is exactly what happened to me! I invested $5,000 with a company, and when I wanted to withdraw $500, they demanded a $1,000 'international transfer fee'. I was so stressed. I actually paid it, thinking it was the only way to get MY money back. It was gone. They disappeared overnight. I reported it to the FBI's IC3 website, but I haven't heard anything back yet. Don't do it. Please don't send them anything.

Ryan Wilson · New York, USAanswered 22d ago
12

This is *exactly* the same tactic used by FXChoice last year, and from what I've seen on forums, OptionStarsGlobal too. They lure you with profits, then hit you with 'fees' or 'taxes' before withdrawal. The 'security deposit' is a classic red flag. They'll never refund it. They'll just invent more reasons to keep your money. Don't send them another cent.

Niklas Schafer · Stuttgart, Germanyanswered 22d ago
9

Oh wow, that sounds absolutely awful! I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's completely understandable that you're worried. Trying to withdraw a small amount first was smart, even though it's come to this. You're definitely not alone in facing these frustrating situations.

Samantha Brown · Boston, USAanswered 22d ago
10

Listen, mate, I know this is tough, but trust your gut. If it feels fishy, it almost certainly is. This 'security deposit' nonsense is a well-worn scam. They want to fleece you one last time. Report them to the FCA *if* they claim to be regulated by them, but don't give them more money. It sounds like a ponzi scheme in the making.

Edward Wood · Cardiff, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
15

Yup, they did the exact same thing to me. Said it was a 'regulatory adjustment fee'. I paid it – thought, hey, it's refundable, right? Next thing I know, they asked for a 'capital gains tax' before *that* could be released. It never ends. Lost about 8k euros total. Reporting them to BaFin was a joke, just got an automated reply.

Felix Weber · Stuttgart, Germanyanswered 22d ago
8

Hmm, 'regulatory scrutiny' and 'money laundering concerns' are such vague excuses. Why would they need *your* deposit to cover *their* regulatory issues? Seems backward. If they're legitimate, they should sort that out themselves or work with the MAS, not demand it from users. I'd be very hesitant.

Brandon Allen · Houston, USAanswered 22d ago
14

I had a broker pull a similar stunt a few years back. Mine was called 'Global Gainz' (lol, right?). They also demanded a 'deposit' after I tried to cash out. I refused, and they froze my account. Then they emailed saying I'd violated their terms and that my entire balance was confiscated. It's a nasty game they play. Better to cut your losses and report them, even if it feels like spitting in the wind. I filed with the CFTC.

Thomas Weber · Leipzig, Germanyanswered 22d ago
11

This is a classic move. They presented me with a similar 'deposit' requirement on a platform called *Elite Trade Pro* before they allowed any withdrawal. My husband warned me, and thankfully I listened. We checked their registration status with the local regulator here in the UAE, and they weren't even listed when they claimed to be. It was a total scam. Don't pay them.

Yusuf Ahmed · Ras Al Khaimah, UAEanswered 22d ago
13

Absolutely do NOT pay that deposit. It's a trap, pure and simple. They'll invent excuse after excuse. Think about it: if they were legitimate and regulated (like by the AFM, for example), they wouldn't be demanding personal security deposits for 'regulatory' issues. They'd handle it themselves. This is how they steal your capital.

Tess Janssen · Eindhoven, Netherlandsanswered 22d ago
16

My friend went through this exact scenario, word for word. EuroFX even threatened legal action for 'non-compliance' when she refused to pay the deposit. She ended up losing everything eventually, but she said the biggest relief was *not* sending them more cash. She's now working with an investigator, trying to track where the funds may have gone. Filed a report with IC3 here in the US.

Steven Martinez · Philadelphia, USAanswered 22d ago
12

Oh man, that's grim. Had a similar issue with a crypto platform that promised the moon. Tried to pull out a grand and suddenly needed a 'verification fee.' Then a 'tax payment.' It's always something. I eventually just wrote off the money as a lesson learned. It's gutting, I know. I reported them to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, but haven't heard peep.

Logan Bouchard · Ottawa, Canadaanswered 22d ago
19

This is textbook advance-fee fraud, common in the FX space with unregulated entities. The narrative – regulatory issues, AML concerns, refundable deposits – is designed to create a sense of legitimacy and urgency. If EuroFX claims to be regulated, check the relevant authority (like BaFin in Germany, or FCA in the UK) for their registration number. Unregistered or misrepresented entities are a massive red flag. If they don't exist on the regulator's public register, don't trust them.

Joshua Williams · Minneapolis, USAanswered 22d ago
9

EuroFX? Never heard of them, but this deposit thing sounds super suspicious. Why would they need *your* money to sort out *their* regulatory problems? That doesn't make logical sense. If it seems too good to be true, or just weird like this, you should probably stop.

Alice Laurent · Toulouse, Franceanswered 22d ago
14

That sounds eerily familiar. Broker 'Golden Goose FX' pulled this on me about 18 months ago. Wanted a 'compliance fee'. I refused, and they locked my account. Later found out they vanished overnight. Reported them to BaFin, but got the standard 'we are investigating' response which usually means 'tough luck'. Don't pay them. It's designed to milk you dry.

Thomas Hoffmann · Hannover, Germanyanswered 22d ago
20

I fell for this EXACT same thing last year with a platform that initially looked legit. They kept saying it was a 'standard procedure' and showed me fake screenshots of other people getting their money back. I paid the deposit, and then they wanted another one for 'international transfer fees.' My husband eventually convinced me to stop, but that initial 2k deposit is gone forever, along with my original investment. I reported them to ASIC, but it feels hopeless.

Sophie Williams · Sydney, Australiaanswered 22d ago
18

This modus operandi is exceptionally common among entities that operate outside the purview of robust financial regulators like the MAS or CFTC. These jurisdictions have strict rules against such demands. The 'deposit' is a fabrication designed to extract more funds under duress. Always verify a broker's regulatory status and licensing directly on the *official* website of the relevant financial authority, not on the broker's own site. Any broker demanding such fees is almost certainly a scam.

Lucas Ndlovu · Cape Town, South Africaanswered 22d ago
10

Oh no, how frustrating! It's so awful when you think you're making headway and then this happens. Take a deep breath. You're right to question it, and it sounds like you're wise to stop before sending more money. I hope you can find a way to resolve this, or at least cut your losses without further pain.

Emily Thompson · Birmingham, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
15

This happened to me just before Christmas. They called it a 'risk mitigation charge'. I paid it because they said it was fully refundable. Then they said my bank flagged it and I needed to pay again for 'anti-fraud clearance'. I was so stressed my wife had to calm me down. I lost about 5,000 EUR. It's a horrible feeling. I reported it, but haven't heard back.

Liam van Dijk · Almere, Netherlandsanswered 22d ago
17

Mate, I fell for this. EuroFX – they're criminals. They demanded a 'deposit' and then another 'tax payment'. Lost my entire 12k. Said it was an investment in my future, my wife kept telling me it wasn't right. Wish I'd listened to her. They're smooth talkers, that's all. Just criminals.

Ethan Nel · Johannesburg, South Africaanswered 22d ago
16

Red flag, dude. Huge red flag. They're not asking for a deposit to *release* your funds, they're asking for a deposit to *scam* you. Check the regulator in their jurisdiction – if they even have one. If they're claiming to be regulated by, say, the FCA, go to the FCA website and search their firm directory. If EuroFX isn't listed, or if the details don't match, you've got your answer. Don't send them squat.

Lina Leroy · Bordeaux, Franceanswered 22d ago
13

Yeah, this is a common scam. They'll ask for more and more. I had a broker do this who claimed to be regulated by the FCA, but when I checked, they were not authorized. It's terrifying. You're smart for stopping. I eventually wrote off the 2k I'd invested, but it took months to get over the shock. Reporting them to the national fraud centre here was some small comfort.

Charlotte Roy · Edmonton, Canadaanswered 22d ago
5

Oh mate, classic scam. This 'security deposit' thing is a textbook move for these unregulated outfits like EuroFX and FXChoice. They lure you in with fake profits, then slap you with 'fees' or 'deposits' to stop you ever getting a cent out. The regulatory speak is just window dressing. If they're demanding more money from you after you've already invested, it's a massive red flag. Report them to your local financial regulator if you can. In South Africa, that'd be the FSCA, though they might not be regulated there. Definitely don't send them another euro. Ngal, you're likely looking at a total loss.

Lerato du Plessis · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 22d ago
4

Ah, that sounds bloody awful. I can only imagine how stressed you must be. It's completely understandable that you're suspicious, and honestly, your gut feeling is probably right. These stories are unfortunately all too common. Stay strong, don't send them any more money. There are people here who have been through this, and maybe they can offer some advice on what steps you can take next. Sending you good vibes, hope you can sort this out.

James O'Neill · Dublin, Irelandanswered 22d ago
3

Wait, so they want *more* money to let you take *your* money out? That sounds completely backward. 'Withdrawal security deposit' is a new one on me, but it screams 'scam'. What kind of legitimate financial institution operates like that? They reported profits in your account? Probably just numbers on a screen they can change whenever they like. I'd be very, very careful. Has anyone else seen this specific phrasing before from these guys?

Ava Johnson · Hobart, Australiaanswered 22d ago
4

Oh goodness, that sounds so stressful! I'm really sorry you're going through this. It's so frustrating when you think you're making progress and then hit a wall like this. Try not to panic, okay? It takes a brave person to even try and withdraw, so well done on that. Don't let them pressure you into sending more money. Lots of people here are very knowledgeable about these kinds of situations. We'll try and help you figure out the best next steps. You're not alone in this.

Sophie Pillay · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 22d ago
6

Ugh, the security deposit. Heard it all before. They hit me with a similar thing, but it was a 'tax clearance fee' with OptionStarsGlobal. Said I owed like 3 grand to release my supposed profits. It's a total fabrication. They just keep inventing reasons to get more cash out of you. The paper profits in your account? Fake. The calls? Designed to intimidate. The only way to 'win' against them is to stop playing. Don't send them anything. Report them to wherever you can lodge a complaint, even if it feels futile. Sometimes these reports build up and action is taken later.

Sophia Morin · Ottawa, Canadaanswered 22d ago
5

This is precisely the kind of garbage that happened to me with FXChoice. They told me I owed an 'anti-money laundering charge' – sounds familiar, right? – to get my 8k back. I was lucky, my wife talked me out of paying. She said, 'If it was real, why wouldn't they just deduct it?' Good point. So, I never sent them the money. And guess what? No money ever came back. They just vanished. The trick is to make you feel like you're close to getting your money, so you'll pay one last fee. Don't fall for it. You've lost sleep; I lost sleep. It's a horrible feeling.

Arthur Lefebvre · Strasbourg, Franceanswered 22d ago
4

This fits the M.O. of many scam operations, especially those registered offshore or in jurisdictions with lax oversight. EuroFX likely isn't regulated by any reputable body like the FCA, BaFin, or even the CFTC. The 'withdrawal security deposit' is a fabrication designed to extract more funds under duress. They'll invent new fees indefinitely. My strong advice is to cease all communication and report them. Filing a complaint with the relevant financial authority in your jurisdiction, or the regulator where they claim to be based (if they even provide that info honestly), is a start. Look up the Action Fraud website in the UK if you suspect they have UK links.

Jack O'Neill · Limerick, Irelandanswered 22d ago
5

Stop. Right there. Do NOT send them another cent. This is a classic 'advance fee' scam. They promise you profits, which are purely virtual, and then when you try to withdraw, they invent a charge – a deposit, a tax, a fee – to keep your money. They prey on that hope you've built up. EuroFX sounds like a total sham. I dealt with something similar years ago, and they kept asking for wire transfers for different 'reasons'. It never ended. The only real advice I can give is to cut your losses emotionally and report them to consumer protection agencies. Don't expect your money back, but you might stop them hurting someone else.

Arthur Robert · Marseille, Franceanswered 22d ago
6

This is exactly what happened to me. I invested 5k with a company called Golden Pips (not sure if they're related to EuroFX). They showed amazing profits, then when I tried to withdraw 2k, they said I needed to pay a 'compliance fee' of 1k first. I paid it. Then they wanted another 1.5k for 'currency fluctuations.' I was so desperate and felt so stupid. Ended up losing everything. They are liars and thieves. Please, whatever you do, don't send them more money. They just keep asking. I wish I had found this forum before I paid that first fee.

Lucas Tremblay · Quebec City, Canadaanswered 22d ago
4

Hang in there. That sounds incredibly frustrating and disheartening. It takes guts to even try and pull out funds, so give yourself credit for that. The 'security deposit' is a huge red flag, as you suspected. These outfits are masters at creating elaborate excuses. My advice? Just stop engaging with them directly about payments. Start documenting everything – call logs, emails, account statements. Then, file a report with your national consumer protection agency. In Canada, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is a good starting point. They might not get your money back, but reporting is crucial for tracking these scams.

Liam Bergeron · Toronto, Canadaanswered 22d ago
3

A 'withdrawal security deposit'? Seriously? That sounds like something out of a bad movie. Legitimate brokers don't operate like that. They might have fees, sure, but they don't demand extra cash upfront just to release funds that are technically already yours. EuroFX sounds like a total pipe dream scam. I'd bet my house on it. What regulator are they claiming to be under, if any? Check that regulator's website. If they aren't listed or it's a dodgy offshore one, then yeah, it's definitely a scam. Don't pay.

Charlotte Gauthier · Toronto, Canadaanswered 22d ago
5

Echoing everyone else here - DO NOT PAY. This is absolutely a scam tactic. They fabricate profits, then fabricate fees. I've seen 'transfer fees', 'account clearance fees', 'government tax bonds'… you name it. It’s all designed to bleed you dry. EuroFX is likely unregulated, meaning there's no MAS, FCA or BaFin protecting you if things go south. You cannot 'deposit' your way to getting your own money back from thieves. Report them to the FCA if you think they have any UK connection at all. Even if you're not in the UK, they often track these scams.

Charlie Walker · Liverpool, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
5

This exact scenario happened to my brother-in-law. He used a broker called 'Global Trade Partners' (total scam, btw). They also demanded a 'withdrawal security deposit' to release his ~€7k profit. He was heartbroken and almost paid it. I managed to talk him down by showing him articles about these advance-fee scams. It's infuriating how they exploit people's hope. The key is identifying that it's a fake demand for money *before* you send it. If you've already invested significant money, consider reporting it to the police financial crime unit, even if recovery seems unlikely. It adds to the pattern.

Lily Taylor · London, United Kingdomanswered 22d ago
4

Oh, that sounds like such a nightmare. A 'deposit' to get your own money? That's just nonsense. EuroFX is definitely playing you. They're probably not regulated by any serious authority like the AFM in the Netherlands or BaFin in Germany. These scams thrive on making you feel like there's just one more step, one more payment, and then you'll get your money. It's a psychological game. Don't play it. If you can, check the registration details EuroFX provided *directly* on the official regulator's website. If they aren't listed, that's your proof.

Ava Bergeron · Montreal, Canadaanswered 22d ago
4

My heart goes out to you. This 'security deposit' is a major red flag, and sadly, it's a common trick these scammers use. I was in a similar situation with a platform that promised unrealistic returns. They kept changing the goalposts, asking for more fees like 'validation charges' and 'anti-terrorism levies'. It’s designed to wear you down. You've done the right thing by questioning it. Once you've invested and they start asking for more money to release it, it's almost always a scam. Report them to your national fraud centre – that's the most concrete action you can take.

Marie Klein · Cologne, Germanyanswered 22d ago
5

This sounds exactly like the kind of scam I fell for last year. They showed me massive profits on my account, then when I wanted to withdraw, they said I owed around $3,000 for 'capital gains tax' that needed to be paid upfront to the 'financial authorities'. It was such a lie. They invented everything. EuroFX is no different. They will keep inventing new fees until you either pay them a fortune or give up. The key thing here is that *they* are putting conditions on *your* money. It's not how legitimate finance works. You've probably lost that initial 10k, sadly. Don't send them any more.

Raphael Michel · Marseille, Franceanswered 22d ago
4

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. It's a horrible position to be in. That 'withdrawal security deposit' is a classic scam playbook. They create fake profits on your screen, then demand more money to actually access it, citing phony regulations. It’s a tactic used by many fraudulent brokers. Don't give them another cent. You've already lost money, and they are counting on your hope and desperation to fleece you further. Consider filing a complaint with the CFTC if there’s any possibility they operate in or target the US market, even through digital means.

Sipho Naidoo · Bloemfontein, South Africaanswered 22d ago
4

Wow, that's a rough situation. That 'deposit' sounds like pure BS. It's a common scam tactic designed to get you to pay more. They're probably not regulated by any serious financial body, like the MAS in Singapore, so there's little recourse. They'll just keep asking for more money with different excuses. My advice? Treat the money you already put in as lost, unfortunately. Don't send them any more. Keep all the communication records you have. You can use those when you report them to the company's registration authority or a general consumer protection agency in your country.

Aaron Lee · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 22d ago
4

Oh goodness, that sounds incredibly difficult and stressful! It takes a lot of courage to even try and withdraw, so I'm really sorry you've hit this wall. That 'security deposit' sounds absolutely bonkers – definitely not how legitimate financial institutions work. Please don't send them more money. You're right to be suspicious. Stay firm on that. We're all here to support you and share our experiences. Sending you strength to navigate this tough situation.

Saoirse Walsh · Limerick, Irelandanswered 22d ago
4

That's a very common scam, unfortunately. They show you fake profits and then demand a 'withdrawal security deposit' or some other invented fee to release your funds. EuroFX sounds like a typical unregulated scam broker. If they were legitimate, they'd be registered with a serious regulator like the FCA in the UK. Don't pay them. Consider reporting them to Action Fraud in the UK or your local consumer protection agency. It's unlikely you'll get your money back, but reporting helps them track these criminals.

Amelia Nguyen · Adelaide, Australiaanswered 22d ago
8

Oh, classic. Yes, the 'withdrawal security deposit' is a huge red flag. It's not a real thing in legitimate finance. Any broker worth their salt doesn't ask for *more* money to let you take *your own* profits out. They're just trying to squeeze more cash from you before vanishing. EuroFX sounds like a typical unregulated bucket shop – they likely never traded your funds on any real exchange, just shuffled numbers on their own internal ledger to show you fake profits. When you deposited, they took your money. Now they want a final payday. Don't send them another cent. Seriously, stop all communication and report them.

Christopher Young · Chicago, USAanswered 22d ago
5

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It sounds incredibly stressful. That 'security deposit' demand is definitely not normal, and it smells like a scam, you're right to be suspicious. I haven't dealt with EuroFX directly and haven't heard of that exact demand, but I've seen similar stories online with other shady platforms. It's a common trick to get you to pay more. Please, please try not to send them the extra money. It’s very unlikely you'll ever see it, or your original investment, again. Have you or could you check if they are registered with any financial authorities in your country, like maybe the MAS if you're in Singapore, or one of the European ones like the AFM?

Raphael Martin · Marseille, Franceanswered 22d ago
6

Yeah, that's a scam, plain and simple. They're not going to refund you jack. They lure you in with fake profits and then hit you with these made-up fees. It’s happened to friends of mine with outfits like FXChoice. One guy lost like 15 grand total before admitting it was a lost cause. They'll keep inventing excuses – 'tax verification,' 'anti-terrorist financing fee,' whatever. The best thing to do is cut your losses and report them to the relevant authorities. If you're in Canada, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Don't send any more money, no matter what sob story they spin. They prey on people’s hope. It’s brutal.

Noah Anderson · Halifax, Canadaanswered 22d ago

Your answer

You'll be asked to sign in to post.