My 'broker' EuroFX is demanding a 'regulatory compliance fee' to release my withdrawal. Scam?

asked 19d ago11 views71 answers
0

Okay, so I got into this online trading thing a few months back, through a referral from someone I met on a social media group – they seemed legit, always posting about their 'wins'. I started with EuroFX, invested a few thousand, and things looked good, my account balance grew pretty fast. I thought I was really smart, lol. Anyway, I tried to withdraw some of the profits last week, just to test the waters, right? And now they're saying I need to pay a 'regulatory compliance fee' before they can process the withdrawal. They sent me some official-looking document, but it just looks like a PDF someone made up. It's about 8% of my total account balance. I'm based in Pretoria, South Africa, and I'm really starting to panic. Is this a new scam? Or is this actually a thing with brokers sometimes? I'm so scared I've lost everything.

Mentioned in this discussion
EuroFX· scam
#eurofx#withdrawal-scam#forex-scam#unregulated-broker#south-africa#compliance-feeasked by Chloe van der Merwe · Pretoria, South Africa

71 Answers

47

Hi Chloe, I'm really sorry to hear you're going through this. Based on what you've described, particularly the 'regulatory compliance fee' and the fact that they're called EuroFX (which is a known scam entity, btw, often flagged by various regulators for operating without licenses), this is almost certainly a scam.

Legitimate, regulated brokers do *not* ask for arbitrary fees like a 'regulatory compliance fee' before processing a withdrawal. Any fees they charge (like commission, swap fees, or withdrawal fees) are usually deducted directly from your trading account or clearly disclosed upfront in their terms and conditions, *before* you even try to withdraw. They wouldn't suddenly spring an 8% 'compliance fee' on you, especially not one that sounds like it's made up on the spot.

The 'official-looking document' is a classic tactic to lend an air of legitimacy to their demands. They want you to believe this is a standard, unavoidable cost. Don't fall for it. If you pay this fee, you'll likely be hit with another, and another, until you either run out of money or finally give up. Your funds were likely never actually traded; the 'profits' you saw were just numbers on a fake dashboard designed to entice you to invest more.

Your best bet now is to stop all communication with them and do not send them any more money, for any reason. Gather all your evidence – screenshots of chats, transactions, the 'official document' they sent, and any communication. If you used your bank card for the initial deposit, contact your bank immediately to discuss a chargeback. Act fast, as there are time limits for these things. You can also report them to the South African financial authorities (like the FSCA) and any international scam reporting agencies. It's a tough situation, but please don't let them take another cent.

Daniel Lau · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 19d ago
22

Oh no, Chloe, this sounds absolutely awful. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress. It really, really sounds like a scam, hun. I've seen so many stories like this. The sudden new fee for withdrawal, especially a 'regulatory compliance fee,' is a massive red flag. Legitimate brokers just don't do that. They'd deduct any legit fees from your balance directly. Don't pay them another cent, please. Try to get any money back through your bank if you can, but definitely don't send more. Sending you lots of strength from France.

Lina Leroy · Nantes, Franceanswered 19d ago
35

Chloe, please listen – this is 100% a scam. I cannot stress this enough. I've seen countless cases just like yours, including friends who almost fell for it. No legitimate broker, whether they're regulated by the FCA or BaFin or whoever, will EVER ask for an upfront 'regulatory compliance fee' to release your own money. It's a made-up charge designed to extract more money from you. The 'official-looking document' is fake, trust me. They're counting on your panic and your hope to get your money back. Stop talking to them immediately. If you pay it, they'll just invent another fee. It's a bottomless pit. Cut your losses and report them. I know it's hard to hear, but that money is likely gone, and trying to get it back by paying more fees is just throwing good money after bad.

Aoife Doyle · Waterford, Irelandanswered 19d ago
28

Hey Chloe, from one Saffa to another, I'm really sorry but you've been caught by a common scam. 'Regulatory compliance fee'? Total BS. I've had friends get burned by these types of things. They reel you in with fake profits, make you feel like a genius, and then when you want to cash out, they invent some ridiculous fee. EuroFX is definitely not a proper broker; they're on all the scam lists. Do not pay them another rand. The money you put in is probably gone, but paying more won't bring it back, it will just make you lose even more. Block them, report them to the FSCA, and tell your bank everything. It's a horrible lesson, but you're not alone.

Michael Kruger · Bloemfontein, South Africaanswered 19d ago
17

Man, that sucks so much, Chloe. It's so easy to get caught up in these things, especially when someone you meet online seems trustworthy. It's not your fault. What they're asking for, this 'regulatory compliance fee', is a classic scam move. Legit financial institutions already have to comply with regulations, and they certainly don't ask *you* to pay a separate fee for their compliance when you withdraw your own money. That's just wild. The 'document' is part of the theatre. My advice, similar to what others are saying: absolutely do NOT pay that fee. You will just be feeding the scam. Focus on documenting everything you have and contacting your bank for any possible recourse, like a chargeback. Stay strong, Pretoria.

Daniel du Plessis · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 19d ago
31

Ugh, this brings back bad memories. I went through something very similar with a different 'broker' last year. They showed me these amazing profits on a fancy-looking platform, talked about how I was 'killing it.' Then, when I tried to withdraw, it was a 'tax clearance certificate fee,' then a 'liquidity fee,' then a 'processing fee.' Every single time I paid (because I was desperate to get my money back, obviously!), they'd come up with another reason. I ended up losing way more than I initially invested just trying to get it back. Don't be me. This 'regulatory compliance fee' is just another name for the same old trick. Stop now. Block them. It hurts, but it's the only way to stop the bleeding. Report them to BaFin and the local police too, even if it feels pointless, it's important.

Niklas Richter · Hamburg, Germanyanswered 19d ago
19

Chloe, I'm really sorry to hear you're in this situation. It's incredibly distressing, and it's so easy to fall for these sophisticated scams. What you're describing, the 'regulatory compliance fee' for withdrawal, is a hallmark of an investment scam. Legitimate financial brokers don't operate this way. They have clear, upfront fee structures, and withdrawal fees are either zero or a small, fixed amount, not a percentage of your balance demanded suddenly for 'compliance.' The fact that EuroFX is an unregulated entity (as Singapore's user pointed out, it's known) just seals it. Your 'profits' were almost certainly fake. Do not, under any circumstances, send them more money. That's their goal. Your next step needs to be collecting all communications and transaction records, and initiating a chargeback through your bank if possible. Also, report them to local authorities. You're not alone in this experience, many have been targeted.

Charlotte Gauthier · Halifax, Canadaanswered 19d ago
15

Honestly, Chloe, it sounds like you've been caught in a pretty common trap. 'Regulatory compliance fee'? Please. That's total garbage. Real brokers don't operate like that. The whole 'friend from social media' thing, the quick profits, then the sudden, unexplained fee for withdrawal... it's a textbook pig butchering scam pattern. I'm sorry to be blunt, but your money is most likely gone. Paying more will achieve nothing but making you poorer. If you transferred money from your bank account, call them immediately and see if a chargeback is even an option. For crypto, it's harder. ASIC and the police here in Aus warn about these exact scenarios all the time. Don't fall for the sunk cost fallacy; stop now.

Mia Johnson · Brisbane, Australiaanswered 19d ago
13

This is a scam, full stop. I deal with financial fraud stuff sometimes, and the 'regulatory compliance fee' is a classic tactic. It's designed to make you panic and pay up, thinking you're just a step away from getting your money back. But they'll never release it. The 'profits' you saw were just numbers on a screen they controlled. They might even show you a fake withdrawal receipt to convince you it's 'processing' after you pay. Don't be fooled. Do NOT pay. Cut off all contact. Focus on reporting them to financial regulators and law enforcement in South Africa. You're not the first, and sadly, you won't be the last. This EuroFX outfit is notoriously shady.

Oliver Thompson · Newcastle, Australiaanswered 19d ago
25

Hi Chloe, I really feel for you. I was in a similar situation a few years ago, not with EuroFX, but another unregulated platform promising huge returns. Everything looked amazing until I tried to withdraw. Then it was a 'special tax certificate' required, then a 'brokerage activation fee.' It just kept going. I paid two of them, hoping against hope, and then they just disappeared with my money anyway. It's a truly heartbreaking feeling to realise you've been scammed, but you absolutely have to stop sending them money. That's their whole game. The 'regulatory compliance fee' is 100% fake. Your 'profits' were fake. It's all fake. The best thing you can do for yourself now is to protect any remaining funds you have and accept that the money sent to them is gone. Report them to the German BaFin too, since they're often associated with European names, and see if they have any warnings about them.

Anna Fischer · Cologne, Germanyanswered 19d ago
7

Yup, sounds like a classic advance-fee scam. EuroFX is a known entity in the scam circuit, unfortunately. They prey on people looking for quick gains. That 'regulatory compliance fee' is total BS. No legitimate broker in South Africa (or anywhere regulated like the FCA in the UK, or BaFin in Germany) would ask for that *after* you've deposited and want to withdraw. They might have fees for certain account types or withdrawal methods, but not a surprise 'compliance' charge out of the blue.

What you should do right now: STOP all communication with them. Do NOT send them another cent. I'd also immediately file a report with your local financial authorities – in South Africa, that would be the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). They are the ones who can actually look into this and potentially flag EuroFX. Don't expect your money back easily, but reporting is crucial so others don't fall for it.

Isabella Roy · Edmonton, Canadaanswered 19d ago
3

Oh man, that sounds incredibly stressful. I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's easy to get caught up when things seem to be going well, and then BAM. That fee is definitely suspicious. Most regulated brokers have transparent fee structures upfront. Did you check if EuroFX is even registered with the FSCA in South Africa? That would be the first thing I'd look for. Keep your chin up, let's see what others say.

Omar Iqbal · Abu Dhabi, UAEanswered 19d ago
4

This screams scam to me. 'Regulatory compliance fee' sounds like something they just made up to get more money out of you. If they were legit, they'd have clear terms and conditions about fees from the start, not sprung on you when you want your cash back. Like, did they even mention this fee in their initial user agreement? Probably not. I’d be very, very wary.

Olivia MacDonald · Winnipeg, Canadaanswered 19d ago
6

This is exactly what happened to me last year. I used a platform called FXChoice, they told me I owed a tax fee before withdrawal. It was about the same percentage too. I was so desperate to get my money out that I paid it. Of course, then they just kept making up new excuses. I lost over $5k. I reported it to IC3, but nothing came of it. Just wanted to share so you know you're not alone.

Sophie Nguyen · Melbourne, Australiaanswered 19d ago
5

OMG, this sounds terrifying. I also invested with what I thought was a good broker, OptionStarsGlobal, and they did something similar. They kept asking for more money for 'verification' and 'security deposits.' I ended up losing my entire savings, about $8000. It's devastating. I cried for days. I haven't told my husband yet. I'm just so ashamed and embarrassed I fell for it.

Amelia Johnson · Hobart, Australiaanswered 19d ago
7

Hey, been there. This 'regulatory fee' is a classic red flag. These scam outfits, like EuroFX seems to be, often invent these made-up charges to squeeze the last bit of money out of you. No legitimate financial institution will demand an arbitrary percentage-based 'compliance fee' for a withdrawal. Check if they are regulated by any major body – FCA, ASIC, BaFin. If they aren't, or if the documentation they sent looks dodgy, it's almost certainly a scam. Your best bet is to cut your losses if possible and report them, but don't send more money.

Paul Schafer · Hamburg, Germanyanswered 19d ago
6

I feel sick reading this. This is exactly how they got me. I invested $4000 with a broker named FXChoice. They kept saying my account was growing, but then when I tried to withdraw, they said I needed to pay a 'withdrawal tax' of 10% to the government before they could release my funds. I paid it. Then they said there was a 'system update fee.' I sent them another $1000. That was all the money I had saved. I never saw a cent back. It’s been 6 months and I still can’t sleep.

Faisal Iqbal · Ajman, UAEanswered 19d ago
3

That sounds really rough, I'm sorry you're in this position. It's tough when you're excited about potential gains and then hit a wall like this. The key thing to remember with brokers is transparency. If a fee pops up out of nowhere, especially a large percentage one, that's a huge warning sign. Always do your due diligence on the broker's regulatory status *before* depositing. Check their website for their licensing information and cross-reference it with the regulator in their stated country of operation.

Matthew Johnson · Los Angeles, USAanswered 19d ago
8

DO NOT PAY THAT FEE. Seriously. EuroFX is a known scam operation. They operate like many of the others that pop up – promise the moon, then invent fees to steal your deposit. The 'regulatory compliance fee' is pure fiction. They are not regulated by any reputable body, and that PDF is likely a fake. Report them to the FSCA in South Africa immediately and also consider reporting to the CFTC in the US if they have any US operations or market to US citizens, as that can sometimes trigger international alerts. This is a common tactic; don't fall for it.

Liam Gauthier · Toronto, Canadaanswered 19d ago
7

This is a very common tactic used by unregulated or outright fraudulent brokers. EuroFX is not licensed by any reputable financial authority like the FCA or ASIC, and their 'regulatory compliance fee' is a fabricated charge designed to extract more money from victims. Legitimate brokers have their fee structures clearly outlined in their terms of service and account agreements, which are provided *before* you deposit funds. Any fee requested *only* when you try to withdraw profits is a massive red flag. For reporting, besides your local SA authority (FSCA), you can also file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in the US, as many of these operations have links there.

Lauren Lee · Austin, USAanswered 19d ago
4

Non, non, non. Ne payez rien. C'est une arnaque. EuroFX n'est pas une vraie société de courtage régulée. J'ai vu des choses similaires avec FXChoice. Ils demandent des frais imaginaires pour 'libérer' vos fonds. C'est un mensonge. Le mieux est de ne plus jamais leur parler et de signaler cette entreprise aux autorités financières de votre pays. Ne tombez pas dans le piège d'envoyer plus d'argent.

Hugo Durand · Lyon, Franceanswered 19d ago
5

This sounds very familiar and unfortunately, it's almost certainly a scam. The 'regulatory compliance fee' is a made-up charge. Legitimate brokers, whether regulated by the AFM in the Netherlands or other authorities, have clear fee schedules. They don't invent new fees when you want to withdraw. EuroFX is likely not regulated at all, or regulated by a fake entity. The best thing you can do is report it to the FSCA in South Africa. Don't send them any more money, no matter what sob stories or threats they use.

Noah de Boer · Nijmegen, Netherlandsanswered 19d ago
6

Ag nee man, this is proper kak. I saw this exact same thing happen to my uncle with a broker called FXChoice. They also asked for a 'withdrawal permit fee' after he wanted to cash out. He paid it – about R15,000 – and then they just vanished. He was devastated. We reported it to the FSCA, but they said the broker wasn't registered locally. It’s a hard lesson learned. Don’t send them any more money, please.

Joshua Pretorius · East London, South Africaanswered 19d ago
3

Yeah, that sounds fishy. 'Regulatory compliance fee' sounds like total BS. If they were legit, they'd be upfront about all costs. Did you check if EuroFX is regulated by a proper authority like the FCA or ASIC? If not, or if they're registered somewhere shady, then yeah, it's probably a scam. I’d be very careful about sending them any more money.

Cian Quinn · Dublin, Irelandanswered 19d ago
8

This is a classic advance-fee fraud. EuroFX is unfortunately a known scam operation. They operate internationally and target people specifically through social media referrals, just like you described. The 'regulatory compliance fee' is a fabricated charge. They are not licensed by any credible financial regulator. To verify if a broker is legitimate, always check their registration with bodies like the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), BaFin (Germany), or the CFTC (USA) depending on where they claim to be regulated. If they cannot provide verifiable registration numbers or if they claim to be regulated by an obscure entity, it’s a huge red flag. Do not send them any more funds. Report them to the FSCA in South Africa.

Noor Sheikh · Dubai, UAEanswered 19d ago
7

This is textbook advance-fee fraud. EuroFX is on many scam warning lists, sadly. The 'regulatory compliance fee' is a completely fabricated charge. Legitimate brokers, regulated by authorities like the FCA or BaFin, would never ask for such a fee after you’ve deposited funds. Their fee structure is transparent and disclosed upfront. If you're unsure about a broker's legitimacy, always check their registration with the relevant financial regulatory authority in their claimed jurisdiction. If they are not regulated or the documentation looks suspect, it's a scam. Don't pay them another penny.

Felix Schafer · Frankfurt, Germanyanswered 19d ago
6

Ah, the old 'compliance fee' trick. I fell for something similar a few years back with FXChoice. They told me I had to pay a 'government levy' before they'd release my winnings. It was about $2k. I paid it. Then they wanted more for 'transfer fees.' Idiot me, I paid that too. Ended up losing everything I'd put in. Just report them to your local financial ombudsman and accept that the money is gone. Learn from it, and never trust a broker that asks for extra fees to withdraw.

Joshua Ong · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 19d ago
5

Oh no, that's awful. I know exactly how you feel. I lost about $6000 on a platform called OptionStarsGlobal. They also asked for a 'verification fee' and then a 'capital gains tax' before they’d let me withdraw. I was so excited about the profits, I didn’t see the scam coming. I reported it to ASIC, but it feels like shouting into the void. I just wish I’d never started trading.

Grace Thompson · Leeds, United Kingdomanswered 19d ago
7

Sounds like a scam, mate. EuroFX is known for this. They promise big returns, and then when you want your money, they hit you with these made-up fees. 'Regulatory compliance fee' is a total fabrication. You need to report this to the FSCA in South Africa immediately. Don't send them any more money. It’s a hard lesson, but these guys are professional thieves. Make sure you check the broker's registration on the FSCA website *before* you ever deposit money.

William Smith · Adelaide, Australiaanswered 18d ago
6

This sounds exactly like the situation I was in last year with a different platform. They demanded a 'processing fee' and then a 'security deposit' to release my funds. Turns out, it was all a scam. I lost around $3000. The key takeaway for me was to *always* verify the broker's regulatory status with official bodies like the FCA or ASIC *before* depositing. If they aren't registered or the information is hard to find, walk away. Reporting it is good, but unfortunately, recovering the funds is incredibly difficult once they have it.

Matthew Hall · Portland, USAanswered 18d ago
5

Yeah, that's textbook. The 'regulatory compliance fee' is a classic advance-fee scam in the forex world. If they were a legitimate broker regulated by, say, the FCA or ASIC, such a fee wouldn't be demanded out of the blue for a standard withdrawal. They've likely created a fake PDF to pressure you. These outfits like EuroFX prey on people's excitement for quick profits. Ngl, many fall for it. The trick is to never send them another cent. Report it to your local financial regulator in South Africa, the FSCA, and consider filing a report with IC3 in the US if they use any US payment rails. Keep records.

Cian Burke · Cork, Irelandanswered 18d ago
3

Oh wow, that sounds absolutely terrifying. I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's completely understandable to panic when you see that kind of demand after thinking you were doing well. Don't beat yourself up about it. These scams are designed to look convincing. The fact that it's a percentage of your account is a huge red flag, btw. Legitimate fees are usually fixed or a clear percentage of the transaction, not the whole account. Try to take a deep breath. What have you tried to do so far besides seeing the message?

Liam van Dijk · Amsterdam, Netherlandsanswered 18d ago
4

Mate, I've seen this exact scenario before. EuroFX sounds like one of the many sham brokers popping up. That 'regulatory fee' is pure nonsense. They'll keep asking for more fees – 'tax fees', 'transfer fees', 'anti-money laundering fees' – until you realise you're being fleeced. Don't send them any more money. Check if they claim to be regulated by any actual financial authority, like the FCA in the UK or ASIC in Australia. If they're not, or if they provide fake registration numbers, that's your proof. I'd also advise reporting them to ScamWatch here in Australia if you've sent them AUD.

Charlie Walker · Melbourne, Australiaanswered 18d ago
3

Das ist leider ein sehr bekanntes Betrugsschema. Die Betrüger hinter EuroFX versuchen, Sie zu einer weiteren Zahlung zu drängen, indem sie eine imaginäre 'Gebühr' erfinden. Seriöse Broker, die z.B. von der BaFin reguliert werden, würden niemals eine solche Gebühr für eine normale Auszahlung verlangen. Die PDF, die sie Ihnen geschickt haben, ist wahrscheinlich gefälscht. Bitte überweisen Sie kein weiteres Geld. Ich würde empfehlen, dies der südafrikanischen Finanzaufsichtsbehörde (FSCA) zu melden. Es ist wichtig, dass diese Betrüger zur Rechenschaft gezogen werden.

Paul Meyer · Frankfurt, Germanyanswered 18d ago
5

Hold on a sec. A 'regulatory compliance fee'? That sounds dodgy as hell. Why would they need a fee *from you* to be compliant? That's their job. If they were a legit outfit, they'd be regulated by something like the FCA or the CFTC and would have clear terms about withdrawals. I'm guessing they're not regulated anywhere reputable. Don't pay it. They just want more cash. Have you looked up EuroFX on Trustpilot or similar sites? Usually, the reviews will tell you pretty quickly if it's a scam.

Henry Thompson · Brighton, United Kingdomanswered 18d ago
6

Oh god, I know exactly how you feel. That sinking feeling in your stomach is the worst. I went through something similar a year ago with a platform called FXChoice. They also asked for a 'verification fee' after I made my first withdrawal. I paid it, thinking it was legit. Then they wanted another one. It never ended. They were criminals. Please, please do not send them any more money. Your instincts are right. Report them to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa. That's what I did eventually, but it was too late for my money.

Ciara Kelly · Cork, Irelandanswered 18d ago
5

Been there. Had a similar thing happen with OptionStarsGlobal. They told me I had to pay a 'capital gains tax' before they'd release my funds. Total load of rubbish. These guys are scammers, plain and simple. They make up fake fees to keep you paying. Don't give them a dime more. The best thing you can do is report it to your local authorities. If you used a credit card, contact your bank about a chargeback, though it's often tough with these overseas outfits. For the scam itself, the FTC here in the US has a portal called IC3.gov where you can report cybercrimes.

Christopher Hall · Minneapolis, USAanswered 18d ago
4

Listen, I'm in Sydney and I've seen dozens of these EuroFX type scams. They are absolutely not legit. That 'regulatory fee' is the oldest trick in the book for binary options and forex scams. They are designed to look like they are regulated, but they aren't. Look for the regulatory body they claim to be registered with (e.g., ASIC) and then go to that regulator's website and search for the company. If they aren't listed, or if the details don't match, it's a scam. Do NOT pay them anything else. You've likely lost the money you've already invested, sadly.

Isla Walker · Newcastle, Australiaanswered 18d ago
3

Hey there. I'm really sorry you're in this situation, it sounds incredibly stressful. It's totally normal to feel panicked when money is involved like this. It's good you're asking questions before sending more money, though. That's the smart move. These kinds of 'fees' are almost always a sign of a scam. Legitimate brokers have clear fee structures outlined upfront. If you're in Singapore, you can report this kind of thing to MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore), just so you know for future reference if you see similar things. Keep all communication records.

Aaron Yeo · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 18d ago
3

Ugh, a 'regulatory compliance fee'? That's a new one on me, but it sounds incredibly suspicious. When I was looking into brokers a while back, the ones regulated by, say, the FCA or ASIC, had very transparent withdrawal policies. No surprise fees popping up out of nowhere. If EuroFX isn't licensed by a major regulator, then it's probably a scam. Definitely don't send them more money. They'll just keep inventing reasons to ask for it. Have you checked consumer protection sites in South Africa?

Charlotte MacDonald · Victoria, Canadaanswered 18d ago
4

This is heartbreaking to read. I had a very similar experience about 18 months ago. I'd invested about £5k with a broker called 'Global Trade FX' (sound familiar? they probably use names like that). Everything looked great on their platform, profits galore. Then I tried to withdraw. They hit me with a 'withdrawal processing fee' – also a percentage of my balance. I paid it. Then they wanted an 'anti-terrorism financing fee'. That's when I knew I was screwed. Don't pay them another penny. Report EuroFX to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa. That's the correct body.

Hannah Clark · Edinburgh, United Kingdomanswered 18d ago
3

Oh wow, that's awful. That sounds exactly like a common scam tactic. They lure you in with fake profits, then slap you with bogus fees when you try to take your money out. It's a shame, really. So many platforms are just digital thieves. If EuroFX claimed to be regulated in Europe, you could check with BaFin in Germany or the AFM in the Netherlands. But honestly, if they're asking for *you* to pay a 'regulatory compliance fee', that's a massive red flag. They're not regulated, or they're stealing credentials. Don't send more money. I'd also try contacting my bank to see if they can reverse any transactions, though it's a long shot.

Liam de Groot · Groningen, Netherlandsanswered 18d ago
4

My heart sank reading this. I was also lured into investing with a fake broker a while back. They were called 'Apex Markets'. They showed me fake profits too. When I tried to withdraw, they demanded a 'government tax' payment. I was so naive, I paid it. Then they wanted another fee. It was a nightmare. I lost about $7,000 CAD. Please, please do not send EuroFX any more money. They are scammers. They will just keep asking for more and more. The best you can do now is report them to the authorities in South Africa. Maybe the FSCA.

Sophie Wolf · Frankfurt, Germanyanswered 18d ago
5

This is exactly what happened to me last year. I invested with a platform called 'Global Trade Solutions', and they also demanded a 'processing fee' and then a 'tax' before releasing my funds. I ended up losing R15,000. It broke me. Please don't pay them. They are scammers. They keep making up fees. It's devastating. I reported it to the FSCA here in South Africa, but honestly, I don't think they caught them. It's just a shame. You did the right thing by asking online.

Lily Roberts · Nottingham, United Kingdomanswered 18d ago
3

Hang on, 'regulatory compliance fee'? That's not a real thing. If a broker is regulated by, say, the FCA or BaFin, they have to comply with regulations themselves. They don't charge *you* a fee to be compliant. This is a common scam tactic. They'll keep asking for more money – taxes, fees, whatever – until you run out. I'd cut my losses and not send them any more funds. Report them to your local financial regulator in South Africa. That's the best step.

William Bergeron · Quebec City, Canadaanswered 18d ago
4

This is so tough. I'm really sorry you're dealing with this. That 'compliance fee' sounds like a massive red flag. Brokers like FXChoice or OptionStarsGlobal often use these tactics. They'll show you paper profits and then hit you with demands for more money when you try to cash out. It's a horrible trap. Don't send them anything else. Your first step should be to report them to the financial regulator in your country, the FSCA. Also, if you paid by credit card, contact your card issuer ASAP about initiating a chargeback. It's a long shot but worth trying.

Niamh Byrne · Galway, Irelandanswered 18d ago
4

Oh dear, that sounds like a classic scam. I've seen this happen to friends. They'll tell you you need to pay a fee for 'regulatory reasons' or 'tax clearance' or something similar, and then they just disappear with your money. Legitimate brokers, like those regulated by the CFTC in the US, don't operate this way. They have clear fee structures and transparent withdrawal processes. Don't send EuroFX any more money. You should report them to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa. Keep all evidence you have.

Olivia Anderson · Vancouver, Canadaanswered 18d ago
3

Aw man, that's rough. That 'regulatory compliance fee' is total BS. They're just trying to get more money out of you. I've heard of this happening with other dodgy brokers – they invent fees out of thin air. Don't pay it. Seriously. Cut your losses and report them to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa. It's the only way to try and get these scammers dealt with. Keep all your transaction records and any correspondence.

Ming Lim · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 18d ago
4

Yeah, that's definitely a scam. That 'regulatory compliance fee' is a well-known trick. They invent these fees to keep you paying, hoping you'll give up or send them more money. If they were a regulated broker, like one under the ASIC or FCA, they wouldn't be asking you for this. You should report EuroFX to the FSCA in South Africa. It's the right thing to do. Don't send them another cent.

Sean Byrne · Waterford, Irelandanswered 18d ago
8

Oh wow, that sounds like a classic sign of a scam. The FCA here in the UK would never ask for a 'compliance fee' like that to release funds. If a broker is regulated by them, they have to follow strict rules. This EuroFX sounds incredibly dodgy. Don't send them any more money, seriously.

Olivia Tremblay · Vancouver, Canadaanswered 18d ago
7

Oh no, that must be so stressful! I can totally understand why you're panicking. Try to take a deep breath. It's really common for these fake brokers to pull this stunt. That 'regulatory compliance fee' is just a way to get more money from you. They prey on people's hopes. Stay strong!

Sophie Jansen · Tilburg, Netherlandsanswered 18d ago
9

This is a known scam pattern. They lure you in with fake profits, then hit you with withdrawal fees that don't exist. ASIC regulates brokers here, and they don't operate like that. The moment they ask for extra money to release your own funds, it's a massive red flag. Stop all communication and consider reporting it.

Thomas Harris · Gold Coast, Australiaanswered 18d ago
12

I fell for something similar a couple of years ago. Invested with FXChoice. Same story: huge 'profits', then a 'tax fee' demanded to withdraw. They even sent me fake HMRC documents. It’s soul-destroying. Lost about £5k. My tip: if it seems too good to be true, it is. And never, ever send more money to get your money back. Report them to Action Fraud if you're in the UK.

Thomas Brown · Cardiff, United Kingdomanswered 18d ago
7

Yep, sounds like a scam, sorry to say. The AFM here in the Netherlands has clear guidelines, and this 'fee' isn't one of them. They just keep inventing reasons to charge you more money. It's like whack-a-mole. I'd cut my losses and report them if I were you, even if it feels hopeless.

Tess Mulder · Rotterdam, Netherlandsanswered 18d ago
10

This is exactly what happened to me. They asked for a 'processing fee' then a 'capital gains tax'. I paid it. Then they said my account was flagged for 'anti-money laundering' and needed a further deposit. I was so stupid. Paid it all. Now they don't answer. I'm based in Cork and I've reported it to the Garda cyber unit, but honestly, I don't expect to see that €8k again. This is awful.

Conor Burke · Belfast, Irelandanswered 18d ago
8

This is a very common tactic used by unregulated brokers. They create a fictional 'regulatory body' or 'fee' to extract more funds. The MAS here in Singapore would not allow this. Check if they are licensed by a real regulator like the FCA or BaFin. If they aren't, it's almost certainly a scam. Don't pay anything else.

Wei Wong · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 18d ago
9

OMG, girl, that's terrible! They totally try to scare you. That 'regulatory compliance fee' is total BS. I've seen this with some shady crypto platforms too. They'll invent all sorts of things – taxes, admin fees, conversion charges. Just know that if they demand money *before* you can withdraw, it's a scam 99.9% of the time. Don't send them a dime.

Brittany King · Los Angeles, USAanswered 18d ago
11

Happened to me too. A platform called OptionStarsGlobal. They wanted a 'financial security deposit' to release my winnings. Said it was standard practice. It wasn't. They sent me fake documents that looked super legit. I actually paid it. Ended up losing nearly $15,000 USD. My advice: if you invested via a credit card, try to do a chargeback immediately. It's a long shot, but it's your best bet.

Samuel Wong · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 18d ago
7

I'm in the same boat, except they want an 'anti-terrorism financing' fee. They even sent me a picture of a passport for the 'compliance officer'. I knew it was fake. I told them I wouldn't pay and blocked them. Now my account is frozen, obviously. I lost $5,000. Just wanted to withdraw to buy my wife a nice birthday present. So gutted.

Ryan Jackson · Portland, USAanswered 18d ago
8

Red flag central! Seriously, that sounds like an absolute scam. The regulators here in Canada, like IIROC, don't have these kinds of arbitrary fees for withdrawals. They are very strict. If a broker asks for more money *after* you've already deposited and seen 'profits', it's almost guaranteed to be a scam. Report them to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Jacob Cote · Winnipeg, Canadaanswered 18d ago
6

Hmm, a 'regulatory compliance fee' to release funds? That sounds incredibly suspicious. Reputable brokers regulated by ASIC or the FCA would have transparent fee structures clearly laid out from the start. This sounds like they're trying to squeeze more money out of you after the fact. Did you check if EuroFX is actually licensed by a real authority?

Isla Wilson · Sydney, Australiaanswered 18d ago
9

This is exactly the same scam that got me last year. They kept asking for more money – first a 'tax' then a 'transfer fee'. I eventually paid over €10,000. Then they just disappeared. My partner told me it was dodgy from the start but I was too greedy, I guess. I'm in Paris and I filed a report with the police, but yeah... nothing.

Lucas Petit · Lyon, Franceanswered 18d ago
7

Oh god, I know that feeling. I put in $3,000 with one of these sites. They promised amazing returns. Then when I wanted to take out $500, they said I needed to pay a $200 'verification fee'. I paid it. Then they wanted another $500 for 'taxes'. I just said no and they locked my account. Never heard from them again. So stupid. So angry.

Ling Koh · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 18d ago
8

That sounds very much like a scam. A legitimate broker, even one regulated by BaFin, would not typically demand a separate 'compliance fee' solely for withdrawal processing. Such fees are usually built into the trading costs or are clearly stated upfront. If they are asking for money *after* you've decided to withdraw, it's a huge red flag.

Chloe Bernard · Nice, Franceanswered 18d ago
7

I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's a horrible feeling when you think you've made money and then they pull the rug out. Try not to blame yourself too much, these people are really good at what they do. Just don't send them any more money. That's the most important thing. Maybe look into reporting it to the FSCA in South Africa, even if you don't think it'll help.

Jun Lau · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 18d ago
9

Yeah, that's a classic advance-fee scam. They create fake urgency and legitimacy. Real brokers regulated by entities like the CFTC in the US don't operate this way. They'd be upfront about all fees. If they ask for a fee to *release* funds you've already deposited, it's 100% a scam. Don't pay it. Report them to IC3.gov.

Amelia Green · Bristol, United Kingdomanswered 18d ago
10

Oh mate, that sounds exactly like what happened to my brother-in-law. He got scammed out of £6,000 by a forex broker. They wanted an 'international transfer fee' after he'd 'made' a load of money. He ended up paying it because he was so convinced he was about to get rich. Lost the lot. He reported it to FCA, but they said because the company wasn't regulated by them, there was little they could do. Gutting.

Emma Byrne · Waterford, Irelandanswered 18d ago
7

Definitely sounds like a scam. I've seen similar stories. If a broker is regulated by a reputable body like the FCA or BaFin, they have strict rules about how they handle client funds and withdrawals. They wouldn't ask for arbitrary 'compliance fees' out of the blue. Check the regulator's website for complaints procedures.

Louis Lefebvre · Lyon, Franceanswered 18d ago
8

It's a scam, 100%. They invent these fees to get more money from you. The moment a broker asks for money to release your own funds, it's a massive red flag. They're probably not regulated by anyone legitimate. Try to see if your bank can do a chargeback if you used a card, but honestly, after this long, it's tough. Don't send any more money. That's key.

Grace Jones · Edinburgh, United Kingdomanswered 18d ago
7

Oh man, that sounds like a classic advance-fee scam. EuroFX is known for this. The 'regulatory compliance fee' is just a made-up charge to get more money out of you before they disappear. They'll keep inventing new fees – taxes, transfer charges, whatever. It’s designed to prey on that panic you’re feeling right now.

Don’t send them another cent. Seriously. If you paid using a credit card, contact your bank IMMEDIATELY to dispute the charges. If you used a wire transfer or crypto, it’s much harder, but still report it. You can file a report with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and also the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in SA. They track this stuff. Also, google search "EuroFX scam" and you'll see tons of people with the exact same story. It’s heartbreaking how many people fall for this.

Isabella Lavoie · Calgary, Canadaanswered 18d ago
3

Hey, I'm so sorry you're going through this. That sounds incredibly stressful, especially when you thought you were doing well. It's really tough when that happens. That 'fee' sounds super suspect, to be honest. My cousin, who lives in Australia, had something similar happen with a different platform called FXChoice, and it turned out to be a scam too. They also asked for fees to release funds.

I’d echo what others are saying – do NOT send them more money. See if you can check if EuroFX is regulated by any of the financial authorities in your region. If they aren't legit, it's a massive red flag. Sometimes reporting it to your local consumer protection agency can help, even if they can't get your money back directly, it puts eyes on the company. Keep your chin up, and please be careful with online investment referrals.

Jonathan Lim · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 18d ago

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