Lost everything to a fake TradingView crypto app from Cambodia, what are my reporting options?

Ugh, hey Michael, I'm really sorry to hear this happened to you. This is a classic 'pig Butchering' scam, an increasingly common and devastating form of romance-investment fraud, often run by organized crime groups out of places like Cambodia and Myanmar. They groom victims for weeks or months, building trust before introducing the 'investment opportunity.' That fake app store and the custom 'TradingView' app are huge red flags, designed to look legitimate but are entirely controlled by the scammers.

From Germany, your starting point is definitely the local police (who you've already tried, keep pushing there), but also look into filing a report with the BKA (Bundeskriminalamt) or specifically their cybercrime unit. They often have dedicated teams for international fraud. Don't frame it as just a 'dating' issue; emphasize the financial crime and the organized nature of the scam. You'll also want to contact your bank *immediately* to see if any transactions can be reversed, though with crypto, that's often difficult. Gather every single piece of evidence: screenshots of your conversations, transaction details, the fake app links, everything. The more documentation, the better. FWIW, this type of scam is rampant globally, so your experience, while painful, is not unique, and you're not stupid for falling for it. These people are professionals at manipulation.

Oh man, Michael, je suis tellement désolé pour toi. I went through something similar last year, lost about 10k EUR to one of these a-holes who claimed to be building a future *with* me, haha, yeah right. It was a fake crypto mining thing, same story with the special app and everything. From France, I reported everything to the Gendarmerie Nationale, and then also directly to *Info Escroqueries* (infoescroqueries.fr), which is a government hotline and website for reporting scams. They pointed me towards financial crime divisions. For you in Germany, it'll be similar. Don't give up on the police, sometimes you just need to find the right department or officer who understands online fraud. The emotional toll is huge, so please take care of yourself too. It's not just the money.

This whole thing just screams 'pig butchering', dude. Seriously, it's a massive operation, originating mostly from Southeast Asia, Cambodia especially, like you said. They *always* come with these fancy, polished fake apps that look super professional, complete with graphs and everything that *look* like real trading platforms. But it's all fabricated. The 'profits' you saw earlier? Just numbers on a screen designed to entice you to put in more. When you try to withdraw, that's when the 'fees' and 'taxes' appear, which are just another layer of theft. The biggest red flag is always when someone you just met online, often in a romantic context, starts pushing you to invest in some obscure crypto platform. Seriously, if it sounds too good to be true, and involves crypto trading on an app you've never heard of, especially if linked by a 'romantic' interest, just run the other way. It's almost guaranteed to be a scam. Your story is literally a textbook case.

Michael, I'm so sorry this happened. It's truly heartbreaking because they don't just steal your money, they steal your trust. I almost fell for something similar, thankfully I pulled out just before making a large deposit, but the emotional manipulation was intense. This 'TradingView' impersonation thing is clever, preying on familiarity. In the UAE, we'd report this to the Ministry of Interior's cybercrime division or directly through the e-Crime portal. For you in Germany, it's about finding the right national agency. The most important thing is to make sure you isolate any devices you used and change *all* your passwords, not just for the 'TradingView' app but for email, banking, social media, everything. These scammers are sophisticated and might have tried to install malware or keyloggers on your phone when you downloaded their fake app. Protect yourself from further harm.

From what I've seen, while it's good to report, keep your expectations low for getting your money back. Seriously low. These operations are often based in countries with weak law enforcement or where the local authorities are compromised, making international recovery efforts extremely difficult, if not impossible. The best you can hope for is that your report, combined with others, helps build a case against these networks and prevents future victims. But don't hang your hopes on a refund. Focus on moving forward and learning from this, as painful as that sounds. The 'TradingView' facade is a particularly nasty touch, making it seem familiar and trustworthy. Sorry to be blunt but better to be realistic.

This is a really common tactic now, especially the fake app that looks like a legitimate one. They leverage brand recognition to trick people. Anytime someone you meet online pushes you to download an app from a weird link or a non-official app store, especially for 'investing,' it's a HUGE, flashing, neon red flag. No legit financial service asks you to do that. They want you on their official app from Google Play or Apple App Store only. The fact it looked like TradingView was just part of their sophisticated deception. They're trying to gain your trust through familiarity. Always, always, always verify the source of any app before downloading, and if it's for money, double and triple check its legitimacy. Use official app stores ONLY, and if someone sends a link, be suspicious.

Oh Michael, I'm so sorry. I know exactly how you feel. My 'friend' found me on LinkedIn, not Instagram, but the story is otherwise identical – the smooth talk, the amazing 'returns', the fake platform that looked so real. Mine was a fake forex platform. It feels like such a betrayal, doesn't it? For me, after reporting to the French police, I also reached out to my bank and thankfully they managed to dispute one of the initial transfers, which was a small miracle. It wasn't crypto so maybe a bit easier. But just keep trying with your bank, even if it feels hopeless. And make sure you really cut all contact with that person. It's hard, but they're not who they pretended to be. Stay strong.

Hi Michael, sending you so much support right now. It takes a huge amount of courage to share what happened, so please know you're not alone and definitely not stupid. These people are experts in psychological manipulation. While the financial loss hurts terribly, please focus on your emotional recovery too. Consider talking to friends, family, or even seeking professional support if you're struggling. For reporting in the UK, we'd go to Action Fraud. Your German authorities might also have a financial ombudsman or a central reporting body for economic crime. Collect *everything* you have – all conversations, screenshots, transaction IDs, wallet addresses if you have them. Every little detail can help the authorities piece together these networks.

Michael, from one victim to another (I was lucky, caught it early but the emotional manipulation was there), please don't internalize this shame. These criminals are highly organized and prey on human emotions, not intelligence. You are not at fault. Beyond reporting to your local police and BKA, you might want to see if there are any victim support groups for romance scams in Germany. Sometimes just talking to others who've been through it can help immensely with the emotional side of recovery. Also, be aware of 'recovery scammers' who will now target you, claiming they can get your money back for a fee. They're just another layer of the scam. Anyone promising to recover your crypto is a fraud. Do not trust anyone who contacts you saying they can help get your money back.

Michael, as others have said, this is text-book pig butchering. I see these cases a lot, especially being in Singapore, as many of these 'boiler rooms' operate in neighbouring countries. The 'special' TradingView app, the slow accumulation of trust, then the impossible withdrawal conditions—it's all part of the playbook. When you report, make sure you explicitly use terms like 'pig butchering scam' and mention the connection to Cambodian organized crime. Sometimes using the right terminology helps police understand the scope of the crime. Also, if there were any crypto transactions, collect all wallet addresses, transaction hashes—every digit. This information might be useful for blockchain analysis, even if it doesn't directly lead to recovery. Regretfully, chances of recovery are slim, but reporting is crucial for intelligence gathering against these networks. The MAS here in Singapore constantly warns about these. Stay vigil, and don't fall for recovery scams next.

Ugh, this is a classic romance-turned-investment scam. The fake TradingView app is a common tactic. They use convincing interfaces to build trust before the rug pull. So sorry you went through this. Since you're in Germany, your first port of call *should* be your local police, but if they're unhelpful, you can escalate. Report it to the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) — they handle cybercrime and fraud. Also, consider reporting the Instagram account to Meta. They *might* take it down, but don't count on getting your money back that way. The key here is these guys are sophisticated and often operate from jurisdictions that are hard to police.

Been there. Not exactly the same, but similar. Met a 'woman' online, talked for months. Then she introduced me to this 'amazing' stock trading platform. Looked legit. I lost about $10k USD before I realised. They had a similar withdrawal 'fee' scam. I reported to the FBI through IC3.gov. Haven't heard anything back, obviously. It's a brutal lesson, man. The hardest part is the feeling of being played like that. Hang in there. You're not stupid. You were manipulated.

Hmm, 'special version' of TradingView? Sounds highly suspect. Most legitimate platforms have their standard offerings. And the whole 'withdrawal fees' thing is a giant red flag. These kinds of scams prey on people's trust and desire for quick profits. While reporting is good, managing expectations is crucial. Getting money back from international scams, especially those originating from places with less policing cooperation, is incredibly difficult. The MAS here in Singapore often warns about these types of fake investment platforms.

Oh no, that sounds absolutely devastating. I'm so sorry you're going through this. It takes a lot of courage to share your story. Please don't blame yourself. Scammers are incredibly good at what they do, and they target people's kindness and hope. You trusted someone, and that's a human thing to do. The main thing is you're out and you've identified it as a scam now. We're all here to support you. Sending you strength.

This is sickening. I lost $20k AUD about 18 months ago to a very similar crypto scam. They had a fake app too, and a sob story about needing a 'tax clearance' before I could withdraw my 'profits'. I reported it to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and also the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN). They took my statement, but honestly, it felt like shouting into the void. The woman I was talking to also vanished. It's a soul-crushing experience. I still have nightmares about it.

This whole scenario screams 'pig butchering scam', a well-documented type of fraud, often with international origins. The initial charm offensive, the slow build-up of trust, the fake investment platform (often a clone or modified version of a real one), and the eventual withdrawal barrier are textbook. For reporting in Germany, your local police are the first step, but also file a report with the Zentralstelle für Cyberkriminalität (ZCC). They are the specialized unit. You could also try reporting to the BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority), though they regulate legitimate financial services, not necessarily recover funds from scams directly. Transparency is key in legitimate trading.

Doktor Google says this is a classic 'pig butchering' scam, very common from SE Asia. The fake app is the kicker. They often use spoofed websites or disguised apps that look real. You've done the right thing by reporting to your local police, even if they were stumped. In Germany, you should formalize this by filing a report with the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) — they're the central authority for cybercrime. Keep *all* your evidence: screenshots of the app, conversations, bank transfers. This is crucial for any investigation, however unlikely recovery may seem. Never, ever download apps from unofficial stores or links provided by people you only know online.

Oh my. This sounds terrifyingly familiar. I received a friend request on Facebook from someone who seemed incredibly nice, and then we started chatting about investments. They directed me to a website that looked like a real trading platform. I didn't put in as much as you, thankfully only about 3k USD, but it was still a huge loss. They also asked for 'fees' before withdrawal. It's disheartening. Here in the UAE, I think reporting to the police is the main channel. I didn't get my money back, but at least they have the intel.

I feel for you, mate. Lost a bundle to a similar scam about a year ago. Met someone on Discord, ended up on a fake crypto site. They kept asking for more 'verification funds' to release my 'earnings'. Total garbage. I reported it to the RCMP here in Canada and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. They were polite but basically said recovery is rare. The scammer used a WhatsApp number that looked like it was from the UK. It's the helplessness that gets you. You did nothing wrong; you were targeted.

This is exactly what happened to me too! The fake app looked so real, like a rebranded Binance or something. The woman I was talking to even sent me screenshots of her own 'account' showing huge profits. I put in $7k SGD. Then when I tried to get it out, they said I needed to pay a 'liquidation fee'. I was so shocked. So sorry this happened to you. I haven't really reported it anywhere officially yet, just blocked the number. It feels too hopeless.

My gut feeling is this is more sophisticated than just a random scammer. The fake TradingView app suggests a higher level of technical capability. These operations often run out of countries where international law enforcement cooperation is minimal. While reporting to authorities like the BKA in Germany is the right step, you should also consider reporting to international financial bodies if you can identify them. However, realistically, getting the money back is unlikely. They've likely laundered it through multiple crypto wallets already. Fwiw, SEC often warns about fake crypto platforms.

This is heartbreaking. I saw a similar scam advertised on Telegram, promising incredible returns. They used fake testimonials and even video clips that looked legit. The platform itself was a dead ringer for a known exchange. When I asked for official documentation about their licensing, they got evasive. That was my cue to back away. If you ever doubt a platform, always check its regulatory status with the financial authority in its stated country of operation. For you, in Germany, that's BaFin. Never trust a link sent directly by someone you met online for financial apps.

Warning! This is the 'pig butchering' scam. It's designed to 'fatten you up' with fake profits before the slaughter. They use fake apps and fake websites that mimic real ones perfectly. The romance part is just to build your trust. They operate internationally, often from Southeast Asia. Reporting to your local police is good, but you should also report to BaFin (Germany's financial regulator) and consider reporting to the FCA in the UK or the SEC in the US if you can identify any associated entities. They won't get your money back, but it helps build a case. Never download apps from unofficial sources.

Oh my god, this is exactly what happened to me a few months ago. Met a guy on Tinder, talked for ages, seemed great. Then he got me onto a fake trading platform – looked just like MetaTrader 5 on my phone. I lost about £8k. They kept asking for 'more funds' for 'higher tax brackets' before I could withdraw. So sorry you’re going through this. I reported it to Action Fraud in the UK. They were sympathetic but, yeah. It’s a nightmare. Never trust anyone who immediately starts talking about investments after meeting you online.

Hey, I survived this too. Lost $5k to a fake app that looked like a forex trader. The 'customer support' was incredibly pushy about depositing more. When I finally refused, they locked my account. It was infuriating. I found out later that these scams often use cheap knock-off apps that are easily made. Reporting to the police is a start, but honestly, the best thing I did was report the scammer's social media profile to the platform itself. It's a small thing, but sometimes enough reports get them banned. Also, tell your bank – they might have fraud departments that can offer advice, even if they can't get the money back.

I'm so sorry to hear this. It sounds like a very common and brutal scam. The fake app part is particularly nasty. Losing money is bad enough, but the emotional toll of being deceived like that... it's rough. Be kind to yourself. You were targeted by professionals. I haven't experienced this myself, but I've heard similar stories from friends. Sending you lots of support.

This sounds exactly like a crypto scam I fell for last year. The 'opportunity' came via a dating app. They had a slick website and app that mimicked a real exchange. I lost around $12k USD before they ghosted me. They hit me with insane 'withdrawal taxes'. I reported it to the FTC and also my state's Attorney General's office. They sent back automated responses. It's incredibly demoralising. The lesson learned: If it seems too good to be true, especially when introduced by a romantic interest, it absolutely is.

Man, that's rough. That fake app sounds like the core of it. Scammers love using those because they can control the narrative completely – show fake profits, fake transaction histories, etc. Here in the States, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) is the go-to for this kind of thing. Also, your bank might take a report, especially if the transfers were recent. They sometimes have international fraud teams. Take screenshots of *everything* – every chat, every screen in the app, every email. Don't delete anything. It's a long shot, but evidence is everything.

I'm so sorry; this sounds absolutely awful. It's horrible when you feel like you've embarrassed yourself, but you haven't. You were targeted by very sophisticated criminals. Please don't beat yourself up. Look after yourself right now. A lot of people fall for these scams, unfortunately. Sending you positive thoughts.

Sigh, this is incredibly common. They often clone legitimate platforms like TradingView to build trust. The fake app download is the biggest red flag. For reporting in Germany, beyond your local police, you'll want to contact the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) for cybercrime. Also, report it to BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) as it involves financial services, even if fake. They can't get your money back directly, but documenting it helps them track these operations. NGL, recovery chances are slim, but reporting is civic duty.

Oh man, Sophie, I'm so sorry you went through this. That sounds absolutely soul-crushing. 15k EUR is a massive amount. It's easy to blame yourself later, but these scammers are incredibly convincing manipulators. They prey on trust and connection. Don't beat yourself up too bad. You did the right thing by reaching out for help here.

This is exactly how they get you. The Instagram 'girlfriend,' the fake app that looks legit, the fabricated profits — it's a classic romance-investment scam. My friend's cousin in Lyon lost nearly that much to something similar last year. She thought she was talking to a legitimate broker. Be very wary of anyone you meet purely online who *insists* on a specific trading platform or app they send you directly. It's almost never legitimate.

I was in a similar boat a couple years back. Lost about 8k USD to a fake forex trading app. They used a similar 'verification fee' scam at the end. The woman seemed so nice, even sent me pics of her 'family'. It wrecked me for months. I reported it to the FTC here in the US, but yeah, no money back. What helped me a little was seeing I wasn't alone. It DOES get better, but it's a rough road.

Sophie, please try not to internalize this. These criminals are master manipulators. It's not your fault that you trusted someone. Sending you a big hug from the internet. The police are often overwhelmed with these cases, so don't feel discouraged that they weren't immediately helpful. You taking the step to report is still valuable.

This happened to me too. I'm in Singapore and I used a fake crypto wallet app called 'CoinEgg' that my 'sugar daddy' told me to use. He said it was the only one that gave good returns. I lost about 5k SGD. When I wanted my money, he said there were taxes on withdrawal. Then he just vanished. I tried reporting it to the police but they said it was a civil matter. It’s so frustrating.

From a reporting standpoint in Germany, in addition to the BKA and BaFin, you should also consider filing a complaint with the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) if there's any indication of cross-border fraud linking to EU countries. While direct recovery is unlikely through these channels, creating documented reports is crucial for law enforcement to build cases against these international criminal networks. For future reference, always verify investment platforms through official financial regulatory bodies' websites. For Germany, that's BaFin. Legit apps aren't usually recommended via social media DMs.

Cambodia, huh? Figures. They're notorious for these pig-butchering scams. Wait — did she pressure you to download an app *directly* from a link she sent, or did it come from a main app store like Google Play or Apple’s App Store? If it was a third-party download, that's a giant klaxon. If it was from a real store, that’s *slightly* less suspicious but still highly irregular for an 'exclusive' platform. Any chance you paid using crypto yourself? That usually makes recovery impossible by design.