Unregulated broker FXChoice demanding a huge 'ID verification fee' to process withdrawal. Scam?
Okay so I'm completely freaking out right now. I put about 7,000 GBP into FXChoice over the last few months, trading some CFD stuff, and honestly, it looked like I was doing pretty well, account balance showed like 12k. I tried to withdraw some profit – only 2k to test it out – and they immediately blocked the withdrawal. Now they're saying I need to pay a 'mandatory identity verification fee' of 3,000 EUR to unlock my funds and process any withdrawal.
This feels super dodgy. I sent them all my ID when I signed up, utility bills, passport, everything. Why would they need *another* fee for verification, especially one that's so high? I'm in Cardiff, UK, and I'm just sick to my stomach thinking I've lost everything. Is this a common scam tactic? What should I do? Please help.
90 Answers
Ah Rachel, this is a classic move from these unregulated brokers. The 'ID verification fee' is just another made-up charge to squeeze more money out of you. It's a hallmark of a scam. Legitimate brokers, especially those regulated by bodies like the AMF in France or the FCA in the UK, conduct ID verification (KYC) upfront and *never* charge a fee for it, let alone a huge one like that. You already gave them your documents; there's no technical reason for another payment.
At this point, any money you pay them for this 'fee' will also disappear. Your funds are likely gone, I'm sorry to say. The 'profits' you see in your account? Probably not real. Don't pay another cent. Your best bet might be trying a chargeback through your bank if you used a card. Gather all your communications and screenshots. It's a long shot but worth trying.
Rachel, this is a textbook boiler room scam. They lure you in, show you fake profits, then invent endless fees to prevent withdrawal. 'ID verification fee' is just one of many variations. Others include 'tax clearance', 'compliance fee', 'withdrawal insurance', 'server maintenance'... the list goes on. The core issue is that your money isn't actually being traded; it's just going straight into their pockets. The numbers you see are completely manipulated. BaFin, our German regulator, constantly warns against these types of unregulated entities. Your money is gone, and any more you send will be too. Focus on reporting and recovery options, not paying more.
Ugh, Rachel, I've been there. Not with FXChoice specifically, but a similar unregulated outfit promising crazy returns. They hit me with a 'liquidity pool contribution fee' when I tried to take out my 'profits'. It was about 4,000 EUR. I was so desperate I almost paid it. Thankfully my wife talked me out of it. We called our bank, Sparkasse, right away. They weren't super helpful with the initial transfer since it was a crypto transfer, but they did help me understand that any additional fees are 100% scam. You already verified your ID, they just want more of your money. Don't fall for it again. The 'profits' are fake, just numbers on a screen to make you invest more.
This sounds like a total scam, Rachel. Seriously, who charges for ID verification *after* you've already provided everything and *when you try to withdraw*? It makes no sense. The 'profit' you see is probably not real money. I'd be very skeptical about anything they say now. Any more money you send them is just throwing good money after bad. Don't do it.
Oh no, Rachel, that's absolutely gut-wrenching. I can only imagine how you're feeling right now. It's so unfair. Please, please do *not* pay that fee. As Chloe said, legitimate brokers never charge you to verify your identity. This is a classic trick to get more money out of victims who are desperate to get their original investment back. Your 'profits' are almost certainly just fictitious numbers on their platform designed to keep you engaged. I really hope you can find some path to recovery, maybe through your bank. Sending good vibes your way from Paris.
Eish, Rachel, I felt that in my soul. Same thing happened to me, just a few months ago, but with a different 'broker' that promised amazing returns on commodities. My account showed I had made a fortune, then when I tried to withdraw, they wanted a 'tax clearance fee' of almost R50,000! I was so stressed, nearly took out a loan to pay it. My friend, who works in finance at Capitec, told me straight up it's a scam. If they're asking for *any* fee to release *your own money*, especially after you've already verified yourself, it's a red flag. I ended up losing my initial investment, about R80,000. Don't make the same mistake I nearly did, don't pay them a cent more.
Aw man, that sucks Rachel. I was in a super similar spot last year, though it was a crypto investment scam rather than CFD. Showed me big profits, then demanded a 'wallet activation fee' of like 1500 CAD to unlock my 'crypto'. I was so desperate to get my money back I nearly did it. My partner stopped me. That's money down the drain. You've already sent them your real ID. This 'fee' is pure fiction, a final attempt to fleece you. Don't engage further, just try to get whatever you can back through official channels. So frustrating.
Please do not pay them this 'fee', Rachel. This is a huge red flag and a common tactic used by fraudulent brokers. They string you along with fake profits, then create hurdles like these exorbitant 'fees' to get more money from you. The moment you try to withdraw, they come up with these excuses. I've seen it happen many times. A legitimate broker regulated by MAS here in Singapore, for example, would never operate like this. Your best course of action is to stop all communication with them and focus on reporting the scam. Don't fall for the sunk cost fallacy and pay more.
Okay Rachel, take a deep breath. What you're experiencing is a very common scam, often referred to as an 'advance fee scam' within the brokerage context. The 'ID verification fee' is completely illegitimate. Legitimate financial institutions, especially those overseen by regulators like the AMF, ASIC, or MAS, handle KYC (Know Your Customer) during onboarding and *never* charge a separate, high fee for it, especially at the point of withdrawal. The 'profits' shown in your account are almost certainly fabricated to entice you into paying more or keeping you invested longer.
Your immediate steps should be:
- Do not pay the fee. Any money you send now will also be lost.
- Gather all evidence: Screenshots of your account, transaction records, emails, chat logs, everything.
- Contact your bank/card issuer: Immediately initiate a chargeback for any payments made via credit card. Debit card chargebacks are harder but still possible. Be persistent.
- Report to authorities: In the UK, report to Action Fraud. Also, consider reporting to the FCA, as FXChoice has been on their warning list before. Since they are unregulated, recovery is very difficult, but reporting is crucial. There are also professional firms like Nethertrace that specialize in tracing funds and assisting with recovery, but be wary of other 'recovery scams' that promise guaranteed returns for another upfront fee.
Oh wow, Rachel, I'm so sorry you're going through this. That's an absolute scam. The 'ID verification fee' is just a made-up excuse to get more money out of you. They'll keep coming up with new fees if you pay this one. I've heard so many stories like this, where the 'broker' suddenly needs a 'tax certificate fee' or a 'liquidity fee' or whatever random charge. Don't pay it. Your money is probably gone, sadly. Just cut them off and report them to Action Fraud. Any money you put in now is just more money for the scammers. Keep strong.
This is textbook. FXChoice is one of those unregulated outfits that prey on traders. They don't *want* you to withdraw. The 'ID verification fee' is a classic move to bleed you dry or just make you give up. They never had any intention of letting you take profits. Sorry to be blunt, but it's almost certainly a scam.
Oh man, I feel your pain. I went through something similar last year with a place called OptionStarsGlobal. Exact same story – profits looking good, then bam, 'verification fee'. I was devastated, lost nearly 5k. Told my wife, she just shook her head. The fee is pure BS. They just want more money and hope you go away. Don't pay it. Report them to the FCA here in the UK, even if they're unregulated, the FCA takes reports. Every little bit helps.
Urgent warning: This scenario strongly indicates a scam, likely an advance-fee fraud. FXChoice is not a regulated entity I recognize and demanding *additional* fees for verification *after* initial sign-up and *specifically* to process a withdrawal is a massive red flag. They've likely never traded your funds properly and are just trying to extract more money before you realize the full extent of the loss. Do NOT pay the fee. Instead, gather all your communication and evidence. You should file a complaint with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and also consider reporting it to Action Fraud. While recovery is difficult, official reporting is crucial.
That sounds absolutely awful, mate. It’s a horrible feeling when that happens. Keep your chin up though. Don't let them bully you into paying that ridiculous fee. It’s a scam, no doubt about it. These places operate in a grey area, sometimes completely outside any regulation. You definitely did the right thing by questioning it. Maybe try reaching out to a consumer protection agency or even just a legal advisor specializing in financial disputes? Just to see what options you might have.
I'm literally shaking reading this. I opened an account with FXChoice myself a few months ago after seeing some ads. I only put in about 1k though, thankfully. My balance is also showing profits, but I haven't tried to withdraw yet. Now I'm scared to even try. They asked me for docs too, but no fees. This fee they're asking you for? 3k EUR?! That's insane. I'm in Colorado, and I'm already feeling sick. What a nightmare.
Wait — 'mandatory identity verification fee'? To process a withdrawal that's *your* money? That's not how legitimate brokers work, at all. If they needed verification, they'd have done it upfront or asked for it *before* you put in a significant amount. Demanding more money *after* you've shown profits and want to cash out? Sketchy as hell. Check the FCA register in the UK. If FXChoice isn't listed and authorized, they have zero legitimacy. Pretty sure they aren't.
This is exactly what happened to me last year with EuroFX. Total nightmare. They wanted a 'tax fee' to release my 'profits'. I paid it because I was so panicked and blinded by the potential loss. Then they asked for another fee. I never saw a penny of my money back. FXChoice sounds like the same outfit, or at least the same scam playbook. I reported them to IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) in the US, but tbh, it felt like shouting into the void. They got my money, and I got nothing.
Oh god, this sounds awful. I'm in Perth and I’ve been looking into CFD trading but haven't committed any big money yet. Was considering FXChoice too, they had some aggressive marketing. This 'fee' thing is terrifying. Is there any way to check if they are regulated in the UK? Like, is there a specific body you can look up? Because if they're not, then it's pretty obvious what's going on. My heart goes out to you, honestly.
Mate, that's rough. Don't pay that fee. It's a scam. They're trying to get blood from a stone. FXChoice isn't regulated by the FCA, which is the first major red flag for anyone in the UK. They might have some offshore registration, but that offers you zero protection. Your best bet is to file a report with the FCA, as they track these kinds of scams even if they can't directly recover funds from unregulated entities. Also, check Nethertrace; they sometimes have leads on these unregulated scam brokers.
Same thing happened to me. They called it an 'anti-money laundering clearance fee'. I nearly choked on my coffee. Lost about £4,000. They are crooks. They kept saying my withdrawal was being 'processed' but it never came. Then they went silent. I'm in Dublin, and honestly, I felt so stupid and ashamed. I reported them to the Irish Central Bank, but they said since FXChoice isn't authorized here, there's limited action they can take. Just don't pay them another cent.
Hmm, a 'fee' to unlock funds? That sounds suspicious. Most reputable brokers, like those regulated by MAS in Singapore or ASIC in Australia, handle verification during onboarding or have clear, upfront policies. They wouldn't demand a large sum *after* you've deposited and are trying to withdraw profits. Did you get this demand in writing? What exactly does the fee supposedly cover? It's probably a fabricated reason to get more money from you. Don't proceed without clarity.
This smells very fishy. An 'ID verification fee' of that amount, specifically requested when you try to withdraw profit? No legitimate platform does this. They've already verified your ID, presumably. This is a classic advance-fee scam. They want to squeeze more money out of you, and if you pay, they'll likely come up with *another* reason why you need to pay more. Block communication with them and do NOT send any more money.
Okay, let's break this down. FXChoice is known in certain circles for these tactics. They aren't regulated by the FCA in the UK. The verification fee is a complete fabrication. They operate on a model where they take your money, make it look like you're profitable, and then invent reasons why you can't withdraw.
Key Red Flags:
- Unregulated status.
- Demand for fees *after* deposit and *during* withdrawal.
- The fee amount being disproportionately high relative to the withdrawal amount.
What to do now:
- Do not pay the fee.
- Contact the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and file a formal complaint. Provide all evidence.
- Report to Action Fraud (UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime).
- Consider if you have any legal recourse, though with unregulated brokers, it's tough.
Non, non, non! NE PAYEZ PAS! This is a scam, 100%. They are unregulated, and this is their tactic to steal your money. They will invent more excuses, always more fees. I have seen this with other brokers in France, like EuroFX. The AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers) does not regulate them. You have to report this immediately to Action Fraud in the UK. Do not communicate further with FXChoice via email or phone unless it's to document their threats.
This sounds very familiar. FXChoice is not on the BaFin (German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) register, meaning they are not authorized to operate here. The demand for an 'ID verification fee' to process a withdrawal is a common tactic used by scam brokers. They are trying to get you to pay more money by creating a false sense of urgency and legitimacy. Do not pay. Report them to the FCA in the UK, and also consider reporting to Nethertrace, they might have insights into these operations.
Man, I've been burned by similar scams. Lost about 3 grand with a dodgy platform a while back. They pulled the same trick – 'verification fee' to release funds. It felt like a punch to the gut. My wife told me to just cut my losses, but I was so angry. Ended up paying it, and guess what? They vanished. Never again. You're smart for questioning it. Report them to the FCA. They might not get your money back, but they can stop these guys from scamming others. Stay strong.
This is a classic advance-fee scam. FXChoice is not regulated by the FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) in South Africa, and frankly, they're likely not regulated anywhere reputable. They've created a fake trading environment to lure you in. The 'fee' is just another way to steal your money. Do NOT pay it. Gather all your evidence – emails, screenshots, bank statements showing deposits. Report them to the FCA in the UK. They might be international, but the FCA is your first port of call.
Ugh, this is brutal. So sorry you're going through this. I saw ads for FXChoice but avoided them because they weren't listed on the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) website. That's always my first check. If they aren't registered with the relevant authorities in your jurisdiction (FCA for the UK), it's a huge red flag. Don't pay the fee. Try reporting them to the FCA. You might also want to check if they have any presence on ForexPeaceArmy, sometimes they have user reviews or warnings about such brokers.
Definitely a scam. No legitimate broker asks for an extra 'verification fee' to process a withdrawal, especially not one that high. It’s designed to make you give up or pay more. I would be very surprised if FXChoice is regulated by any reputable authority like the FCA. My advice? Don't pay. Report them to the FCA and Action Fraud. Keep all your records. It's a horrible situation, but don't let them take any more of your money.
This is sickening. I lost R30,000 last year to a similar scam broker here in Cape Town. They promised the moon and stars, then asked for 'tax clearance fees' and 'transfer charges'. I was so desperate to get my money out, I paid it all. Total loss. FXChoice is likely the same. Don't pay them anything more. Report them to the FCA in the UK. Gather every single piece of communication you've had with them. This is a terrible lesson, but you're not alone.
This is textbook. FXChoice is notorious for this. They'll string you along, ask for more and more 'fees' – tax, clearance, conversion, etc. – until you've paid more than you initially invested or they just ghost you. They are unregulated for a reason. Don't send them another cent. The money is likely gone.
Oh god, I know this feeling. I got caught by something similar, not FXChoice specifically but another dodgy broker. They wanted a 'processing fee' for my withdrawal, then a 'currency conversion charge', then a 'capital gains tax' before they'd release anything. It felt so real at the time, I almost paid. My husband said it sounded too good to be true, and he was right. I lost about 4k to them. I reported it to my local police and the FCA here in the UK, but they said without regulation it's hard to recover. My advice? Cut your losses if you can, but assume this 3k is gone.
Absolute scam. Straight up. They are not regulated by any reputable financial body in the UK or EU, which is your first massive red flag. That 'ID verification fee' is pure invention to get more money out of you. They prey on people's fear. You *never* pay to verify ID if you've already provided it, and certainly not a fee like that after you've shown profit. Report this to the FCA in the UK immediately. Also, consider if you paid by credit card – you might be able to do a chargeback.
I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I was with a broker called EuroFX last year and they did the exact same thing. Said I owed a "tax payment" to release my 'profits'. I was desperate, and I paid it. Then they said I needed to pay another fee. It never ended. I'm still trying to get anything back, but it's probably gone. This is devastating. My wife was telling me to be careful from the start.
This sounds exactly like what happened to my friend's cousin. They put money into this platform, made some trades, and then when they tried to withdraw, the platform demanded a 'compliance fee'. It was a huge percentage of the supposed winnings. They paid it, and then the platform just disappeared overnight. Poof. So scary. I hope you get your money back, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
This is a very common scam tactic used by unregulated brokers like FXChoice. They lure you in with promises of high returns, then invent fees to prevent you from withdrawing your funds. The 'ID verification fee' is just another hoop to jump through, designed to extract more money. Never pay these fees. Once they ask for money *after* you've already deposited and tried to withdraw, it's almost certainly a scam. Report them to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and see if you can initiate a chargeback with your bank or card provider if you paid that way.
Hold up, a 'mandatory identity verification fee' *after* you've already submitted docs? And a fee that high? Nah, mate. That stinks. If they were legitimate, they'd have done verification upfront. This is just them shaking you down for more cash before they vanish. I'd be surprised if you ever see that 7k again, tbh. My cousin got hit with something similar with OptionStarsGlobal.
I'm so sorry, this sounds like a nightmare. I went through something very similar last year with a different broker. They asked for a 'tax payment' to release my supposed profits. I was already stressed from losing some money trading, so I paid it. Then they asked for another 'transfer fee'. It was a vicious cycle. I lost $5,000. My husband kept telling me to be careful, but I ignored him. It's a hard lesson. I wish I'd known about reporting channels like Nethertrace earlier. They might be able to help.
This is precisely how these fraudulent operations work. FXChoice is known to be an unregulated entity and this modus operandi is common. They will likely invent further fees – tax, commission, legal costs – anything to bleed you dry. The most crucial step now is to cease all communication and *do not* send them any more money. You should immediately report this to the FCA in the UK, as they maintain a warning list for such firms. Also, check with your bank about the possibility of a chargeback, particularly if the initial deposit was made via credit card.
Yeah, that's definitely a scam. The same thing happened to me with another firm. They called it a 'regulatory compliance fee'. I was so angry and confused. I'd already given them my passport and driver's license. Why would they need more money to verify? It's a lie. They just want your deposit. Don't pay it. Report them to the FCA. It's the only thing you can really do, besides hope for a chargeback if you used a card.
Oh no, this is heartbreaking. I almost fell for something similar a few months back. The broker kept asking for more 'verification documents' and then suddenly wanted a 'late registration fee'. My brother, who works in finance, told me to stop immediately and report it to MAS here in Singapore. He said if a broker is asking for money *after* you've deposited and shown profit, it's a massive red flag. Thankfully, I only lost a small amount before I stopped. I hope you get your money back, but it sounds grim.
That's rough, mate. It's gutting when you think you're onto a good thing and then this happens. FXChoice has a terrible reputation, sadly. The 'ID verification fee' is a classic trick. They want to see if you'll pay *more* money into their scam. Don't do it. You've done your bit by reporting to the FCA. Keep all your transaction records, emails, and chats. It all helps if any investigation ever happens, even if recovery is unlikely.
Wow, that fee is insane. I had a broker try to pull a fast one once, asking for a 'withdrawal processing fee'. I told them no way, I'd already verified everything. They got super pushy. I told them I was reporting them to the AFM and suddenly they went quiet. Never heard from them again, but at least they didn't get more money from me. Definitely report FXChoice to the FCA and consider if you paid by credit card - a chargeback is your best bet.
Ugh, the 'ID verification fee' – I've heard this one before. It's just a made-up charge. If they needed verification, they should have done it properly when you signed up, not after you've tried to cash out. It's a delaying tactic and a money grab. They're hoping you'll just give up or pay more. Don't give them anything else. Check if they're listed on any scam warning sites too.
Oh no, this is awful. I had a similar experience with a broker that claimed to be regulated by ASIC but wasn't. They kept asking for more 'documents' and then suddenly a 'security deposit' to release funds. It was a huge amount. My partner said it sounded fishy and thankfully I listened. We did some digging and found out they weren't regulated at all. We cut our losses immediately. Please don't send them any more money. Report to the FCA. Your bank might also help with a chargeback if you paid via card.
This is a classic unregulated broker scam. FXChoice is known for this exact behaviour. They are not registered with the FCA or any other major regulator. The 'ID verification fee' is a fabrication designed solely to extract more funds from you. Do not pay it. Your best course of action is to report them to the FCA immediately. Also, if you funded your account via credit card, contact your card issuer to initiate a chargeback process. This is often the only way to recover funds from such scams.
That's terrible news. FXChoice is a known scam operation. They are unregulated and their business model is to trap client funds. This 'verification fee' is a standard tactic. They will likely invent more fees if you pay this one. My advice, based on seeing others go through this: Stop all contact. Do not send more money. Report them to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. If you paid by credit card, contact your bank immediately to start a chargeback. You might also want to look into services like Nethertrace, they sometimes help with these situations.
Oh dear. Yes, this is a very common scam. They make it look easy to deposit and trade, but when it's time to withdraw, they invent these fees. It's a way to either get more money from you or just wear you down until you give up. They're probably hoping you'll just forget about it. Make sure you've reported them to the FCA in the UK. Keep records of everything.
This exact thing happened to my friend last year. He invested with a company, thought he was making great profits, and then they demanded a 'tax clearance certificate fee' of like $5,000 USD to withdraw his 'earnings'. He paid it. Then they wanted another fee. He was devastated. He never saw a penny back. They are unregulated scams. Please, please do not pay FXChoice any more money. Report them to the FCA and check with your bank about a chargeback.
I'm so sorry, that's a really nasty situation. It's designed to make you panic and pay. They know you want your money. My neighbour went through something similar with another broker. They wanted a 'withdrawal permit fee'. Thankfully, she was smart enough to ask me, and I told her straight up it was a scam. We reported it to ASIC here in Australia. The key is they're unregulated, so there's no real oversight. Don't pay them a dime more.
Yep, that's a classic. They are unregulated for a reason. The 'verification fee' is pure bs. They will just keep asking for more money, or claim you 'failed' verification and keep it all. So sorry this is happening to you. The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is who you'd usually report to, but if they're truly unregulated, your options are limited. You might have had better luck if they were registered with the FCA, even if they were still dodgy.
Oh god, I feel your pain. This is EXACTLY what happened to me last year, but with a different broker, EuroFX. Put in 5k, saw 8k on screen, tried to pull out 1k profit, and bam – huge 'tax' fee, then an 'admin' fee. They drained me for like 4k before I realised. It’s a sick joke. Don't send them another cent. You need to report this to the FCA immediately. They might not get your money back but it helps them track these crooks.
This is FXChoice, right? Saw this happen to a mate. They operate offshore and prey on folks. That fee is not real, it's just another way to squeeze you. They're likely just pocketing your money and will ignore you from now on. It’s a harsh lesson, but never invest with brokers not regulated by a major authority like the FCA in the UK or ASIC in Australia. Always check their regulatory status FIRST. This is a HUGE red flag.
I'm in Quebec, Canada, and I tried a broker called OptionStarsGlobal. Similar story. I deposited $3000, saw $4500, tried to withdraw $500. Then they hit me with a '$500 transfer fee' and a '$1000 compliance fee'. I paid the transfer fee, then they said I needed a 'premium account upgrade' for $1500 more. I never sent it. Lost the initial $3000. It's soul-crushing.
Wait, a 'mandatory identity verification fee' that's thousands of euros? That sounds incredibly suspicious. Most legit places handle ID verification during signup, not as a post-profit withdrawal hurdle. And why would they demand *more* money to let you have *your* money back? Seriously, question that whole premise. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Have you checked if FXChoice is even registered with the FCA?
This is exactly the kind of scam they run. They lure you in with promises of easy profit, then invent fees out of thin air when you try to cash out. That 3,000 EUR 'fee' is a made-up barrier. They know you're desperate. My advice? Stop communicating with them. Report them to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. While they might not recover funds if the broker is truly unregulated, reporting is crucial for their investigations.
Gosh, this is horrific. I had a similar scare with a binary options site a few years back. They wanted a 'tax payment' upfront before releasing winnings. I almost did it. Thankfully, my wife talked me out of it, said it sounded fishy. We found out later it was a common scam. They just invent these fees. Don't pay anything else. Report them to the FCA and maybe Action Fraud. Get everything in writing from FXChoice if you can, but don't send more cash.
Awful situation, I really feel for you. I had a similar run-in with a crypto scam. They froze my funds and demanded a 'withdrawal activation fee'. I paid it, thinking that was the last step. Then they asked for a 'compliance fee'. I realised I was being bled dry. Cut your losses with FXChoice now. Don't pay another penny. Report them to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Even if they can't get your money, they need to know.
Yeah, man, I've been there. Almost lost 10k AUD with one of these operations. Saw my balance jump, tried to withdraw a bit, and suddenly needed to pay a 'switzerland withholding tax' of $4000. I was like 'Switzerland? I'm trading forex!' After a week of back-and-forth and them demanding more, I realised it was a trap. Nethertrace helped me understand the scam mechanics, though recovery was tough.
This sounds EXACTLY like my experience with a company called AMX Capital a while back. They also demanded a fee to 'verify' my withdrawal, claiming it was standard procedure. It was completely made up. They kept moving the goalposts. I refused to pay more and ultimately lost everything I'd put in. I ended up reporting them to the AMF in France, which is their regulator, but it didn't get my money back. Just needed to warn others.
This happened to my cousin last year. She invested about $5,000 USD with a fake forex broker. When she tried to withdraw her supposed profits, they asked for a $2,000 'anti-money laundering fee'. She paid it, then they asked for another $3,000 for 'regulatory compliance'. She was devastated. She lost all of it. She said she should have checked if they were regulated by the SEC or CFTC first. That's the main thing to check.
This is textbook FXChoice behaviour. They are known for this. The 'ID verification fee' is a fabrication. Legitimate brokers do not charge you to verify your identity *after* you've already submitted documents and *especially* not as a prerequisite for withdrawal. They are hoping you'll crack and pay, or get scared and give up. Report them to the FCA immediately. You can also file a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if they were FCA regulated, but I suspect they aren't.
This is incredibly frustrating. I had a similar problem with a CFD broker, though not FXChoice. They cited 'increased regulatory scrutiny' and demanded a 'security deposit' to release my funds. It was a load of rubbish. The key takeaway here is to always, always verify the broker's regulatory status with the relevant authority (like ASIC in Australia, or BaFin in Germany) *before* you deposit funds. Never just trust their website claims.
OMG, 3000 EUR?! That's insane. I lost $2,000 USD on a forex platform that did something similar. They said I needed to pay a 'capital gains tax' before withdrawal. I paid it, then they asked for an 'exchange rate adjustment fee'. It never ended. I finally woke up. It’s a scam. They will never let you withdraw. Please, please report this to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). They are the ones that can actually do something.
This sounds distressingly familiar. I encountered a broker that tried the same 'verification fee' tactic. They invent these fees on the spot. They are designed to make you feel like you're close to getting your money, to trick you into paying more. The best advice I can give, from painful experience, is to stop all communication and report them to the regulatory body in your jurisdiction. For the UK, that's the FCA. Don't send them any more money, no matter what they promise.
Hang in there mate. It's a horrible feeling, I know. I had a scare with a similar outfit, and they also wanted 'fees' to release funds. It's all smoke and mirrors. Don't pay them. Try reporting it to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Also, look into Nethertrace – they specialise in helping people who have been scammed, though recovery isn't always guaranteed. Just wanted to offer some support.
This is precisely the sort of predatory tactic unregulated brokers employ. FXChoice is known for this. They operate outside the purview of regulatory bodies like the FCA, allowing them to essentially steal people's money. That 'fee' is entirely fabricated. Your best course of action is to report them to the FCA and potentially the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). Also, check if they're listed on any scam warning sites.
I'm wary of any broker that demands upfront fees for withdrawals. It's a massive red flag. Especially a fee that high! Have you checked if FXChoice is even licensed by the FCA? If not, they have no legal standing to hold your funds or demand these payments. They're likely just trying to scare you into giving up or paying more. Report them to the FCA and Action Fraud.
This is rough, truly. I lost $1500 on a similar scam platform. They promised easy profits, then hit me with a 'processing fee' and then a 'validation fee'. I was so desperate for my money I paid both. Then they ghosted me. It broke my heart. Please, whatever you do, do NOT pay that 3000 EUR. Report them to the FCA. Seriously, just stop interacting with them after reporting.
Oh no, this is the worst. I had a similar situation with a broker called GlobalFX (not FXChoice, but same vibe). They asked for a 'transfer fee' of $1000 to get my $5000 profit out. I paid it. Then they said my account was flagged for 'suspicious activity' and needed a $2000 'security deposit'. I realised then it was a scam. I never paid the second fee. Report FXChoice to the FCA. They need to be stopped.
This is textbook FXChoice. They operate in this grey area, unregistered in major jurisdictions. The ID verification fee is a classic move to bleed you dry before they ghost you. Don't pay it. You've likely lost the money, sadly. They're known for this exact scam. My advice? Report them to the FCA in the UK, though they might say they’re not regulated *there*. Still worth lodging a complaint.
Oh mate, I know that feeling. I got stung by EuroFX a few years back. Put in maybe 5k CAD, they asked for a 'tax fee' to withdraw. Like you, I'd already given them everything. Total scam. They just vanish. FXChoice is on all the warning lists now. There's not much you can do legally once they've got the money and you paid the 'fee.' You might want to check out Nethertrace, some people have had luck recovering funds that way but it’s a long shot.
STOP. Do NOT pay that fee. Seriously. FXChoice is a well-known scam operation. They prey on people who are doing well, then invent bogus charges to get more money. It's a 'robbing Peter to pay Paul' scenario, but Peter's the scammer and Paul's your bank account. What you *should* do is try and report this to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Even if FXChoice claims they aren't regulated by them, the FCA still maintains scam warning lists.
I am so sorry to hear this. I faced something similar with OptionStarsGlobal last year. They asked for a 'processing fee' after I made a profit. It was a smaller amount, maybe 1000 USD, but it felt like a mountain. I paid it, then they asked for another. Then they disappeared. I reported them to IC3 in the US but they said it was outside their jurisdiction. FXChoice is definitely a scam. Please be careful with your money.
A 'mandatory identity verification fee' that's higher than the profit you're trying to withdraw? Yeah, that screams scam louder than a foghorn. Especially from a broker that's not licensed by the FCA. If they were legit, they'd have robust verification built into the onboarding, not a surprise demand for cash when you want your own money back. Did you check their regulatory status *before* depositing? Always check.
FXChoice? Yeah, that's a known entity in the scam world. They operate out of jurisdictions with lax oversight. That 'ID verification fee' is a fabrication. They will take that 3000 EUR and then invent another reason why you can't withdraw. The best reporting agency to contact in France would be the AMF, though if FXChoice isn't licensed by them, it's tough. Still, file a report. Nethertrace might be an option too, they've helped some users with recovery.
Oh no, this is horrible. FXChoice is definitely one to avoid. They are not regulated by any reputable authority in the EU. This 'fee' is just them trying to squeeze more money out of you. You likely won't see that 3000 EUR or your original investment again. My advice is to report them to the AFM in the Netherlands if you have any contact with them there, or the FCA in the UK. Don't pay them another cent.
Hang on, a 'verification fee' *after* you've already verified and *when* you try to withdraw? That's incredibly suspicious. Why would they wait until now? Especially such a massive, arbitrary-sounding fee. It’s not a normal procedure. Brokers usually build verification costs into their operating expenses. I’d be very wary. Have you checked if they’re even licensed by ASIC or another regulator?
I went through something similar with another outfit. They asked for a 'capital gains tax' payment to release funds. It was a lie. I refused to pay and they just shut my account. Lost about 4k USD. FXChoice is on plenty of scam lists now. It's heartbreaking. I ended up reporting them to the Canadian regulator, the CSA, but honestly, it felt like shouting into the void. They're gone now. Stay away from them.
This is exactly what happened to me with a broker called 'GlobalTradeMarket'. I deposited $5k and when I tried to take out $1k profit, they hit me with a 2k 'processing fee'. I paid it. Then they wanted another 3k for 'anti-money laundering'. That’s when I knew. I never saw a penny. FXChoice sounds identical. The best you can do is report them to the MAS in Singapore if they have any presence there, or to the FCA.
FXChoice is a known problematic broker. This fee structure is a significant red flag, especially when it's demanded at the withdrawal stage and is so high. In Germany, we have BaFin, and they issue warnings about such entities. If FXChoice has any operations or clients in Germany, you should file a complaint there. Also, check if they are registered with the FCA, as you are in the UK. Don't pay the fee; it's gone if you do.
I lost about R20,000 ZAR to a similar scam, though it wasn't FXChoice. They called it a 'sworn affidavit fee.' It sounded so official, I almost paid it. My wife talked me out of it last minute. Then the website just disappeared. FXChoice is known for this. Don't pay them. Report them to the FSCA in South Africa if they have any ties, but honestly, your best bet is probably reporting to the FCA in the UK. They’re probably not licensed there.
You poor thing. This is gutting. I lost €3,000 to a broker that demanded a 'liquidity adjustment fee'. It sounded completely nonsensical. FXChoice is on many warning lists for this type of behaviour. They are unregulated and designed to steal your money. Don't pay them. I reported mine to the Irish Central Bank but they couldn't do much. Please file a report with the FCA.
This sounds incredibly familiar. I was approached by a broker that looked good on paper, even had a slick website. They promised incredible returns. When I tried to withdraw $1k profit, they asked for a $500 'transfer fee'. I paid it. Then they wanted $1000 for 'anti-money laundering compliance'. The whole thing stank. FXChoice is likely pulling the same stunt. You should report them to ASIC if they have any connection to Australia.
My neighbour got scammed by a similar group. They requested a 'withdrawal insurance fee' of $2,500 USD. He paid it, naturally. Then they asked for another $5,000 for 'international currency exchange tax'. He never saw a dime. FXChoice is known for these tricks. Report them to the relevant financial authority where you live and maybe even one in a country they claim to be regulated in (like maybe CySEC, though I doubt they are).
This is very upsetting. FXChoice is known to be a scam. They use tactics like this 'verification fee' to steal funds. They are not regulated by any major financial authority. I have heard that recovery services exist, but many are scams themselves. You can try reporting them to the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), but unfortunately, once they ask for these fees, the money is usually gone.
Whoa, hold up. A 'mandatory identity verification fee' AFTER you've already been verified and signed up? That's a huge red flag. And 3,000 EUR? That's not a fee, that's daylight robbery. FXChoice is likely unregulated and this is how they operate. They'll just keep asking for more money. Don't pay it. Your bank might be able to help with a chargeback if you deposited via card, but that window can be short.
I almost fell for this with a different company. They asked for a 'compliance fee' to release my profits. Sounded legit, right? But my husband, who's a bit more financially savvy, told me to check their regulatory status. They weren't licensed anywhere reputable. FXChoice is notorious for this. Never pay fees to withdraw profits from unregulated brokers. Report them to BaFin if you have any reason to believe they interact with Germany.
Gutted to hear this. It's a horrible situation to be in. FXChoice is definitely a scam. They operate without proper regulation and these 'fees' are just made up to take more of your money. Don't pay them a single euro more. You should report them to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK immediately. Even though they might claim not to be regulated *by* the FCA, the FCA still tracks and warns about scam operations.
This is a very common scam. FXChoice is well-known for this. They operate offshore, unregulated, and invent fees as needed. The 'ID verification fee' is a classic. I've seen people lose thousands. Don't pay it. The best you can do is report them to the relevant financial regulator. For Singapore, that's the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). They won't get your money back directly, but they add them to warning lists. Good luck, I hope you can recover some of it.

