Lost my inheritance to a 'new friend' from a cooking app, now all my crypto is gone via ZG.com. Any hope from Dublin?

asked 15d ago10 views111 answers
0

Feeling absolutely devastated and pretty stupid, to be honest. I met someone really charming on a cooking app a few months back. We talked for ages, seemed genuinely interested in me, my life, my interests. After a while, they started talking about crypto investments, specifically this platform called ZG.com. Said it was super secure, high returns, all that jazz. I was hesitant at first, but they were so convincing, shared 'their' success stories, even walked me through setting up an account and making small deposits.

Well, I ended up putting in a significant portion of my inheritance, about low five figures. Saw some 'returns' initially, which just made me trust them more. Then, when I tried to withdraw, nothing. My 'friend' vanished, ZG.com website is now offline, and my funds are just... gone. I'm in Dublin, Ireland. I've tried contacting ZG.com support, obviously no response. Is there anything at all I can do from here? Should I report this to local police? Will anyone even bother?

Mentioned in this discussion
ZG.com· scam

111 Answers

45

Alright Liam, echoing what Ibrahim Al Nahyan said, let's break down the reporting a bit more systematically for someone in Ireland, but impacted by a global scam. First, local police (Gardaí) for sure. They need to log it and see if there are any domestic angles, however small. For the UK, if this had been a UK resident, Action Fraud would be the first port of call, but for you, the FBI IC3 is your best bet internationally for intelligence sharing with US agencies that often track these groups.

Now, about the crypto side specifically. When you report to ChainAbuse, make sure you provide *every single transaction ID* and the exact wallet addresses you sent money to, and any addresses the scammer provided for 'returns'. They use advanced blockchain analytics tools. While getting your funds back is tough, sometimes they can trace money to exchanges that *do* comply with law enforcement requests, like a Binance or Kraken, if the scammers were sloppy and didn't fully obscure the trail. It's a slim chance, but it's *the* chance. Also, check with the Central Bank of Ireland for any specific guidance they might have on crypto fraud, though their direct intervention might be limited. The key is detailed reporting to multiple relevant bodies.

Edward Green · Nottingham, United Kingdomanswered 15d ago
42

Hey Liam, I'm really sorry to hear about what happened. It's a classic pig butchering scam, and it's absolutely not your fault. These scammers are pros at manipulation.

First things first, you need to report this. Even if recovery seems unlikely, every report helps law enforcement build a bigger picture. For you in Ireland, you should contact An Garda Síochána (the Irish police) and make a formal report. They'll likely direct you to their specific cybercrime unit or provide guidance.

Internationally, because crypto is borderless and ZG.com is a known fake, you should also report to entities that track these globally. The FBI IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) is a key one, even if you're not in the US, as these scams often originate from international crime syndicates and they collaborate with other agencies. They gather intelligence from all over. Also, look into ChainAbuse; they specialize in tracing crypto transactions on the blockchain, which can sometimes lead to identifying wallets or exchanges used by scammers, though it's often a dead end once funds are moved to mixer services or converted.

Gather all your evidence: screenshots of conversations, transaction details, wallet addresses, the URL of the fake ZG.com site, anything. Don't feel stupid; you're a victim of a sophisticated crime.

Ibrahim Al Nahyan · Ajman, UAEanswered 15d ago
21

Oh man, that's rough. So sorry you're going through this, Liam. It sounds exactly like what happened to my cousin last year, except hers was a fake forex platform. They really play on your emotions, don't they? It's not about being stupid, it's about being human and trusting someone who seemed genuine. Don't beat yourself up over it, truly. Just focus on what you *can* do now. Reporting everything is definitely the right first step, no matter how small it feels. It helps others later, even if it doesn't get your money back. Sending positive vibes your way from Perth.

Henry Harris · Perth, Australiaanswered 15d ago
35

ZG.com is a known scam platform, Liam. I've seen countless posts about it here and elsewhere. It's designed to steal, plain and simple. The 'returns' you saw? Totally fake, just numbers on a screen to lure you into putting more money in. They're very good at creating the illusion of legitimacy. Once you try to withdraw, that's when the curtain drops. It's a brutal reality check, I know. Just be super careful now of anyone else who contacts you promising to 'recover' your funds for a fee. Those are often recovery scams, just looking to bleed you dry a second time. Seriously, ignore anyone like that. Block and report.

Ibrahim Al Maktoum · Ras Al Khaimah, UAEanswered 15d ago
12

Honestly, Liam, with these types of scams and platforms like ZG.com, once the money's gone, it's pretty much gone. Especially with crypto, it's so hard to trace and recover, even for law enforcement. The scammers usually move it through multiple wallets, mixers, or offshore exchanges within minutes. Reporting is good for data collection, like what Ibrahim mentioned with the FBI IC3, but actual recovery? I wouldn't hold your breath. Prepare yourself for that reality. It sucks, I know. But it's better to be realistic than get false hope.

Oliver Jones · Sydney, Australiaanswered 15d ago
29

This whole 'cooking app' approach is pretty novel, but the underlying scam is the same old pig butchering. They target people across all sorts of apps now, not just dating or LinkedIn. It's a long game for them, they invest weeks or months building that 'friendship'. You're not stupid, you were targeted by professional criminals. A huge red flag for anyone reading this is when an online 'friend' quickly steers the conversation to investment opportunities, especially crypto, and insists on a specific platform that isn't a well-known, regulated exchange. Always, always do your own independent research and check for regulatory warnings. The CFTC in the US, for example, frequently warns about unregistered crypto platforms. Stay vigilant, folks.

Joshua Davis · San Diego, USAanswered 15d ago
45

Hey Liam, I'm Adam, from Toulouse. Been there, done that, felt the exact same sting of shame and anger. My scammer was from a language app, swore up and down this 'broker' she worked with was legit. Ended up putting in a chunk of my savings too. Like you, the site just vanished. It's a terrible feeling, mate. The emotional hit is almost worse than the financial one. What helped me eventually was reporting it everywhere I could think of. Police, national fraud hotlines, even a crypto tracking service. Didn't get my money back, but it felt like I was *doing* something, fighting back in a small way. And talking about it here, with others who get it, was a huge relief. Don't bottle it up. You'll get through this.

Adam Robert · Toulouse, Franceanswered 15d ago
31

Oh Liam, my heart goes out to you. That's absolutely heartbreaking. It's so easy to fall for these sophisticated scams because they really prey on our human desire for connection and trust. Please, please don't let anyone make you feel bad or stupid for this. These criminals are masters of psychological manipulation. Reporting it, as others have said, is crucial. It helps others avoid the same fate, and sometimes, just sometimes, patterns emerge that lead to breakthroughs. You're not alone in this, not by a long shot. Reach out to friends or family for support, too. You need that emotional backing right now.

Ava Anderson · Edmonton, Canadaanswered 15d ago
19

This whole ZG.com thing is just awful. I fell for a similar scam, though mine was 'only' a few thousand euros, not an inheritance. Still, it hurt a lot. I felt so foolish, like how could I have been so naive? But reading these comments, it really does make you realize how good these people are. The worst part is the feeling of betrayal, not just losing the money. I hope you find some peace and maybe, just maybe, some resolution. From Rotterdam, it's tough out here.

Lotte de Boer · Rotterdam, Netherlandsanswered 15d ago
8

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unless you sent funds to a regulated, identifiable exchange and can prove fraud to *them*, your chances are pretty much nil. These fake platforms like ZG.com are designed to disappear without a trace. Reporting it to the police is more for crime statistics than actual recovery. The sad truth is the internet has created a perfect environment for these kinds of scams, and catching the perpetrators, let alone getting money back, is like finding a needle in a haystack. It's a harsh lesson for a lot of people, myself included after a small 'investment' a while back. Be wary of anyone promising recovery services now, too; that's another common scam.

Thomas Hall · Sheffield, United Kingdomanswered 15d ago
7

Oh no, this is a classic romance-and-investment scam, often called 'pig butchering'. The cooking app was just the initial lure. ZG.com is a known fake exchange. The initial 'returns' are fabricated to build trust before the rug pull. From Dublin, your primary reporting avenues are the Garda Síochána (Irish police) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, as they often deal with cross-border fraud and have liaised with bodies like the AFM in Ireland. They might not recover funds, but reporting is crucial for tracking these operations.

Louise Lefebvre · Lyon, Franceanswered 15d ago
5

Been there, done that. Met someone online too, talked for months. Seemed so real. Then the crypto talk started. 'Guaranteed profits!' Yeah, right. They made me feel like an idiot too when it all evaporated. My bank (Commerzbank, in my case) was useless. Said once it leaves my account, it's gone. I did report to a few places, but honestly? Felt like shouting into the void. Hang in there, you're not alone in this mess.

David Fischer · Frankfurt, Germanyanswered 15d ago
3

A cooking app? Seriously? Come on. And ZG.com? Never heard of it, and if it's offline now, that's your first clue. These guys prey on loneliness and greed. They make it sound so easy, so convincing. My mate fell for something similar with forex trading nonsense. Lost his savings. Just feels like there’s nothing to be done. These scammers are usually miles away, laughing.

Lucas Coetzee · Pretoria, South Africaanswered 15d ago
6

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It’s incredibly painful, and please, don’t beat yourself up. These scams are designed by very sophisticated people to exploit kindness and trust. My neighbour lost a small fortune to a fake crypto mining scheme last year. She reported it to Action Fraud, and they did send her some information about how to secure her accounts going forward, even though the money was gone. It's worth a shot.

Lily Hall · London, United Kingdomanswered 15d ago
4

This sounds absolutely heartbreaking. It's completely understandable that you trusted someone you connected with. The investment part sounds like a classic setup. Sending you strength and support from London. It's tough, but talking about it helps, and reaching out to official channels, even if it feels daunting, is a step in the right direction. You’ve got this.

Isla Williams · London, United Kingdomanswered 15d ago
4

Ugh, that's a shocker. I had a dodgy investment opportunity pop up on LinkedIn once – all about NFTs and 'early access'. Dodged a bullet there. The fact ZG.com is gone is a massive red flag. My advice? Contact your bank ASAP, though I doubt they can do much if it was crypto. Maybe look into ChainAbuse, they track crypto scams. Keep a record of everything. Sending positive vibes your way from Melbourne.

Amelia Harris · Melbourne, Australiaanswered 15d ago
3

Cooking app? ZG.com? Sounds like a total setup. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is. These 'friends' who suddenly appear and start talking investments are usually after one thing. Did you ever meet them in person? Unlikely. My sister got spammed by similar crypto scams on Instagram. Just delete and block, tbh. Don't waste your time reporting unless you have solid evidence, which is hard to get.

Brittany Rodriguez · Los Angeles, USAanswered 15d ago
7

I lost my life savings this way. It wasn’t ZG.com, but another fake platform. Met a woman online, talked for months, seemed genuine. Then she introduced me to this amazing investment opportunity. I put in everything, even sold my car. She vanished, the site went dark. My bank, NAB, just said 'tough luck'. I reported it to the FBI IC3, but haven't heard anything back. It’s a soul-crushing experience. I feel your pain.

William Thompson · Adelaide, Australiaanswered 15d ago
5

ZG.com is a common scam platform. They pop up, disappear, and reappear under new names. Be very wary of anyone you meet online who quickly pivots to investment talk, especially crypto. Always use reputable, regulated exchanges. If you ever see an unsolicited investment opportunity that promises high, guaranteed returns, it's almost certainly a scam. Report to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) if you have any links here, but likely an uphill battle.

Jia Tay · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 15d ago
6

Exact same thing happened to me a year ago, but it was a supposed forex trading platform. Met the 'trader' on a language exchange app. He was so charming, so persuasive. I sent him money from my Crédit Agricole account. Then poof. He disappeared, the platform went offline. I was devastated. I filed a report with the local police here in Toulouse and also with the FBI IC3. They didn't recover my money, but filing the report felt like doing *something*.

Chloe Michel · Toulouse, Franceanswered 15d ago
5

This is soul-destroying. I had a similar experience, though not with crypto. A supposed business partner convinced me to invest in a 'tech startup' he was involved with. He used convincing-looking documents. Turned out to be completely fake. Lost a chunk of my savings. My friends told me to report it to the FBI IC3. It's a long shot for recovery, but good for them to track these criminals. The key is always verification. Never trust anyone blindly.

Rachel Thomas · New York, USAanswered 15d ago
6

I hate hearing these stories. I fell for a crypto scam too, not ZG.com though, but a similar fake exchange. The 'friend' was relentless. I eventually sent them money. My bank (Société Générale) told me crypto transactions are hard to trace or reverse. I did report it to the police, but they said it was unlikely to be resolved. I've since learned to be super skeptical of anyone pushing investments online. Always verify, always use regulated platforms.

Hugo Petit · Nantes, Franceanswered 15d ago
4

Oh gosh, that's awful. It sounds like a classic 'romance scam' combined with a 'pig butchering' crypto scam. They build trust, then exploit it for financial gain. It's easy to feel foolish afterwards, but honestly, these scammers are masters of manipulation. Don't blame yourself. You did the right thing by trying to get support. Have you considered reporting it to the Irish police? They might have resources or know who to forward it to.

Lily Taylor · Glasgow, United Kingdomanswered 15d ago
5

ZG.com is absolutely a scam operation. They are notorious for this. Similar platforms exist constantly. Best advice: never, ever send crypto or large sums of money to any platform or person you haven't thoroughly vetted yourself. If someone pressures you or promises unrealistic returns, it's a massive red flag. Report it to Action Fraud in the UK if you have any UK links, or your local Garda in Ireland. They won't get your money back but might catch the crooks.

Thomas Walker · Gold Coast, Australiaanswered 15d ago
6

This is exactly how they operate. The online dating/social app is the hook. The fake investment platform is the trap. ZG.com is known for this. My mate lost AUD $20k to a similar thing last year. Reported it to the AFP, but recovery is almost impossible. The key takeaway here for everyone reading: If it sounds too good to be true, it IS. And never send crypto to an unknown platform.

Harry Davies · London, United Kingdomanswered 15d ago
5

This is heartbreaking, and sadly, a very common tactic. The 'friend' from the cooking app? Classic setup. ZG.com is a fake exchange. The initial profits are just to lure you in. From a legal standpoint in Ireland, you should report this to the Garda Síochána. They may not recover funds but can investigate and potentially link it to broader international fraud rings. You can also check with the Central Bank of Ireland, though they primarily deal with regulated entities.

Sarah Gonzalez · Miami, USAanswered 15d ago
5

Oh man, that's rough. I've heard of ZG.com being used in scams before. They operate like this: create a fake platform, get people to deposit, then shut it down. The 'friend' likely works with the scam platform. Report to the Garda Síochána in Ireland. They might not recover the money, but it's important for them to track these operations. Also, look into reporting it to ChainAbuse – they track and expose crypto scams.

Sophie Hall · Manchester, United Kingdomanswered 15d ago
6

This hits home. I lost money to a fake investment app too. Met the person on Tinder, oddly enough. Talked for weeks, then the crypto investment pitch. The platform looked legit, I saw my 'profits' grow. Then I tried to withdraw and boom – gone. My bank in Canada (RBC) said crypto transfers are final. I reported it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. They said recovery is rare, but reporting helps build cases.

William Cote · Winnipeg, Canadaanswered 15d ago
4

Sending you strength. This is a brutal scam. Don't feel stupid, they are incredibly convincing manipulators. I've seen similar cases where fake exchanges like ZG.com are used. The best thing you can do is report it to the Garda Síochána. While recovering funds is unlikely, reporting helps authorities identify patterns and potentially shut down these operations. Keep all your communication records; they are vital evidence.

Arthur Richard · Strasbourg, Franceanswered 15d ago
3

Ugh, a cooking app? That's a new low even for these scammers. ZG.com is definitely a scam. Don't bother with their support. The police might not be able to get your money back, but reporting it is still the right thing to do. Maybe the Irish authorities can coordinate with international bodies like Interpol. But honestly, once the crypto is gone, it’s almost impossible to trace unless you have concrete info on the scammers themselves.

Henry Wilson · Adelaide, Australiaanswered 15d ago
7

I'm so sorry you're going through this. The ZG.com platform sounds like a classic 'pig butchering' scam. They build trust over time, making it seem like a legitimate investment, before draining your funds. From Dublin, your first port of call should be the Garda Síochána (Irish police). While they might not have specific crypto enforcement units like some overseas agencies, they can take a report and potentially liaise with international law enforcement. Also, check if the Irish Central Bank or the Financial Regulator (Central Bank of Ireland) have any consumer protection advisories regarding ZG.com or similar platforms. It's a long shot, but reporting is key.

Lea Wagner · Dusseldorf, Germanyanswered 14d ago
6

Ugh, that's horrific. I'm so sorry. Those 'cooking app' romance scams are brutal, and then they hit you with the crypto scam on top. It’s a double whammy. Don't beat yourself up over it. These people are professionals at manipulation. They target people's kindness and loneliness. The fact that you saw 'returns' first is a common tactic to build false confidence. Keep pushing on reporting it. Every bit helps build a case.

Thomas Schafer · Munich, Germanyanswered 14d ago
5

ZG.com? Red flag. Anything promising guaranteed high returns with low risk in crypto is a scam. Especially if introduced via a social app, not a regulated exchange. The 'friend' disappearing and the site going offline? Textbook. Don't expect much from the local police unless you have specific details on who physically scammed you, which you likely don't. Your best bet is to file with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) AND the Irish police. Maybe the AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten - if they have any jurisdiction or intel) can help, but reporting is more about future prevention.

Daniel du Plessis · Johannesburg, South Africaanswered 14d ago
7

This is exactly what happened to me! Except mine was a 'trading signal' group on Telegram. They showed me fake profits, then convinced me to put in more. Then poof. Website gone. My friend gone. I am in Toronto, Canada, and I reported it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. They said it's hard to trace, especially when the site is down. It feels like there's no justice. I lost my savings for a down payment on a house. I'm devastated.

Charlotte Gagne · Toronto, Canadaanswered 14d ago
6

Oh honey, I feel you. I was in a similar boat last year, except it was through a 'wealth management' advisor who turned out to be a fraud. Lost a chunk of my redundancy package. They made it so real, so believable. The ZG.com thing sounds identical. What helped me, slightly, was reporting it to ChainAbuse. They track crypto scams. It didn't get my money back, but seeing the scale of it and knowing I wasn't alone was… something. Stay strong. You did nothing wrong, they are the criminals.

Emma Kelly · Limerick, Irelandanswered 14d ago
5

Damn, ZG.com. Heard whispers about them. They popped up on a few crypto forums I frequent, usually with negative comments that got deleted fast. When a site goes down like that, and the 'person' vanishes, it's a done deal. Don't waste energy on ZG.com support. Report it to the Garda Síochána, definitely. Also, I'd look into the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK if they might have had any operations there, sometimes they share intel. File reports everywhere you can, even if it feels hopeless. Every report adds data.

Lucas de Jong · Rotterdam, Netherlandsanswered 14d ago
7

The ZG.com domain has been flagged on several blacklists for phishing and investment scams. Platforms like these often operate out of jurisdictions with lax regulations, making recovery exceedingly difficult. Your 'friend' was likely a romance scammer working in tandem with the fake exchange. From Singapore, we often see these cross-border issues. I'd recommend filing a report with the Action Fraud UK, as many such operations target UK residents, and the FBI IC3. While direct recovery is unlikely, these reports help authorities track patterns and potentially dismantle these networks.

Ming Lau · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 14d ago
5

This is precisely how they operate. They groom you slowly, build immense trust. A cooking app is a new twist, but the script is the same. Saw a similar thing happen to a colleague last year. He lost a lot to a fake Forex platform. He reported it to the local police, and they were sympathetic but couldn't do much. He then filed a complaint with the MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) and even though they didn't recover funds, they were able to flag the fraudulent entity, which is some small comfort. Be wary of anyone pushing specific platforms, esp. on social apps.

Hassan Al Maktoum · Abu Dhabi, UAEanswered 14d ago
5

Oh no, that's terrible! What a horrible experience. Don't blame yourself, these scammers are incredibly skilled at what they do. They play on emotions and trust. It sounds like a typical romance-investment scam. The ZG.com part is the actual theft. I'd definitely report it to the Garda Síochána in Dublin. They might not be able to recover the funds, but it's important they know about ZG.com and these scammer tactics. You're not alone in this.

Hao Lau · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 14d ago
5

I'm so sorry this happened to you. It's devastating to lose an inheritance like that. The ZG.com scam is unfortunately very common. They lure you in with fake promises and then disappear. I'd report this to the Garda Síochána in Dublin. They can log the complaint. You might also want to look into reporting it to the Central Bank of Ireland, as they oversee financial services. It’s a tough situation, but taking action is the right thing to do.

Fatima Al Suwaidi · Dubai, UAEanswered 14d ago
6

ZG.com – sounds like it was never a real exchange. Probably a front for the scam. This 'friend' was likely a dedicated scammer. The cooking app was just a way to find victims. Never, ever trust investment advice from someone you met on a social or dating app, no matter how charming they are or how real the 'profits' seem. They can fake those easily. Report it to the Garda Síochána, but also consider filing a report with Action Fraud UK. They might have some intel on ZG.com operations targeting Europeans.

Lina David · Nantes, Franceanswered 14d ago
5

A cooking app? Seriously? Wow. They really are getting creative. Lost my money to a crypto scam too, but it was through a fake trading bot advertised on Facebook. The site vanished. The money is gone. I reported it to the South African Police Service, and they basically said 'tough luck, crypto is the wild west'. They did say to report it to the FBI IC3 though, as it might be linked to US servers. Feels like you're shouting into the void sometimes, doesn't it?

Naledi Khumalo · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 14d ago
6

This sounds eerily similar to what happened to my aunt. She met someone online, they convinced her to invest in crypto on a platform called 'CoinFlexi' (definitely fake). She put in her retirement funds. The person disappeared, the site went down. She's in Vancouver and reported it to the RCMP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. They said recovery is extremely rare, especially with crypto. It’s a nightmare. She’s still devastated. I wish I had an answer for you.

Olivia Pelletier · Vancouver, Canadaanswered 14d ago
5

A cooking app, huh? That's a new one. Usually it's 'crystal healing' or 'stock market tips'. ZG.com sounds like another fake exchange. The fact that it's offline now just confirms it. Honestly, your best bet is to report it to the Garda Síochána. They can take a report. Don't expect miracles. I lost a few grand to a 'forex bot' scam last year and the police just shrugged. It's the wild west out there with crypto. Good luck.

Noah Gauthier · Edmonton, Canadaanswered 14d ago
6

Yeah, ZG.com is definitely dodgy. I saw some ads for them a while back, looked too good to be true. And they are. Lost money to a similar thing called 'AlphaTradeX' – met the person on Insta. Reported it to the AFP, they took a report but said recovery chances are slim. My advice? Report it to the Garda Síochána and also try the FBI IC3, even though you're in Ireland. They track these cross-border scams. Don't get your hopes up too high for getting the money back, but reporting is important.

Charlotte Harris · Newcastle, Australiaanswered 14d ago
5

ZG.com? Total scam. They prey on people's trust, especially after building a connection on a social app. It’s a classic ‘pig butchering’ scam. The crypto part is where they steal everything. I lost money to something similar called ‘BitTradeGlobal’ last year – they walked me through it just like you described. I reported it to the FBI IC3, and also to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. They said recovery is nearly impossible, but reporting helps track the fraudsters. Do file with the Garda Síochána too.

Ryan Williams · Los Angeles, USAanswered 14d ago
6

Same thing happened to me. Met a guy on Tinder, he talked about crypto, ZG.com. Showed me fake profits. I put in like $10k. Then he ghosted, site disappeared. I'm in Halifax and reported it to the RCMP. They said it's hard to trace, especially with crypto. They advised me to file with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. I did. They just said 'thanks for the info'. Feels like there's nothing anyone can do. So frustrating.

Mason Lavoie · Halifax, Canadaanswered 14d ago
5

Oh man, ZG.com sounds like another one of those fake crypto exchanges. They are everywhere. My cousin lost a fair bit to a similar thing called 'CryptoMax Pro' – met the scammer on Facebook. They make it look so real, show you fake gains. Then they lock your account or the whole site vanishes. He reported it to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and also tried ChainAbuse. Nothing came back. Don’t hold your breath for the money, but reporting is good.

Sophie Anderson · Hobart, Australiaanswered 14d ago
5

Oh no, ZG.com… I lost a significant amount to them too, through someone I met on a gaming app. They convinced me it was a sure thing. They showed me profits, then when I tried to withdraw, boom, gone. Website offline. Person offline. I’m in Singapore and reported it to the police and MAS. They were very sympathetic but basically said crypto recovery is a nightmare. It feels like a violation, doesn't it? I'm so sorry this happened to you.

Hui Goh · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 14d ago
5

That ZG.com sounds like a total setup. They groom you, then hit you with the fake investment. Super common. Don't put blame on yourself, these guys are expert manipulators. The cooking app is just a twisted way to get close. My advice? Report it to the Garda Síochána, but also look into Action Fraud UK. They often have better intel on international scams targeting Europeans. They might have logs on ZG.com or the scammer's methods. It’s a long shot but worth trying.

Charlotte Fortin · Edmonton, Canadaanswered 14d ago
1

Oh man, that's rough. I know the feeling, thought I was so smart. Got hit by a similar ZG.com thing last year, though not quite as much money. Pretty sure the whole thing is a fake exchange front. The police here in Waterford basically just told me to forget it. Said they can't do much with crypto fraud, especially when the site is gone and the people are 'anonymous'. Total joke.

Conor Lynch · Waterford, Irelandanswered 14d ago
2

I'm so sorry this happened to you. It's incredibly painful, especially when it's inheritance money. You're definitely not stupid, these scams are designed to prey on trust and kindness. Don't beat yourself up. Have you tried reporting it to the Irish police? It might feel like a long shot, but reporting it is important.

Daniel Kelly · Galway, Irelandanswered 14d ago
1

ZG.com? Never heard of it. Seems like another one of those fake crypto platforms that pop up overnight. These 'friends' from apps are often scammers. They groom you slowly. Did you do any checks on ZG.com yourself? Like, check reviews *before* depositing? I'd be very skeptical of anyone pushing a specific investment platform, esp. on a dating or social app.

Milan Jansen · Rotterdam, Netherlandsanswered 14d ago
3

I feel you. I lost a decent chunk to a fake platform too, similar story. Met someone on a social app, they talked me into it. The money seemed to grow, then poof. Gone. I’m in Singapore, and reported it to the authorities here. They were sympathetic but couldn't recover anything. You're not alone, and please, please don't blame yourself. It's their fault, not yours.

Hui Ng · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 14d ago
1

This is devastating, truly sorry to hear. The way they build trust first, then introduce the investment scam, it's a classic tactic. Please don't feel stupid. These people are professionals at manipulation. Have you reported it to the local police in Dublin yet? It's always worth filing a report, even if recovery seems unlikely. It helps build a case against these platforms.

Michael Kruger · Pretoria, South Africaanswered 14d ago
2

Ah, the crypto app 'friend' scam. It's so common, especially since COVID. I lost about €10k that way from a 'trading partner' I met online. They always pick platforms that are either fake or hard to withdraw from. I reported it to Action Fraud in the UK (I'm in Nantes), but honestly, recovery is near impossible. These scammers operate globally. You might want to try reporting to ChainAbuse.

Jules Moreau · Nantes, Franceanswered 14d ago
4

Oh, that's awful. I'm so sorry. I was in a similar situation last year. Met someone who seemed great, then they pushed a fake investment site. Lost my savings. It's crushing. I did report it to the Gardaí here in Dublin, and they took my statement, but they said recovery is extremely difficult with crypto and international scams. Keep a record of *everything* - chats, transaction IDs, anything. Might be useful if any investigation happens.

Niamh Murphy · Dublin, Irelandanswered 14d ago
1

ZG.com sounds like a typical Ponzi scheme or outright scam platform. These 'friends' from social apps are almost always scammers. The red flag is usually the pressure to invest quickly and the claims of guaranteed high returns. The fact that the website is down is a massive clue. Report this to the Dutch police and also consider reporting it to the AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten) if you think they might have operated in the Netherlands, though unlikely.

Saar de Groot · The Hague, Netherlandsanswered 14d ago
1

A cooking app? Wow. That's a new one. Usually, it's dating apps. But the pattern is identical. The 'friend', the convincing talk about crypto, the fake platform, then the vanishing act. I fell for something similar a while back. They always push you to deposit more by showing fake profits. The site going offline is the final nail. Hope you didn't send any personal documents.

Ling Tan · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 14d ago
2

This is a very common and sophisticated scam pattern. The ZG.com is likely a fake exchange set up to steal funds. The 'friend' is the scammer, likely operating out of a call centre. For Canada, we'd report this to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), which then liaises with the FBI IC3. You should report it to the Garda Síochána (Irish police) and let them know you suspect it's an international crypto scam. They may not be able to recover funds, but reporting helps them track patterns.

Mason Lavoie · Ottawa, Canadaanswered 14d ago
1

This sounds eerily similar to the 'pig butchering' scam that's been rampant. They 'fatten up' the victim's account with fake profits before the final 'slaughter'. ZG.com is almost certainly not a regulated exchange. Your 'friend' is the scammer. In South Africa, we'd report this to the Hawks or even the FBI IC3, though for you in Ireland, the Gardaí are your first port of call. Don't feel ashamed; these people are masterful manipulators.

Connor Khumalo · Durban, South Africaanswered 14d ago
3

My heart aches reading this. I went through something similar. Met a guy online, he convinced me to invest in a platform that looked legitimate, even showed me 'profits'. Then he disappeared, and the money was gone. It felt like a betrayal. I reported it, but nothing came of it. Just know you're not alone in this. It takes a special kind of evil to do this to people.

Mia Thomas · Montpellier, Franceanswered 14d ago
1

ZG.com. Never trust any platform pushed by a random person you met online, especially not on a cooking app. It's always a trap. They create a fake interface to show you 'profits', then disappear when you try to cash out. The police might not be able to help much with crypto, but you should still file a report. It's more about trying to track these operations than expecting your money back.

Louis Moreau · Bordeaux, Franceanswered 14d ago
2

Oh goodness, that's absolutely heartbreaking. I lost my savings to a fake investment too, met someone online. They build this whole fantasy. The platform looked so real. I reported it to the Australian Federal Police, but with crypto, it's a nightmare. They advised me to check out ChainAbuse.com, they track crypto scams. It's awful that this happened, especially with inheritance money.

Grace Brown · Gold Coast, Australiaanswered 14d ago
1

I'm really sorry you're going through this. It's a terrible situation. The ZG.com is almost certainly a scam. The 'friend' is a scammer. Don't blame yourself. Have you reported this to the local Garda station? It's always worth a try. They might be able to advise on reporting to relevant financial regulators too, though I'm not sure who oversees crypto specifically in Ireland.

Tess Bakker · Rotterdam, Netherlandsanswered 14d ago
1

This is the classic 'pig butchering' scam, mate. The ZG.com is fake, the 'friend' is the scammer. The website going offline is the giveaway. In Australia, we'd report this to the AFP and also the Australian Cyber Security Centre. For you, reporting to the Garda Síochána is the first step. They might not recover the funds, but reporting helps them build intelligence on these international crime rings. Don't give up on reporting it.

Sophie Williams · Melbourne, Australiaanswered 14d ago
1

Another ZG.com victim? Unbelievable. I saw a similar story on Reddit a few months back. Seems like a big operation. The fact it's gone offline suggests it was always a sham. I’m from Dubai, and even here, crypto scams are rampant. Reporting to local police is usually the first step, but honestly, with these global crypto scams, recovery is extremely rare. They operate across borders so easily.

Faisal Al Mansoori · Dubai, UAEanswered 14d ago
1

That is brutal. The 'friend' part makes it even worse, it's a betrayal of trust. ZG.com is definitely a scam platform. The speed at which they disappear is insane. Your best bet is to report it to the Gardaí in Dublin. Also, consider reporting it to the AFM in Ireland, they might have a consumer protection division that could help, or at least record it. It's a tough road, but keep fighting.

Hugo Thomas · Lyon, Franceanswered 14d ago
2

I'm so sorry. This sounds exactly like what happened to my sister. She lost a lot of money to a fake trading platform pushed by someone she met online. They convinced her it was legit, showed fake profits. When she tried to withdraw, the person and the site vanished. She reported it to Action Fraud in the UK, and while they couldn't recover it, they did confirm it was a known scam type. It's heartbreaking.

Hannah Brown · Bristol, United Kingdomanswered 14d ago
1

ZG.com is a known scam operation. They create these fake trading platforms. The 'friend' is the scammer. This is a classic 'pig butchering' scam. Report it to the Garda Síochána immediately. They might be able to liaise with international law enforcement. Also, look into reporting it to ChainAbuse.com. They track crypto scams and might have information on ZG.com or the individuals involved. Don't trust anyone pushing crypto investments on social apps.

Khalid Sheikh · Dubai, UAEanswered 14d ago
5

Oh, dear. This is a classic romance scam blended with an investment fraud. ZG.com sounds like a fictitious exchange designed purely to steal funds. The red flag was the 'friend' from a cooking app, which is a common tactic to build trust before the scam.

For Dublin, your primary reporting body would be the Garda Síochána (Irish police). Report it to them immediately. Also, file a complaint with the Central Bank of Ireland as they oversee financial services and consumer protection. They can’t recover funds directly but can investigate platforms operating illegally.

Your best bet for tracking crypto fraud, though often with slim recovery chances for victims, is to report to ChainAbuse and FBI IC3. They aggregate data which can help identify broader criminal networks.

Chloe Pretorius · Durban, South Africaanswered 14d ago
4

I feel your pain so much. Exactly the same happened to me last year, but it was Instagram. Met this guy, seemed perfect, talked about crypto. He convinced me to put in nearly all my savings. Used a fake platform too. Told me I had 'profits' and then poof! Gone. The police here in France were polite but basically said it was a civil matter unless they could find the actual scammer. Still fighting for it, but… yeah. Stay strong. Don’t blame yourself, they’re very clever.

Emma Robert · Nantes, Franceanswered 14d ago
3

This sounds incredibly familiar. These 'friends' who suddenly become crypto gurus and push specific platforms? Total scam. ZG.com is likely a fake site. They let you see 'profits' to lull you into a false sense of security. Once you deposit a significant amount, especially an inheritance, they just shut it down. The cooking app is just a new avenue for them. Please, everyone, if someone you met online starts pushing crypto investments, especially on an obscure platform, run.

Olivia Roy · Calgary, Canadaanswered 14d ago
3

Gutting. Absolutely gutting. I’ve seen this on other forums. The recipe is always the same: build trust, introduce crypto (usually on a fake site), show fake profits, then vanish. ZG.com is probably one of hundreds of these ghost sites. Did you transfer crypto directly to the ZG.com wallet, or did you use a payment processor? Knowing that might help police, but honestly, recovery is unlikely. Your best bet is to report it to Action Fraud in the UK, if you think there's any link here. They might have seen this ZG.com before.

Daniel Jones · Nottingham, United Kingdomanswered 14d ago
2

Low five figures? Oof. That's rough, mate. Cooking app? Really? They're getting creative, I'll give 'em that. ZG.com sounds like a total sham. If the site is offline, that's a massive red flag. They probably just packed up and vanished. I'd be surprised if local Dublin police have much resource for this type of cross-border crypto stuff. Maybe the FBI IC3 has some clout, but honestly, your funds are probably gone for good.

Joshua Jackson · New York, USAanswered 14d ago
4

I'm so, so sorry. This is exactly what happened to me. I met my 'girlfriend' on a travel app, then she showed me this platform called 'CryptoGainz' (not ZG.com, but same idea). She guided me through depositing my savings. Showed me amazing profits. When I wanted to cash out for my wedding, she disappeared, site went dark. The police here in France said they can’t do much with crypto. They told me to report it to the AMF, but they only deal with regulated financial products. I’ve lost everything.

Louis Richard · Montpellier, Franceanswered 14d ago
3

Devastated is the right word. I'm still recovering from something similar, though not inheritance money, thankfully. Mine was just my savings. Met a 'woman' on a dating site, she talked me into investing on a site called 'CoinWorld Profits'. Seemed legit for a bit, saw my money grow on their dashboard. Then, when I wanted to withdraw £10k, they locked my account, demanded 'taxes' I'd never heard of. Lost it all. Reported to the local police, they took a statement but seemed overwhelmed. Just be careful out there, people.

Sophie Wood · Leeds, United Kingdomanswered 14d ago
4

This is a heartbreaking story, and unfortunately, a very common one. The cooking app is a bit of a twist, but the core scam – fake investment platform, disappearing 'friend' – is a well-worn path. ZG.com is almost certainly a shell. The fact it's offline is proof.

My advice? Report it to the Irish police, yes, but don't expect miracles. Also, report it to ChainAbuse.org. They are specifically set up to track crypto scams and can help the broader community even if your funds aren't recovered. Don't send them any more money, and be *very* wary of anyone offering to 'help' recover it – that's usually the next scam.

Ava Bouchard · Winnipeg, Canadaanswered 14d ago
5

From an expert perspective, this situation is deeply concerning. The use of a social/hobby app like a cooking app to initiate a romance scam leading into investment fraud is a particularly insidious tactic. ZG.com is not a recognized or regulated cryptocurrency exchange. Platforms like this are designed to mimic legitimate exchanges but operate entirely outside any legal framework, making recovery extremely difficult.

For reporting: In France, we’d report to the Police Judiciaire and the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers) if the platform was supposedly offering regulated products. Given it's crypto and likely unregulated, the focus shifts to cybercrime units. You should absolutely report this to the Gardaí. Also, consider reporting to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). They have a global reach and may have seen ZG.com or similar operations.

Jules Robert · Paris, Franceanswered 14d ago
3

Ah, this is brutal. I'm in Dublin too, and I've heard whispers about scams like this hitting locally. ZG.com sounds like a fly-by-night operation. If they're offline, that's it. Game over. The police will take a report, but honestly, with crypto and cross-border stuff, it's a nightmare for them. My mate got scammed outta a few grand last year on a 'forex signal group' that turned out to be fake. He reported it, but heard nothing back. Don't let them convince you to send more money to 'unlock' your funds, that's the second trap.

Sean Kelly · Dublin, Irelandanswered 14d ago
3

This is heartbreaking, and I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It’s the same story I’ve seen pop up repeatedly. They build an emotional connection first. It makes you let your guard down. ZG.com is almost certainly a fake, designed to look real enough to get your money in, but not real enough to let it out. The fact that it’s gone offline is the final nail in the coffin.

I’d report it to the South African Police Service if any part of the 'friend's' profile suggested they were local, but honestly, cross-border crypto scams are incredibly hard to track. The best you can do is report it to ChainAbuse.org and maybe the FBI IC3, as they try to track these operations globally.

Emma Smit · East London, South Africaanswered 14d ago
3

Ugh, a cooking app. They really are using every angle now. ZG.com sounds like a total scam site. Most of these crypto 'platforms' that spring up overnight are just for stealing money. They let you see fake profits to hook you in, then they disappear. Happened to my uncle last year with a site called 'ProfitPro'. He lost about £20k. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) might be able to do something if they have any intel on ZG.com, but it's a long shot. Don't fall for any 'recovery' scams either.

Henry Walker · Gold Coast, Australiaanswered 14d ago
4

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Losing an inheritance is just devastating. The 'friend' from an app, the talk of high returns, the obscure platform – it’s the exact script. ZG.com is probably a complete fabrication. When the site goes offline, that's usually the end of it.

Reporting it is the right thing to do, even if recovery seems unlikely. I'd report it to the Garda Síochána (Irish police) and also to the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (which is part of the Central Bank of Ireland). They might have seen this ZG.com before or have warnings about similar scams. Don't give up hope entirely, but manage your expectations.

Mia Taylor · Melbourne, Australiaanswered 14d ago
4

This is a textbook crypto investment scam, sadly. The connection made through a seemingly innocent app like a cooking one is designed to build trust slowly. ZG.com is not a regulated entity; it's a fake platform. They create an illusion of profit to encourage larger deposits before disappearing.

For reporting, the key is international cooperation. You should file a police report with the Garda Síochána in Dublin. Also, consider lodging a complaint with the UAE’s cybercrime department if the scammer had any connection here, as they are quite aggressive in prosecuting cyber fraud. More practically, report it to ChainAbuse.org; they track these scams and victims can often find support there, even if recovery isn't possible.

Noor Al Hashemi · Ras Al Khaimah, UAEanswered 14d ago
3

Reading this makes my stomach turn. It’s happening all over again. I fell for a similar scam about 8 months ago. Met a 'woman' on Facebook, she seemed so sweet. Started talking about crypto and this platform called 'GainzMax'. She guided me through everything. I invested $30k, which was all my savings. Saw the numbers go up on the site. Then she ghosted me, site went dead. Tried reporting it to the FBI IC3, they said they'd look into it but I haven't heard anything back. It’s like they just vanish into thin air. So sorry.

Joshua Lopez · San Diego, USAanswered 14d ago
4

Oh, honey. I’ve been there. It feels like the worst kind of betrayal, doesn't it? Especially when it's inheritance money. My 'boyfriend' from a gaming forum convinced me to invest in 'Quantum Trades'. Made me feel so stupid when it all vanished. He even threatened me when I asked for my money back. The police here in South Africa were sympathetic but ultimately helpless. They told me to report it to ChainAbuse.org. It didn't get my money back, but talking to others there helped me feel less alone. Please be kind to yourself.

Hannah van der Merwe · Port Elizabeth, South Africaanswered 14d ago
3

ZG.com? Never heard of it, and I'm deep in crypto. That's already a massive red flag. If it's offline now, that’s your answer. It was a scam. Cooking app 'friend'? Please. They're preying on loneliness and greed. It's awful. I'd report it to the local police, obviously, but don't expect much. The CFTC might be interested if there's any connection to US markets, but honestly, it sounds like it was designed to be untraceable. Be careful of anyone offering to get your money back – they're scammers too.

Sarah Botha · Durban, South Africaanswered 14d ago
3

This is horrifying. I'm so sorry you're going through this. The 'friend' from an app, the crypto push, the fake platform... it’s a tale as old as time now. ZG.com sounds completely fake. If the site is offline, that's the confirmation.

I'd report this to the Garda Síochána (Irish police) in Dublin. They *do* have cybercrime units, though their resources can be stretched. Also, check if the Central Bank of Ireland has any specific warnings about ZG.com or similar unregulated crypto platforms. Don't let anyone charge you upfront fees to 'recover' your funds; that's the next scam waiting to happen.

Lucas Ouellet · Victoria, Canadaanswered 14d ago
4

I am so, so sorry. This sounds exactly like what happened to my sister last year. Met someone on Tinder, who then convinced her to invest in a platform called 'CoinFlow'. She put in nearly $50k. They showed fake profits for weeks, then took everything. The police here in Galway took a report, but said it was very difficult to trace crypto internationally. She reported it to ChainAbuse.org, which at least gave her some resources and a community. It's a terrible feeling, knowing you've been robbed like this.

James Ryan · Galway, Irelandanswered 14d ago
4

Man, that cooking app thing is a new one. Usually, it’s dating sites or social media. ZG.com… yeah, if it’s offline, you’re probably out of luck. They create these sites to steal crypto, show you fake gains, then vanish. It's devastating. I lost about €15k about a year ago to a platform called 'GlobalTradeX'. Met the scammer on Instagram. Reported it to the Dutch police, they were sympathetic but said it’s almost impossible to trace once the crypto is gone. They recommended reporting to Europol, which I did. Haven’t heard anything.

Saar de Boer · Breda, Netherlandsanswered 14d ago
15

ZG.com is a known entity for these types of scams. They operate in a grey area, often registered in jurisdictions with lax oversight. The fact that the site is down now is a huge red flag and typical playbook for these outfits. Unfortunately, recovering funds from these platforms once they go dark is exceptionally difficult, bordering on impossible. The crypto is likely already laundered through mixers or converted to untraceable assets. Your best bet is reporting, but manage expectations.

Noah Jansen · Amsterdam, Netherlandsanswered 14d ago
12

Oh wow, that is just heartbreaking. I'm so incredibly sorry you're going through this. It sounds like such a sophisticated scam, and honestly, they're so good at manipulating people's trust. Please don't be too hard on yourself. You trusted someone, and that's a human thing to do. Sending you lots of strength and hope that maybe some solution can be found, even if it feels impossible right now.

Jessica Davis · Los Angeles, USAanswered 14d ago
10

Ah Dublin, I'm just up in Galway myself. Heard similar stories, even with crypto scams not involving apps. Cooking apps, dating apps, social media... they all seem to be fair game now for these scammers. ZG.com sounds like one of the many fake exchanges that pop up to funnel money out. The advice I'd give is: NEVER invest based on someone you met online, especially on an app not designed for finance. And if it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. The police will take a report, but recovery is the tough part. Report it to the Irish police (Gardaí) anyway, and maybe the Central Bank of Ireland as well. They might have records or be tracking these platforms.

Sean O'Connor · Galway, Irelandanswered 14d ago
9

Ugh, I feel this deep in my gut. Went through something similar a few years back, though not crypto, it was a 'forex trading' scam. Met someone online, they seemed legit, even showed me 'profits'. Put in a few grand, then POOF. The person vanished, the platform evaporated. It took me months to even admit to myself I'd been duped. I reported it, but nothing came of it, tbh. What helped me, weirdly, was just talking about it. Don't let it eat you up. You're not stupid, you were targeted by a professional con artist.

Louis Lefebvre · Nantes, Franceanswered 14d ago
14

This ZG.com sounds like a classic 'pig butchering' scam variant. They groom you over time, build trust, then introduce the fake investment. The key is that they control the fake platform, so they can show you 'profits' that don't exist. When you try to withdraw, that's when they pull the rug. These operations are often run by organized crime groups, sometimes based overseas. Reporting to your local Gardaí is the correct step, but understand that funds are very rarely recovered in these scenarios. Avoid any platform recommended by someone you meet online, no matter how convincing they seem.

Emma Schulz · Hamburg, Germanyanswered 14d ago
11

I'm so sorry this happened to you. It's devastating when trust is broken like that, especially when it involves your inheritance. ZG.com is not a legitimate exchange, from what I've seen in other cases. These fake platforms are designed solely to steal funds. Your 'friend' was likely part of the scam operation. Report this to the Gardaí in Dublin, and also consider reporting it to the AFM (the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets) if ZG.com had any semblance of a European presence or marketing, though it might be a long shot. Stay safe out there.

Fatima Sheikh · Al Ain, UAEanswered 14d ago
13

This is exactly what happened to me last year. Met a guy on a travel app, we chatted for months. He told me about this amazing investment opportunity, showed me 'statements' from it. I put in about €10k of my savings. ZG.com was the platform he used too. Same story – site went down, he blocked me. I felt like such an idiot. I reported it to the police here in Lille, but they just took a statement. Said it was likely offshore and very hard to track. I'm still so angry and upset about it. You are not alone.

Alice Richard · Lille, Franceanswered 14d ago
10

This ZG.com thing is making the rounds, it seems. They're targeting people everywhere. The cooking app angle is new, but the core scam is old. The fake exchange, the fake friend, the vanishing act. It's classic. Look, reporting to the police is the right thing to do, but don't expect miracles. These guys operate with impunity sometimes. What I always tell people now: if someone you meet *online* pushes you towards *any* investment platform, especially crypto, run away. It's a scam 99.9% of the time. They'll often pressure you to move funds quickly too. That's a huge red flag.

Jacob Fortin · Quebec City, Canadaanswered 14d ago
12

As someone who follows the crypto space closely, ZG.com has popped up on scam lists before. They often operate using cloned websites and fake social media profiles to appear legitimate. The fact that they're using social apps like cooking or dating apps to initially connect is a common tactic to build trust before the scam. Reporting to the Gardaí is essential. You might also consider reporting to ChainAbuse, which is a platform dedicated to tracking crypto scams and can sometimes flag these exchanges, even if they can't recover funds directly. It helps build a case against them.

Ava MacDonald · Edmonton, Canadaanswered 14d ago
9

ZG.com? Never heard of it, but that sounds precisely like a scam exchange. They create a fake website, often with a plausible-sounding name, and then have a 'friend' guide you through depositing funds. They might even show you fake profits on a dashboard they control. Then, when you want to cash out, bam. Gone. My mate Dave lost about £3k to something similar last year via a 'trading signal group' on Telegram. He reported it to Action Fraud, but they said unless there's a UK-based entity to pursue, recovery is unlikely. Sorry you're in this mess.

Charlie Wilson · Bristol, United Kingdomanswered 14d ago
11

Oh, reading this makes my stomach churn. I was in a very similar situation about 18 months ago. Met someone on a language exchange app, seemed so genuine. They introduced me to a platform called 'CryptoMaxi' (sounds ridiculous now, I know). I ended up putting in about €8,000. Saw fake gains, then tried to withdraw and… nothing. The person ghosted, the site disappeared. I felt so incredibly foolish. I reported it to the police here in Dusseldorf, but they were not optimistic. You're not alone in this, and please don't blame yourself. They are very, very good at what they do.

Sophie Schmidt · Dusseldorf, Germanyanswered 14d ago
10

I'm so sorry to hear about your inheritance. That's a truly awful situation. These types of scams, where someone builds a relationship online and then pivots to an investment, are heartbreaking. ZG.com is not a recognized or regulated platform. The most important thing now is to report it. In Dubai, we'd report to the Dubai Police or the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). For you in Ireland, definitely report to the Gardaí. While recovery is tough, reporting is crucial to track these operations and prevent others from falling victim. Sending you strength.

Maryam Ahmed · Dubai, UAEanswered 14d ago
13

This ZG.com sounds like a dead giveaway for a scam. They create these fake platforms and use fake profiles, often run from overseas, making them incredibly hard to trace. The 'friend' from the cooking app is a classic part of the 'pig butchering' scam. They groom you, gain your trust, then push you towards their fake investment. It's devastating. Report it to the Gardaí, definitely. You could also check if the Irish Central Bank has any warnings about ZG.com. Sometimes they list fraudulent entities. It’s a long shot, but worth a look.

Isla Jones · Perth, Australiaanswered 14d ago
12

I can relate to this so much. Last year, I met someone on a social media site who convinced me to invest in what they called 'Global Trade Partners'. It looked real, I saw 'profits'. It was a scam, and I lost nearly €15,000 I'd saved for a house deposit. The site vanished. The person vanished. I felt like such a fool. The police here in Dresden took my statement but were very clear that recovering money from offshore crypto scams is nearly impossible. It's a brutal lesson, and I'm so sorry you're going through it. Don't let them win by making you feel ashamed.

Anna Schafer · Dresden, Germanyanswered 14d ago
14

ZG.com is a known scam operation. They frequently appear on lists of fraudulent crypto exchanges. The 'friend' from a social app is a hallmark of this type of scam, often called 'pig butchering.' They build trust over time, then introduce the fake investment. The fact that the website is now offline confirms this. Reporting to the Gardaí is the correct first step. You could also look into reporting to ChainAbuse, a platform that tracks crypto-related crime. While direct fund recovery is unlikely, these reports can help law enforcement build cases against these criminal networks.

Sara Khan · Sharjah, UAEanswered 14d ago
11

Oh god, I'm so sorry. I'm in Dublin too and I've heard whispers about ZG.com and similar platforms. It's terrifying how they target people. My neighbour lost her savings to a fake investment last year. She reported it to the Gardaí, and they did take a statement, but she was told realistically recovery is very slim with these overseas operations. She was advised to report to the Central Bank of Ireland too, they might have a list of fraudulent firms. Please try not to blame yourself, they're pros at this.

Grace O'Neill · Dublin, Irelandanswered 14d ago
9

Cooking app? Wow. They really do try anything, don't they? ZG.com sounds like one of the countless fake crypto exchanges that exist solely to steal people's money. The 'friend' who vanished is obviously part of the scam. Look, I've seen too many people fall for this. Reporting it to the police is the standard advice, but honestly, don't get your hopes up for getting the money back. These scams are often run by international syndicates, and tracking them down is a nightmare. Just be more careful next time, that's all you can really do.

Louis Laurent · Toulouse, Franceanswered 14d ago
13

Based on the details, ZG.com fits the profile of a fraudulent cryptocurrency exchange. These platforms are designed to appear legitimate but are set up for illicit purposes. The 'friend' from a social app is a common tactic to gain trust before pushing the victim towards the fake platform. The disappearance of the website is a strong indicator of a scam. In the UK, we'd report this to Action Fraud. For Ireland, filing a report with the Gardaí is the primary step. It's also worth checking if the AFM (Authority for the Financial Markets) has any public warnings, though their jurisdiction might not extend directly to ZG.com if it's offshore.

Henry Hall · Brighton, United Kingdomanswered 14d ago
11

Oh man, I am so sorry. Reading this brought back bad memories. I lost a significant chunk of money to a similar fake crypto platform a couple years ago after meeting someone online. The whole 'friend' who guides you and the fake website that shows profits? Classic. They vanished, and so did my money. I reported it to the FBI IC3, which is the US equivalent of what you might need. They couldn't get my money back, but they do track these things. It's a horrific feeling, and I hope you find some peace with it, eventually. Don't let it define you.

Lucas Gauthier · Vancouver, Canadaanswered 14d ago
10

This is heartbreaking. ZG.com is a known entity in the scam world. They pop up, take money, and disappear. The 'friend' from the cooking app? That's the grooming phase. They build rapport before they introduce the fake investment. It's a variation of the pig-butchering scam. You absolutely should report it to the Gardaí in Dublin. Also, check the AFM website, they sometimes list unlicensed entities that are targeting European consumers. But be warned, recovery from these operations is extremely rare once the money is moved. You are not alone in this. So many people have been victims.

Lina Lefebvre · Lyon, Franceanswered 14d ago
5

Oh man, that is brutal. So sorry you're going through this. These romance/investment scams are getting so sophisticated, preyin' on people's loneliness and trust. That whole cooking app thing? Classic setup. They build rapport, then pivot to the money. ZG.com sounds like it was just a fake front, designed to look legit for a bit before they vanished. Did you ever get any official-looking paperwork from them, or was it all handled through the app and their site? Sometimes the devil is in those details, like if they claimed to be registered anywhere.

Logan Morin · Winnipeg, Canadaanswered 14d ago

Your answer

You'll be asked to sign in to post.