My 'future business partner' from LinkedIn cleaned me out with a fake platform. What now?

Ugh, this is classic pig butchering, even if it wasn't a romantic angle, it's the same playbook. They groom you, build trust, then fatten you up for the slaughter. The fact it was LinkedIn is really insidious because people trust that platform for professional connections. Reporting to IC3 is definitely the right first step in the US; make sure you gave them *everything* – all chat logs, transaction details (even small ones), wallet addresses if you sent crypto, their LinkedIn profile URL if you still have it cached, any identifying info. The key is speedy reporting and comprehensive details. Also, check if they used a known phantom exchange. Sometimes these apps mimic real ones or use very distinct branding. Every piece of info helps, even if it feels small.

It's vital to understand the modus operandi here. These scams, commonly known as 'pig butchering' or 'Sha Zhu Pan,' originate primarily from criminal syndicates in Southeast Asia, often operating from compounds in countries like Cambodia or Myanmar. They target individuals worldwide, using social engineering to build trust over weeks or months. The fake 'AI trading platform' is just a hook. The money you send isn't invested; it goes straight into their pockets. You did right reporting to IC3. Your next step should be to monitor your credit reports and bank statements for any further suspicious activity, as these groups sometimes steal identity details during the scam. While difficult, recovery is not impossible if you had real crypto transactions and the funds moved to a traceable exchange. Firms like Nethertrace specialize in tracing these transactions.

Oh Emily, I am so, so sorry this happened to you. Please don't feel stupid. These scammers are incredibly sophisticated, and they target people who are smart and trusting. It's a huge emotional and financial betrayal. You did the right thing by reporting to IC3. Keep all your documentation, every single message, screenshot of the app, bank statements, everything. Seriously, keep it all because you might need it again. Focus on your well-being right now too, this kind of trauma is real. Talk to someone you trust, maybe a therapist, because it's not just about the money. Sending you strength.

LinkedIn is getting really bad for these. I keep seeing people get hit. It kinda makes me wonder if LinkedIn even cares? Like, they have to know their platform is being used for this stuff, right? It's not like these profiles pop up and disappear without a trace in a day. They're usually up for a while, interacting. And that 'AI trading platform' line? That's such a huge red flag now, everyone's selling that dream. Always, *always* be skeptical of anyone pushing 'exclusive' investment opportunities, especially if you met them online. If it sounds too good to be true, it absolutely is. Hope you get something back, but it's tough once the money's gone to these offshore groups.

Ugh, this is so frustrating to hear. Another one using the 'AI trading' angle. From Singapore, you say? While the MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) is pretty strict, these scam platforms are almost never actually *in* Singapore, they just claim to be to sound legitimate. It just shows how brazen these guys are. Like Isla said, LinkedIn needs to step up their game. They're making it too easy for these criminals. I mean, social engineering is their whole thing. It's a cruel trick when you're just looking to network professionally. I hope the IC3 can do something, but honestly, recovery is super difficult with these types of scams.

I lost about the same amount (maybe a little more) to a 'crypto miner' guy I met on Instagram. Said he was a former engineer for a big tech firm. It wasn't an AI platform per se, but it was a fake app, fake returns, then bam, gone. I felt exactly how you do. The shame hit me hard, and the embarrassment. I didn't even tell my husband for weeks. When I finally reported it to the FBI and my bank, they were helpful but pretty clear about the chances. I've heard some people have success with Nethertrace for asset recovery, but I haven't tried them myself, just couldn't face throwing more money after bad money. But yeah, the emotional side is brutal, don't dismiss that. It takes time to heal.

Emily, je suis vraiment désolé. I understand how you feel completely. I fell for a similar 'exclusive investment' scam, though mine was pitched as high-return forex. Met the person on a dating app, he acted so genuine too. The money is devastating, yes, but the emotional cost, the feeling of betrayal and foolishness, that's what truly haunts you. I reported it to the police here in France, but it's a long process, they don't have much hope either due to the international nature. Try to focus on self-care. It wasn't your fault, these people are predators. We all just wished for a better future, and they exploited that hope. Take it one day at a time.

Emily, my heart absolutely breaks for you reading this. It's truly not your fault. These scammers are master manipulators, and they prey on people's hopes and dreams. The fact that it was LinkedIn just adds another layer of betrayal. You did the absolute right thing by reporting to IC3, and please know that you're not alone. So many people have fallen victim to these sophisticated schemes. Be kind to yourself, and don't let shame stop you from reaching out for support. Maybe even talk to a financial advisor about how to rebuild, because sometimes just knowing you have a plan can help with the emotional burden. Sending you so much love and strength.

Agreed with everyone here, this is a terrible situation, no two ways about it. The shame is the worst part, makes you feel so isolated. But loads of people fall for this, whether it's an 'AI platform' or a 'private forex group'. What I'd suggest alongside the IC3 report is to also notify LinkedIn itself about the account (if you remember the username, even if it's gone now). Sometimes they can track IPs or other connected accounts. And definitely change any passwords for accounts that might have been compromised or linked, even tangentially. And talk to your bank about any measures they have for fraud. FWIW, this isn't your fault, they are professional criminals.

Yeah, I'm kinda living this nightmare too, Emily. Lost about 15k last year to an 'investment advisor' who reached out on Facebook. Same story: fake app, 'guaranteed returns', then poof. The initial small, easy payouts are designed to hook you. Once you put in the big money, they pull the rug. It's devastating. I feel pretty useless. I reported to Action Fraud in Blighty, but they basically said chances are slim to none. It feels like this is just the cost of being online now, somehow. I get angry thinking about it, but also just defeated. You're not alone in how you feel, truly.