Met a guy on LinkedIn, now my savings are gone to 'Mountain Effort'. How do I even report this?

Oh honey, I'm so, so sorry this happened to you. Please don't beat yourself up; these scammers are absolute pros. They target people who are smart and trusting, making the setups incredibly sophisticated. From what you've described, this is a classic 'pig butchering' scam. They *always* demand those fake 'taxes' or 'fees' right when you try to withdraw – it's how they squeeze you for more. You gotta remember, you didn't do anything wrong, they targeted you deliberately. The first rule is to stop all contact with them immediately. Block them everywhere. Do NOT send any more money, no matter what they promise. You won't get your money back that way. Gather absolutely everything: screenshots of chats, transaction records, the fake website URL, even the profile pic of the scammer. This evidence is crucial for reporting. I know it hurts, but reporting is important not just for you, but to help authorities track these networks.

I really feel for you, Jia. I went through something eerily similar, also here in Singapore, though my scammer started on Instagram. I lost a significant amount to a fake forex platform. It's truly devastating. The immediate thing you need to do is report it to the Singapore Police Force (SPF) via their anti-scam hotline or go to a Neighbourhood Police Centre. They're pretty good about these things here. I also reported mine to the MAS, even though they mainly regulate licensed entities. It helps them track unlicensed operations and issue warnings. Don't hold back any info, no matter how small it seems. The emotional toll is huge, so please also consider talking to someone, a trusted friend or even a counsellor. You are not alone in this; there are many of us in Singapore who've been hit.

Ngl, this is so tough. But you're not alone, seriously. These guys are professional manipulators. Don't let the shame eat at you. Even if getting the money back feels impossible, reporting helps build the case files against these organised crime groups. For your situation in Singapore, you need to report it to the Singapore Police Force's Anti-Scam Centre. They have specific units that deal with these types of investment and online scams. They might also direct you to relevant international bodies if the money was laundered offshore. Just make sure you have all your transaction details, bank statements showing the money leaving your account, and any communication with the scammer. Every little bit of info helps.

Please, please do not feel stupid. These criminals are sophisticated and very good at what they do. I've seen too many cases here in the UAE and internationally with similar patterns. The red flag you mentioned – the 'tax' or 'fee' to withdraw – is a universal scam tactic in these investment schemes. A legitimate platform *never* demands extra payments to release your own funds. And if you're ever looking at an investment platform, especially crypto, *always* verify its legitimacy. Check for proper regulatory licenses with bodies like the MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) or other relevant financial authorities. If a platform isn't regulated where it claims to operate, run a mile. This 'Mountain Effort' sounds like a textbook fake exchange. Stay strong, and focus on reporting.

Ugh, my heart goes out to you. LinkedIn, seriously? They're expanding their hunting grounds. The whole 'Mountain Effort' thing sounds exactly like the 'investment platform' my scammer kept pushing. I got taken for about 4k a couple years back, mostly credit card debt now. What I learned from my experience: for sure, report it to your local police. Here in Canada, it's the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). They collect the data, even if they can't always recover funds. You should also file a report with your bank. They might not be able to get the money back, especially if it's crypto, but sometimes they can flag the recipient accounts or at least advise on how to secure your own finances. And tbh, don't keep it to yourself. That's what they want. Telling someone you trust, even just one person, helps a lot with the emotional processing. It's a heavy burden to carry alone.

Jia, je suis désolé pour ce que tu traverses. It's a horrible situation and these people are truly evil. The 'Mountain Effort' platform is 100% a fake, a prop for their scam. The LinkedIn approach is getting super common, makes it seem more legitimate right? Always be suspicious if someone you've literally never met in person starts talking about 'amazing investment opportunities' after just a few chats. It's a classic red flag. Your primary reporting should be with the Singapore authorities, as Hui mentioned. If you happened to send money through international wires, it might also be worth contacting the financial intelligence unit in the country where the bank account was located, if you have that info. It's a long shot but covers all bases. Take care of yourself, the emotional shock can be brutal.

As another survivor, I can tell you the shame is the worst part. But please, don't let it stop you from reporting. I fell for a similar crypto scheme, also involving a fake exchange name, lost almost everything. The critical step is preserving *all* communication. I mean literally everything – call logs, message histories, email exchanges, the fake website URL, even the scammer's IP address if you somehow have it. Anything that can help trace them. Even if Singapore police can't recover the funds, reporting helps them build intelligence which *can* eventually lead to takedowns and arrests internationally. It's a long game but every report contributes. And please, just block 'em. They'll try to contact you again, often pretending to be 'recovery agents.' Don't fall for it.

This whole 'Mountain Effort' setup is textbook pig butchering. The way they groom you, present themselves as successful, then introduce a 'guaranteed' investment platform, and finally the withdrawal fees – it's all part of the script. For reporting, as you're in Singapore, your primary point of contact is the Singapore Police Force's Anti-Scam Centre. They have dedicated resources for these types of cases. While direct fund recovery is challenging, especially with crypto, it's not impossible, and reporting is crucial for intelligence gathering. You should also inform your bank and any financial institutions involved immediately. If the funds went to offshore accounts, coordinating with international agencies is often part of the police investigation. Remember, transparency with authorities is key, however embarrassing it might feel. Every piece of data helps them piece together these global criminal networks.

Hey, it's absolutely not your fault. These guys are professionals and they spend months building trust. I've seen these scams pop up everywhere, they're constantly evolving. The 'Mountain Effort' scam is just one of many names they use for their fake platforms. My biggest warning to you, alongside reporting everything to the Singapore Police, is to watch out for 'recovery' scams. Once you're identified as a victim, other scammers often swoop in, pretending to be ethical hackers or recovery agents, promising to get your money back for an upfront fee. IT'S ANOTHER SCAM. They'll just take more of your money. Never pay anyone promising to recover funds for you. There are no magical solutions, sadly. Focus on the official reporting channels only.

I really feel for you. I was in a similar boat, lost a good chunk to a fake crypto investment – same kind of story, met someone online, they were so keen to help me 'succeed'. The best thing I did was just gather *everything* and make that initial report. It felt awful, but it's like a weight was lifted just getting it out there. Even if the money isn't recovered, it stops these awful people from doing it to someone else as easily. For Singapore, the SPF is definitely the way to go first. I remember reading that the MAS has an investor alert list too, you can check if 'Mountain Effort' is flagged there, and if not, maybe getting it on there could help warn others. You've been through a lot, be kind to yourself.

Oh wow, that's brutal. LinkedIn is a breeding ground for these investment scams lately. They target professionals because they assume you're sophisticated. That 'Mountain Effort' platform is definitely a red flag. The whole 'tax to withdraw' thing? Classic move.

In Singapore, you need to report this to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and also the police's Commercial Affairs Department (CAD). Don't feel stupid AT ALL. These guys are pros at manipulation. You did well to reach out here. Keep all your communication records, screenshots, everything. It's a long shot, but it's the only shot you have. Honestly, focus on yourself now.

Argh, I feel this in my soul. Similar thing happened to me, though thankfully not that much money. Got caught by a forex trading scam. Thought I was so smart, making quick cash. Then the 'fees' started. It felt like I was drowning. The shame kept me quiet for weeks. My husband eventually found out and pushed me to report it to the South African Reserve Bank and Action Fraud UK (since the dodgy comms were through a UK number). They didn't get my money back, but reporting it felt like taking back a tiny bit of power. You are NOT alone. Message me if you need to vent.

This sounds EXACTLY like a typical advance-fee scam disguised as a crypto investment. The LinkedIn approach is common. They build trust, show fake profits, then demand 'taxes' or 'withdrawal fees' which are just more money disappearing. My cousin lost a similar amount to a 'broker' who promised amazing returns on stock options. The BaFin (German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) might be worth contacting, even if you're not in Germany, as they might have warnings on similar entities. Always, ALWAYS verify the platform's regulatory status. Google the platform name + 'scam' or 'review' BEFORE depositing ANYTHING. Stay strong.

Twelve-thousand doesn't sound right. Is $120,000 a typo?? I'm all for caution, but that's a massive hit. This 'Mountain Effort' sounds like a ghost. Did you check their registration with MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore)? They have a warning list. If it's not there and they're demanding big fees, that's a huge neon sign. The guy from LinkedIn, did you ever do a video call? See his actual face? If not, big red flag. People who are legit usually don't mind a quick video chat.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I lost my life savings last year too, about $50k, to a 'forex trading bot' I found through a Facebook ad. Same story: initial small profits, talking to a 'support team' that was just a bunch of scammers, and then bam – they wanted a 'processing fee' to get my money out. I felt so ashamed, like I'd failed my family. I reported it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. They couldn't recover the funds, but they did take down the website eventually. It's a horrible feeling, knowing you've been tricked. Hang in there.

This is heartbreaking. That demand for a 'tax' to withdraw funds is the oldest trick in the book for crypto scams. They lure you in with fake gains, then bleed you dry with fabricated fees and taxes. The fact that you met them on LinkedIn, a professional platform, makes it even more insidious.

If you're in Canada, file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). They collect reports on fraud, and while they might not recover your money directly, they compile data that helps law enforcement track these criminal networks. Also, contact your local police's fraud unit.

NEVER send money for taxes or fees to withdraw funds. That's the biggest red flag. Legitimate platforms don't operate like that.

Mate, that is rough. $120k is devastating. No amount of professionalism on LinkedIn can make these dodgy crypto exchanges legitimate. It’s designed to look real, that's the whole point. Did you get any sort of prospectus or official documentation from 'Mountain Effort'? Even just a user agreement? If it’s all just a slick website and chat messages, that’s a bad sign.

In the UK, you'd report to Action Fraud. They're the national reporting centre. I lost about £5k a few years back to a solar panel investment scam. Never saw a penny back, but reporting it felt like the right thing to do, even if it was just data for them. Don't beat yourself up too much. These scams are sophisticated.

This is awful. I'm so sorry. I went through something similar, though my loss was 'only' $20k. It was with a fake stock trading app my 'friend' (who I met online, but not LinkedIn) recommended. They kept asking for more money for 'margin' and 'withdrawal fees' until I had nothing left. My parents ended up helping me report it to the Dutch police and the AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten). No money back, obviously. But the AFM is the financial regulator here in the Netherlands, so they're the ones to go to for investment fraud. It feels completely soul-crushing. We're here for you.

This situation is all too common, unfortunately. The 'Mountain Effort' operation likely employs social engineering tactics honed over years. They create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, coupled with fabricated proof of success, to bypass critical thinking.

Given your location in Singapore, the primary bodies to engage are:

1. Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS): They regulate financial services and can offer guidance if the platform falls under their purview or has an unlicensed presence.
2. Singapore Police Force (SPF) - Commercial Affairs Department (CAD): This is the primary agency for investigating financial crimes, including investment fraud and scams.

Do not pay any further 'taxes' or 'fees'. This is a classic hallmark of an exit scam. Every interaction, every screenshot, every email is evidence. Gather it all methodically.

That's a brutal loss. It’s terrifying how these scams operate, especially on platforms like LinkedIn where trust is implicitly assumed. They leverage that perceived legitimacy. The tactic of demanding a 'tax' or 'fee' to release funds is a dead giveaway for a scam. Legitimate exchanges don't operate this way.

In Canada, you should file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). They are the central agency for collecting information on fraud. You should also contact the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or your local police service's financial crime unit. Keep meticulous records of all communications, transaction details, and especially the instructions given to withdraw funds. That 'tax' request is your smoking gun.

Oh dear, I'm so sorry to hear this. This sounds like a very common crypto scam. The initial 'professional' contact, the fake platform, and the final 'tax' or 'fee' demand. It's designed to make you feel stupid, but please don't. These people are professional scammers. You did absolutely right to question Mountain Effort's legitimacy when you looked it up.

Since you're in Singapore, definitely report it to the MAS and the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) of the Singapore Police Force. They're well-equipped to handle these cases. Hang in there. It’s a horrible feeling, but reporting is the first step to regaining some control.

Wow, that's a huge amount. I'm truly sorry you're going through this. These 'investment' platforms that pop up out of nowhere and demand fees to withdraw are almost always scams. The LinkedIn connection is just frosting on the cake to make it seem legitimate. Did you try to verify 'Mountain Effort's' registration or licensing anywhere? Maybe checking with the MAS in Singapore? They keep a list of regulated entities.

Also, if you can, check if this guy from LinkedIn is even a real person. Sometimes they use fake profiles. It's a really tough situation, and I hope you can find some recourse, but honestly, don't pay any more money.

This is a textbook advance-fee fraud, specifically targeting crypto. The LinkedIn introduction is a common tactic to establish false credibility. The 'Mountain Effort' platform is likely a shell corporation designed solely to abscond with funds. The demand for a 'tax' to process withdrawals is the final confirmation of a scam. Legitimate financial institutions and exchanges do not operate this way. Any funds requested for such 'taxes' are simply lost.

From an international perspective, reporting to Interpol might be an option, though efficacy varies greatly. Locally, in Singapore, the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) is the appropriate investigative body for financial crimes. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) should also be informed. Do not send any further money.

Oh no, $120,000 is devastating. I lost about R200,000 (South African Rand) a few years back to what I thought was a legitimate property investment scheme I found on Facebook. They kept asking for more and more money for 'development fees' and 'legal costs'. I felt so stupid and embarrassed, especially because we'd told my parents we were investing. Eventually, we reported it to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and also the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) here. No money back, but reporting it felt like a necessary step. It’s so hard to trust anyone online after something like this.

Jeez, $120k... that's a nightmare. I lost about $15k to a fake crypto mining operation I found via Instagram ads. This 'Mountain Effort' thing sounds exactly the same. They build up this fake profit dashboard, then when you want your money, suddenly there are 'taxes' or 'verification fees'. It's always fees! Did you transfer money directly to them or via a bank transfer? If it was a bank transfer, contact your bank IMMEDIATELY and see if they can do a chargeback, though it's unlikely after a while. Otherwise, your best bet is reporting to MAS and the police in Singapore. Don't send more cash.

LinkedIn is crawling with these investment scammers. It's infuriating. They create fake profiles, pose as recruiters or business connections, and then slide into DMs about 'opportunity'. This 'Mountain Effort' sounds like a complete fabrication. The demand for a 'tax' before withdrawal is the scammer's calling card. They know if they can get more money out of you, they will.

Do not, under any circumstances, send them more money. Report this to the relevant authorities in Singapore – the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) of the police. For international reach, look into reporting to the relevant financial intelligence units or even filing complaints with bodies like the CFTC if they claim to deal with US markets, though their jurisdiction might be limited. Keep records.

Ugh, LinkedIn scams are the worst. I got approached by someone talking about 'amazing opportunities' in NFTs on there last year. I didn't send them money, thankfully, but they were super persistent. That 'Mountain Effort' sounds exactly like the kind of fake platform they push. The tax thing? Total scam. NEVER pay fees to withdraw money. Seriously.

If you haven't already, report it to the MAS and the police in Singapore. They have departments specifically for this. It's probably not going to get your money back, but it might stop them from doing it to someone else. Stay safe out there.

This is incredibly disheartening. The use of LinkedIn adds a layer of deception, making the scam appear more credible. The core of this is a fraud scheme, likely involving unregistered brokers and a fictitious platform. The demand for advance fees (taxes, etc.) is a classic indicator.

Reporting is crucial. In Singapore, you should file complaints with both the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) of the Singapore Police Force. These agencies are responsible for investigating financial crime and potential regulatory breaches.

A key tip for the future: Any platform claiming to offer high returns with little to no risk, especially in volatile markets like crypto, should be treated with extreme skepticism. Always verify the registration and licensing of any financial service provider with the relevant regulatory body BEFORE investing.

Bloody hell, $120k. That's a punch to the gut. The LinkedIn route is a classic. They groom you. That platform, 'Mountain Effort', sounds like all the other fake crypto exchanges popping up. The 'tax to withdraw' crap is standard scammer talk. Don't send another cent.

In Australia, you'd report this to Scamwatch. They're run by the ACCC. Also, report it to your state police force's fraud squad. You might not get the money back, but reporting it is essential. Maybe check if 'Mountain Effort' has any connection, even a fake one, to the US markets and report to the CFTC as well? They might have some info or warnings. It's a horrible situation, truly.

Wow, that's a brutal amount to lose. Mountain Effort sounds like a classic advance-fee scam, sadly. They build trust, show fake profits, then hit you with taxes or fees to 'release' funds you can't actually withdraw. LinkedIn is unfortunately a prime spot for these investment scams too. They leverage the professional veneer. For reporting, you'll want to start with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). They oversee financial institutions. Also, check out the Singapore Police Force's Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Centre (AIRC) if you suspect it's crypto related.

Oh no, that's devastating. I'm so sorry you're going through this. $120k is a huge sum. Don't beat yourself up, these scammers are incredibly manipulative. Many people fall for these tactics. Since you're in Singapore, your first port of call should be the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) of the Singapore Police Force. They handle financial crimes. You should also report it to the MAS. They have a portal for reporting market misconduct and fraud. And for crypto-specific scams, the MAS has been working with the industry, so they'll want to know about Mountain Effort. Keep all your communication logs and evidence. Sending you strength.

LinkedIn, eh? That's a red flag right there for finance stuff, ngl. Most legit advisors aren't cold-contacting people out of the blue on there for investments, especially not crypto. Mountain Effort? Never heard of it, which isn't a great sign. Did you do any checks yourself? Like, did you look up its registration or see if it was licensed anywhere credible? Usually, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. That 'tax' to withdraw sounds like a classic scam tactic. They'll keep asking for more money. I'd be very surprised if you get that money back, mate.

This sounds like a classic pump-and-dump scheme overlayed with a fake exchange. The LinkedIn approach, the 'insider' access, the fabricated profits – these are all textbook. The demand for a 'tax' to withdraw is the final confirmation most of the time. They drain you dry. You should report this to the local police, of course. In Germany, you'd go to the Polizei and potentially the BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority), though BaFin's reach on offshore crypto scams can be limited. The critical thing is to accept that recovery is *extremely* unlikely. Focus on preventing future incidents. And for others reading: NEVER send money to an unknown platform based on a social media contact.

Whoa, $120k is a nightmare scenario. This smells fishy beyond belief. LinkedIn is not a financial advisor platform, and 'Mountain Effort' sounds made-up. The 'tax' to withdraw is pure scam 101. They are going to keep asking for more and more money until you have nothing left. Cut off contact with whoever this person is immediately. Do NOT send them any more money, no matter what they promise. Your savings are gone, and sadly, there's a very low chance of recovering them. You'll want to report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and also your local authorities. That's about all you can do.

A very common scenario on unregulated crypto platforms, and LinkedIn has become a breeding ground. Mountain Effort isn't registered anywhere credible, I can tell you that. The 'tax' is a fabrication to extort more funds. In France, you would report this to TRACFIN (Traitement du renseignement et action contre les circuits financiers clandestins) and also the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). For international cooperation, the AMF often works with bodies like the CFTC in the US or the FCA in the UK if any entities are traced there. Sadly, recovery is rare, but reporting is crucial for tracking these outfits.

This is textbook insolvency fraud combined with a crypto investment scam. The LinkedIn contact is a lure, painting a picture of legitimacy. Mountain Effort is almost certainly an offshore shell operation designed to vanish. The 'tax' demand is standard procedure for them – it's the final squeeze. In Australia, you should report this immediately to:

• ACSC (Australian Cyber Security Centre): For cybercrime aspects.
• ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission): They regulate financial services.
• ACSC Scamwatch: Where you can report scams generally.

Do *not* expect to recover the funds, but filing these reports helps authorities identify patterns and potentially disrupt these networks. Keep impeccable records of all conversations and transactions.

The modus operandi is unfortunately well-established: groom target on professional network, promise high returns via a seemingly legitimate platform, demand 'fees' or 'taxes' to withdraw. 'Mountain Effort' is likely unregistered and operating illegally. In the UAE, you should report this to the UAE Central Bank's financial fraud department and also the UAE Police. Your local emirate's police force will have a cybercrime unit. Given the international nature, mentioning platforms like CoinEgg or ZG.com that have been flagged could be relevant if your contact mentioned similar services, as it points to a known scam network. Persistence is key in reporting.

This is a sophisticated phishing scam using social engineering tactics. LinkedIn adds a layer of perceived credibility. Mountain Effort is likely a fake platform. The 'tax' is a classic trap; they'll invent new fees indefinitely. Report this to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Also, file a report with the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) through your provincial securities regulator (e.g., BCSC in British Columbia). They maintain a public complaints and enforcement database. And crucially: never, ever invest based solely on a social media connection promising guaranteed returns.

Man, that hurts to read. $120k... I've seen this exact same pattern before. LinkedIn profiles can be faked, and fake investment sites are a dime a dozen. That 'Mountain Effort' name means nothing. They do this 'tax' thing to trap you. It's hopeless, really. Your money's gone. You can report it to the police here in Germany, sure, and maybe the BaFin, but they can't do much if the scammers are overseas. You'll just be chasing ghosts. Be honest with your family, they might be able to help you cope, if not financially.

This is precisely the type of scam the FCA in the UK is constantly warning about. LinkedIn is often used as the initial contact point. Mountain Effort is likely an unregulated entity, possibly operating from overseas. The 'tax' is a clear red flag indicating an advance-fee fraud. You need to report this urgently. In the UK, start with Action Fraud. They are the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can also report any suspicious firms to the FCA directly, even if they aren't authorized, as it helps them track down fraudulent operations. Keep records of everything; they'll need it if they ever track anything down, slim chance as it is.

I know exactly how you feel. I lost $60k last year doing something similar. Met someone on Instagram, talked crypto. They showed me fake profits on a site that looked real. Then came the 'withdrawal fee'. It's soul-crushing. I reported it to the police here in Melbourne, and to ASIC. They were sympathetic but said the chances of getting money back from overseas crypto scams are about 1%. I haven't seen a cent since. I am only telling you this because I don't want anyone else to go through it. Be careful who you trust online, especially when money is involved.

This is a harsh lesson, but you need to understand: if it involves crypto, involves unsolicited contact on LinkedIn, and asks for payment to release funds, it's almost certainly a scam. 'Mountain Effort' is a phantom. The 'tax' is their invented fee. Your money is likely gone, converted into untraceable crypto by now. Report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). They track these, but recovery is highly improbable. Don't send another cent. Don't fall for any 'recovery' scams either — they'll promise to get your money back for another fee.

Oh dear. This sounds so familiar, and it makes my stomach churn. The same thing happened to a friend of mine, though thankfully not with such a massive amount. He met a 'trader' on LinkedIn too, who promised amazing returns on some obscure platform. When he wanted to cash out, they suddenly needed 'admin fees' and 'legal clearance'. It was all fake. He reported it to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Singapore Police Force. They took his statement, but he's still waiting, and I don't think he's expecting the money back. Don't lose hope completely, but unfortunately, these scammers are very good at disappearing.

SCAM ALERT! This is exactly what happened to me. LinkedIn contact, promise of huge crypto profits, then a 'withdrawal tax'. They even invented a 'compliance fee' later. I lost over $80,000 AUD. Mountain Effort sounds like one of the many fake exchanges these guys use. I'm in Gold Coast. Reported it to Scamwatch and the Aussie Federal Police. They said they'd investigate, but recovery is close to zero. Just wanted to chime in so you know you're not alone. Heartbreaking stuff.

Yeah, sounds like the usual story. LinkedIn is not for investing, people. Unless it's a known company, be suspicious. 'Mountain Effort' means nothing. They always invent some tax or fee. Your money is gone. You can report it to the SAPS, but don't hold your breath for anything. These guys operate from places where they can't be touched easily. My cousin lost some money to something similar, same story, different fake company name. It’s a hard lesson.