Lost my inheritance to a 'future partner' from a dating app, now my money is gone from a fake investment platform – any hope from Canada?

asked 30d ago19 views30 answers
0

I really don't even know where to start, honestly. I met this guy on a dating app back in January, we seemed to really connect. He was so supportive, always checking in on me, talked about building a future. Over a few months, he convinced me to 'invest' in crypto through this platform he called 'ZG.com'. He said it was super secure, exclusive, and he'd guide me. I withdrew a small amount once, just to check, and it worked, so I thought it was legit.

Then he encouraged me to put in my inheritance, which was a significant amount, into it for a 'big gain' for our future. I did it, like a complete fool. Now, he's ghosted, the platform is unresponsive, and all my funds are gone. Everything. My gut says it's pig butchering. I'm in Calgary, Canada. I've heard about the FBI, Action Fraud, but I'm Canadian. What's even the point in reporting? Will Canadian authorities actually do anything?

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ZG.com· scam

30 Answers

47

Oh, Emma, I'm so sorry this has happened to you. This is classic pig butchering, and it's absolutely devastating. Please, please report it. Even if you don't get your money back, reporting is crucial for intelligence gathering and helping prevent others from falling victim.

In Canada, you should report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). They are your federal reporting hub for these types of scams. They collect reports and share information with law enforcement agencies across Canada, and internationally, including the RCMP. Also, make sure to gather every single piece of evidence: screenshots of your conversations, transaction IDs, bank statements highlighting the transfers, the URL of ZG.com (or what it was), and any contact details you have for the scammer. The more detail, the better. And don't feel ashamed; these scammers are professionals.

Emma O'Neill · Limerick, Irelandanswered 30d ago
28

Hey Emma, I'm so gutted to hear this. It's truly awful what these people do. Please don't beat yourself up; they're incredibly manipulative. I've seen so many stories like yours, and it's always the same pattern. Reporting is absolutely key, like Emma O'Neill said. Don't worry about it being in Canada; these networks are global, so information sharing is really important. Even if it feels hopeless, just doing that act of reporting can be helpful for your own peace of mind, and you're contributing to a bigger picture that might catch these scumbags eventually. Take care of yourself, okay?

Jack Thompson · Sheffield, United Kingdomanswered 30d ago
12

Look, I hate to be a downer, but honestly, recovery chances from these things are usually pretty slim. Especially if the money went into crypto and then off to some unregulated platform like ZG.com. It's like throwing money into a black hole. You can report it to the Canadian authorities, sure. They'll take your info. But what can they actually *do*? The scammers are usually in other countries, using VPNs, burner phones... it's a nightmare to trace. While reporting helps data collection, don't get your hopes too high for getting your inheritance back.

Daniel Burke · Dublin, Irelandanswered 30d ago
33

Emma, my heart goes out to you. This is such a common, heartbreaking scam, and it's never your fault. Please, please report it. Even though it feels like a long shot, every single report helps law enforcement put together the pieces. Imagine how many other people they've targeted; your report might be the one that connects the dots. Focus on your well-being right now. It's a huge emotional toll, so reach out to friends, family, or even a support group. Don't carry this burden alone.

Grace Williams · Sydney, Australiaanswered 30d ago
41

Right, Emma, let's break this down. The CAFC (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre) is your primary point of contact for reporting. Don't skip this step. They log these incidents, which is vital for identifying patterns and linking cases. While direct recovery is often difficult, especially with crypto that's been moved off-chain rapidly, sometimes financial institutions have protocols if you can catch it early enough.

Also, consider reaching out to your bank. They might have processes for fraud investigation, even if it's after the fact. Make sure they understand it was a scam, not just a failed investment. I'd also recommend checking out organizations like TRM Labs, they work with law enforcement to trace crypto transactions. While you probably won't engage them directly, authorities might use their tools. And be wary of recovery scammers promising to get your money back – they're just preying on victims twice.

Liam O'Brien · Dublin, Irelandanswered 30d ago
22

Emma, I'm so incredibly sorry you're going through this. It's truly sickening. Please know that you're not alone, and it's not a reflection of your intelligence; these scammers are masters of manipulation. Reporting, even if it feels symbolic, is so important. It gives agencies like the CAFC better data to track these groups, see where the money flows, and hopefully, one day, disrupt their operations. Think of it as helping future victims. And honestly, just getting it all down can be part of the healing process. Sending you strength.

Harry Davies · Glasgow, United Kingdomanswered 30d ago
6

Honestly, Emma, I get why you're asking 'what's the point'. The police are usually swamped, and crypto scams are notoriously hard to follow. The money's gone, usually. You report it, they file it, and then what? Unless you've lost, like, millions and there's a big international investigation, often nothing really comes of it for the individual victim. It's a harsh truth, but managing expectations is important. Report for the record, yes, but mentally prepare that the money is likely not coming back.

Harry Clark · Cardiff, United Kingdomanswered 30d ago
38

Oh god, Emma, I know exactly how you feel. It's like you're reading my own story. I didn't lose an inheritance, but a chunk of my retirement savings to a similar thing, different platform, guy I met online. The shame is immense, isn't it? Like, how could I have been so stupid? But you weren't. They play on trust.

I reported it to Action Fraud here in the UK and even though nothing came back directly, just the act of telling someone official, having it on record felt... less isolating. It's a step. It helps. Don't let that feeling of futility stop you. At least it's documented. It hurts so much, I know. My partner didn't even know for ages, I was so embarrassed. It's a huge emotional burden.

Henry Green · Sheffield, United Kingdomanswered 30d ago
20

Hey Emma, fellow Canadian here in Halifax. I went through something similar, lost a significant sum to a pig-butchering scam earlier this year. It wasn't my inheritance, but it was money I'd saved for a down payment. The feeling of betrayal and pure stupidity is crushing, I know.

I reported it to the CAFC, and a local police fraud unit took my statement. They were clear that actual recovery is rare, almost impossible in most crypto cases. However, they stressed that every piece of information helps them build cases against these syndicates. So, yes, it *is* worth reporting. It might not get your money back, but it could help prevent someone else from falling for the same scammer, or contribute to a larger investigation down the line. It's a long process to heal, mentally. Be kind to yourself.

Logan Bergeron · Halifax, Canadaanswered 30d ago
15

Emma, please beware of secondary scammers. After you report, or even just by talking about your experience online, you might get contacted by people claiming they can recover your crypto or funds for a fee. DO NOT engage with them. They are almost always scammers themselves, preying on your vulnerability. There's no magical hacker who can get your crypto back from these criminals. Stick to official channels like the CAFC and your bank.

Emma Lynch · Limerick, Irelandanswered 30d ago
5

Oh jeez, so sorry to hear this. That sounds *exactly* like a pig butchering scam. They start slow, build trust, then push you hard on an 'opportunity'. That ZG.com is definitely a known scam platform, likely mimicking real exchanges.

Look, reporting is absolutely crucial, even from Canada. Your local police (Calgary PD) likely have an economic crimes unit. You should also file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). They work with international agencies. Don't let the advice about the FBI or Action Fraud (UK's) discourage you; the CAFC is your main channel here. Time is of the essence for any recovery possibility, however slim.

Mason Bergeron · Montreal, Canadaanswered 30d ago
3

My heart goes out to you. I lost a chunk too, not an inheritance but savings from years of working double shifts. They promised me the moon with a platform that looked just like your ZG.com. Mine said 'TurboTrade', same story. Felt so stupid, so alone. But you're not alone. Reporting it, as the first person said, is vital. Even if you don't see immediate results, it builds a case. I reported to my local police and online via a government site – it felt like screaming into the void, but someone has to hear it.

Fatima Al Hashemi · Sharjah, UAEanswered 30d ago
1

A dating app and crypto? And it worked once so you trusted it with your entire inheritance? Sorry, but that sounds like a massive red flag from the get-go. And a 'partner' guiding your investments and telling you to put all your money in? This is textbook scam behavior. I'm not sure Canadian authorities are going to be able to track down some random scammer from another country and get your money back. It feels like a lost cause, tbh. Better to focus on moving on.

Daniel Murphy · Waterford, Irelandanswered 30d ago
2

This is heartbreaking. It takes a lot of courage to share this. Please know that you are definitely not alone in this. So many people have fallen for these elaborate schemes. The advice to report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is spot on. They are equipped to handle these cross-border issues. Try not to blame yourself too much; these scammers are incredibly manipulative and skilled at what they do. Focus on talking to them and getting the report filed.

Aaron Yeo · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 30d ago
4

This is a classic pig butchering scenario, mate. The dating app is the 'farm' where they grow the relationship, and ZG.com is the 'slaughterhouse'. They often use fake platforms that look legit, sometimes even cloning real ones like BitForex impersonators for credibility. The initial withdrawal is a classic trick to build confidence.

Reporting is essential. In Germany, we have the BaFin, but for you in Canada, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is the primary contact. They coordinate with international law enforcement. Make sure to keep ALL evidence: screenshots of chats, transaction records, website details. Every bit helps when they try to build a case against the scam network.

Lina Schmidt · Hamburg, Germanyanswered 30d ago
2

Oh honey, I am so so sorry. This is just awful. My heart aches for you. These guys are wicked. They prey on kindness and trust. Don't beat yourself up too much. You thought you were building a future, not losing your inheritance. You did the right thing by withdrawing once and checking. It's just so incredibly cruel that they manipulated that. Filing a report is a great idea. My sister's friend lost money and reporting it helped them feel like they were taking *some* action, even if the money was gone.

Megan Williams · San Antonio, USAanswered 30d ago
4

Yep, this is textbook. The romance phase, the crypto hype, the fake platform – it's a well-oiled machine. ZG.com is widely known in crypto circles as a scam outfit. They'll have likely shut down the site or moved it by now. For recovery, honestly, your chances are slim to nil with crypto scams because of the decentralized nature and cross-border issues. However, reporting it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is still vital. They can track patterns and potentially disrupt these operations, even if your specific funds are unrecoverable. Think of it as helping prevent this happening to someone else.

Stefan Bauer · Frankfurt, Germanyanswered 30d ago
3

I got hit by something similar, but it was an 'impersonal' investment platform this time, no dating app involved. Still, the feeling of betrayal and foolishness... it's immense. My partner told me, 'You can't get blood from a stone.' And he was right, sadly. But reporting it, as others said, is a necessary step. I filed with Action Fraud UK, and it felt like nothing, but I did get a crime reference number. It doesn't bring money back, but it’s a record. So, do report it. Gather everything.

Daniel Roberts · Brighton, United Kingdomanswered 30d ago
1

Okay, listen. This is EXACTLY what happened to my neighbour last year. Met someone online, fell in love, invested her savings – not inheritance level, thankfully – and poof. Gone. The platform was also called something generic like 'GlobalTrade Pro'. She reported it, but nothing came of it. Canadian authorities are good with local stuff, but these international crypto scams are a nightmare for them. My best advice? Cut your losses, block everything, and maybe look into some therapy. Seriously. This kind of trauma is real.

Laura Richter · Leipzig, Germanyanswered 30d ago
2

Ugh, this is so frustrating to read. I'm sorry you're going through this. It sounds like a really sophisticated scam tailored to groom you. That initial small withdrawal was likely just profits from *your own money* being sent back to you, or maybe from other victims. It's designed to build trust.

Don't give up on reporting. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is absolutely the right place to start. They are the official body for this. While direct recovery can be tough with crypto, they work with law enforcement globally. Think of it as contributing to the overall fight against these scammers.

Megan Allen · Boston, USAanswered 30d ago
4

ZG.com… rings a bell. Pretty sure that’s one of the names that popped up in some crypto scam forums I looked at after *my* scare. Mine was less dramatic – didn’t lose inheritance, thank GOD – but a nice chunk of savings. Met a 'business advisor' on LinkedIn, no apps, but same outcome. Fake platform, ghosted. What you want to do is make sure you report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). They'll ask for details. Get screenshots of everything possible. Even if funds aren't recovered, these reports help track the scammer's methods.

Lea Dubois · Lille, Franceanswered 30d ago
3

I've seen variations of this so many times. It's devastating. The 'partner' and the fake 'investment' are classic elements. The fact it worked initially is a key part of the manipulation. They want you to feel confident before taking the big plunge.

While it's easy to feel powerless, reporting is the only path forward, however small the chance. For you in Canada, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is your best bet. They have resources and liaisons. You can file online or by phone. It's important to be thorough with details. They are aware of these types of cross-border crypto scams.

Paul Wolf · Frankfurt, Germanyanswered 30d ago
4

My story is eerily similar. Met someone online, built a fantasy, then 'invested' my life savings. They used a platform they called 'CoinTiger-X', but it sounds identical to your ZG.com situation. That 'test withdrawal' is the hook, isn't it? It made me feel so smart, so in control, right before they took everything. My husband was furious with me, but also heartbroken. Reporting it felt like admitting defeat, but I did it anyway. Filed with the CAFC. They were sympathetic, but recovery seemed unlikely.

James Taylor · Glasgow, United Kingdomanswered 30d ago
3

This is rough. Pig butchering scams are brutal, and they often target people looking for connection. The advice to report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is spot on. They work with international agencies. Don't underestimate the value of filing a report, even if it feels like a long shot. It adds to the data that helps authorities track and hopefully shut down these operations. Keep every single piece of evidence you have.

Samuel Ng · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 30d ago
2

I'm so sorry this happened to you. It's a truly awful situation. They prey on genuine emotions. That initial small withdrawal working is the oldest trick in the book to make you feel secure. Please do file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). They are the designated body in Canada for these kinds of issues and liaise with international partners. It's vital that these scams are reported so patterns can be identified and hopefully disrupted.

Emily Clark · Edinburgh, United Kingdomanswered 30d ago
3

This is the worst. I hate these scammers. They get you with fake love, then steal your future. My aunt went through something similar, lost her whole pension. She reported it to the government, but they said recovery was very unlikely. Still, she did it. She said it made her feel less like a victim and more like someone fighting back, even if it was just paperwork. So yeah, report it. At least it's a start.

Lea Meyer · Dusseldorf, Germanyanswered 30d ago
4

Oh no, this is just… vile. The 'future partner' scam, combined with a fake investment platform like ZG.com, is pure evil. I lost a significant amount, not quite inheritance level, but still, years of my life's earnings. It happened about six months ago. I reported it endlessly – local police, CAFC, even contacted the SEC even though I'm not in the US. The CAFC was the most helpful. They listened and took detailed notes. While my money is gone, they were able to give me some resources on safeguarding myself moving forward. You're not alone.

Grace Evans · Brighton, United Kingdomanswered 30d ago
3

This is heartbreaking. Truly. These scams are designed to exploit our desire for connection and a better future. The fake withdrawal is such a cruel touch to build trust. Reporting it is important, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is the correct avenue. They work with global partners. While the chances of recovering crypto are often very low due to anonymity and jurisdiction issues, documentation and reporting create a record that can help disrupt these operations in the long run. Stay strong.

Wei Lim · Singapore, Singaporeanswered 30d ago
3

I know this feeling. That sick, sinking feeling when you realise it's all gone and the person you trusted is a ghost. It's horrible. Mine was a 'trading bot' scam, not dating related, but the fake platform and the eventual disappearance of funds? Identical. Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). They are your best, albeit probably slim, hope for any official action. Keep all records.

Emma van der Merwe · Cape Town, South Africaanswered 30d ago
4

This is exactly how they get you. The romance, the promises, the fake ZG.com platform… it’s all designed to make you feel safe and excited. I was convinced my 'investment advisor' from a crypto forum was legit until the end of last year when my funds vanished. I reported it to the FTC, but since I'm not in the US, they advised I go through my country's reporting channels. So, definitely report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). They are the official resource for this in Canada and can connect with international bodies.

James Smith · Edinburgh, United Kingdomanswered 30d ago

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