Lost my inheritance to 'the one' from Facebook, now fake platform wants 'security deposit' to withdraw. Help?

Sipho, I'm so sorry this happened to you. This is a classic 'pig butchering' scam, especially the part about the 'security deposit' or 'tax' to withdraw. That's just another layer of the scam to get more money out of you. Do NOT send them any more money. That's rule number one.

Since you're in SA, first thing, gather *all* documentation. Every chat, every transaction detail, bank transfers, crypto transaction IDs (the TXIDs from Luno). Then, report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS) at your nearest police station. Emphasize that it's a cybercrime and financial fraud. They might not be super clued up on crypto, so be prepared to explain it clearly.

Also, report it to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in SA. They regulate financial services, and while crypto isn't fully regulated yet, they might have a channel for investment scams. For the crypto part, if you sent it from Luno, contact their support. They might not be able to recover it, but they can flag the recipient wallet if it's on their platform, or provide more transaction details if asked by law enforcement. Unfortunately, once crypto leaves your wallet to a scammer's, it's incredibly hard to trace and recover without specialized tools like those used by Chainalysis. Your local banks also need to be informed ASAP about the transfers.

Hey Sipho, really sorry to hear about your situation. It's a devastating experience, and please don't let the shame eat you up – these scammers are extremely sophisticated. I went through something similar last year after meeting someone on an online game, leading me to a fake crypto trading app. The 'withdrawal impossible without an upgrade to VIP status' was their version of your security deposit.

I'm in Edmonton, Canada. I reported everything to the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. What helped a little was contacting ChainAbuse. They're a reporting service specifically for crypto scams. You give them all the wallet addresses and transaction IDs, and they help report it to exchanges and provide data to law enforcement. They can't guarantee recovery, but they can help in the tracing and reporting process, which is a step further than just local police. It's not a magic bullet, but it's one more thing you can do to put pressure on these criminals.

Oh man, Sipho, I hear you. The shame is the worst part, isn't it? I lost a good chunk of my savings to a very similar setup last year. Met the guy on Instagram, same story: sweet talk, future plans, then a 'can't miss' crypto platform. When I tried to pull out some profits for a new car, they hit me with a 'tax' then a 'verification fee'. Ended up losing about 15k EUR.

I reported it to the police here in Leipzig, but tbh, they didn't really get it. I also contacted my bank and they managed to claw back a tiny portion of the initial transfer because it was still pending, but that was pure luck. The crypto is long gone, though. It's a horrible feeling. Just know you're not alone, this scam is everywhere. Please don't send any more money.

Please, Sipho, do NOT send them that $3,000. It's a trick, pure and simple. They'll take that money, and then demand another 'fee' or 'commission' or 'insurance' for the next step, and it will never end. They're just trying to milk you for every penny they can. The money is gone. Seriously, as hard as that is to hear, accept it now, stop communication, and focus on reporting what's happened to you. Every extra cent you send them is just throwing good money after bad. Cut them off, immediately.

Ugh, Sipho, I literally just went through this exact same thing, but my scammer was from a dating app. The 'system security' and 'minimum balance' thing is what got me too. I was so convinced. I ended up losing about half my retirement savings, which was just gut-wrenching. I'm in Nice, and I reported it to our local police (Gendarmerie) and also made a report to Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr, which is a French government platform for cybercrime.

They told me what everyone else is saying: once the money is in crypto and off the exchange you control, it's virtually impossible to get back. But it's still important to report it because it helps authorities build a clearer picture of these networks. It also provides a paper trail for you if you ever need it for tax purposes or insurance. Don't be ashamed, these people are pros at manipulation.

I can only imagine how you feel, Sipho. The utter betrayal. I'm in Victoria, Canada, and my story is sickeningly similar. LinkedIn, 'professional mentor', then a 'safe investment platform'. I put in about C$7,000, and like you, got hit with the 'withdrawal frozen until you pay a tax fee'. I almost did it too, but thankfully my daughter stepped in and stopped me.

I've reported it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) and my bank, but honestly, it feels like shouting into the void. My bank said the wire transfers were long gone, and the crypto vanished into thin air. I wish I had better news for you. It's just so unfair that these people can get away with this.

Honestly, the chances of getting your money back from these scams are, like, practically zero. Especially with crypto. Once it's moved off the original platform you used, it's gone. The whole 'security deposit' thing is just a trick to fleece you for more cash. I see these stories all the time. It's a sad reality, but it's better to accept the loss and learn from it than keep throwing money at it hoping for a miracle that won't come.

This is almost exactly what happened to me here in Sharjah, UAE. Met someone on a travel forum, seemed legit, talked about moving to the UAE, setting up a life. They got me onto a 'gold investment' platform. I put in a decent amount from my Emirates NBD account. When I tried to withdraw, they wanted a 'government tax' first. I almost paid it too. Luckily, my brother got suspicious.

I contacted the UAE Cybercrime Police (ecrime.ae) and also my bank. The bank managed to stop some of the transfers since they were international, but anything that went through was gone. They suggested reporting to the local police here, which I did. It's a global problem, this one. These scammers are ruthless.

Sipho, please be kind to yourself. You were manipulated by professionals. It happens to so many smart, caring people. Don't let anyone make you feel stupid. The important thing now is to protect yourself from further harm. Cut off all contact with that person and don't engage with any further demands for money. Change your passwords, maybe even set up new bank accounts if you feel compromised.

Also, consider looking for support groups for scam victims. Sharing your experience can be incredibly healing and help you process the emotional trauma. There are people out there who understand exactly what you're going through. Your mental well-being is paramount right now. Sending you strength from Bloemfontein.

Yeah, what Sarah said. The emotional toll of these scams is massive. And whatever you do, DO NOT fall for the 'recovery services' or 'hackers' who pop up now promising to get your money back. Those are just secondary scams targeting desperate victims like us. They'll ask for an upfront fee and then disappear just like the first scammer. It's a vicious cycle.

Focus on the official channels mentioned by Liam and Ava. Report everything, no matter how small it seems. It helps build a case, even if you don't see immediate recovery. Take care of yourself, Sipho.

Oh hon, this is textbook romance scam combined with an investment scam. The "growth" was likely fake, just numbers on a screen. They want more money because that's how these fake platforms operate. You didn't fall for a person, you fell for a carefully crafted illusion. The crypto itself is traceable, but that's where Chainalysis tools come in handy for investigators, not so much for individuals. Your best bet is to report this to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and any financial regulatory body there. Also, report the Facebook profile and the scam platform to Meta. Don't send them another cent.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I went through something similar a few years ago with a fake forex trading platform. Met a guy online, he seemed so genuine. He convinced me to invest my savings. It felt so real until I wanted to take out just a little for rent. Then the "fees" started. They wanted more and more. Eventually, they just vanished. It took me ages to get over the shame and the financial hit. What helped me was talking to others who'd been scammed, and eventually reporting it to ChainAbuse. They helped me understand it wasn't my fault, but a predator's game. Stay strong.

Right, so a sob story about a 'loved one' and a 'great investment opportunity' online? Sounds like a golden ticket to losing your shirt. And they want a 'security deposit' to 'verify identity'? That's like a burglar asking for your house keys for 'security reasons'. Use your head here. And Luno? That's a legit exchange, but they don't control scam sites built on top of crypto. You've likely sent crypto to an address they control, and it's gone. Realistically, recovering that is near impossible, especially with international wires. Sorry to be blunt.

This is a classic 'pig butchering' scam. They "fatten" you up with fake profits displayed on a fraudulent platform, then demand more money through various excuses (taxes, fees, security deposits) before you can withdraw. The "person" you met is likely part of a syndicate. The crypto transfers are hard to reverse. The most important thing now is to stop all contact and DO NOT SEND ANY MORE MONEY. Consider reporting the crypto transaction details, if you have them, to a firm like Chainalysis that assists with tracing, though recovery is not guaranteed. Report this to the South African Reserve Bank if they have a fraud division.

The platform is entirely fake. The "growth" you saw was a mirage, just a custom interface on their end. They control the numbers. When you try to withdraw, they initiate a new scam: the "security deposit". This is to extract more money. It's a common tactic in investment fraud schemes. The person ghosting you is also standard procedure. They operate from call centers often in Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, tracing and recovering crypto sent to scam wallets is incredibly difficult. Your best course of action is to report it to the MAS – although they are Singaporean, they have global reach and might have advisories or ways to track such platforms. Don't expect a full recovery, but reporting is crucial.

Wow, this is exactly what happened to my uncle. He met someone on Instagram, and they pushed him into a fake stock trading app. He invested his retirement fund. When he tried to pull out a small amount for a vacation, they asked for taxes, then a withdrawal fee. He paid about 15,000 euros before realizing. The person disappeared. He was devastated, felt so stupid. He reported it to the police, but they said tracing crypto was too hard. He’s still trying to cope with the loss. I wish I could tell you there’s an easy fix, but there isn't. Be very careful who you trust online.

I'm really sorry you're going through this. It sounds incredibly stressful and painful. Please don't blame yourself; these scammers are very sophisticated and prey on people's trust and good intentions. The fact that you used Luno means there's a record of your outgoing crypto, which is good. Try reporting the scam to Action Fraud in the UK if you can, they have a lot of resources and might be able to offer guidance even if you're in SA. Also, check if your local bank has any fraud recovery departments. Sometimes they can initiate chargebacks or investigations for the wire transfers, though it's a long shot for crypto.

Wait — a 'security deposit' to withdraw *your own money*? And the person just vanished? This is 100% a scam. They create a fake trading platform, show you made-up profits, and then invent reasons for you to pay more money. IP address changes are a common excuse. Luno is a legitimate exchange, but the scam platform isn't affiliated with them. Once the crypto left your Luno account to their wallet, it's likely gone forever. Don't send them any more money. Report them to Meta, and if you can, find out if the FCA in the UK has any jurisdiction or reporting mechanism for overseas scams, as many UK citizens fall victim.

This sounds exactly like the 'AI trading bots' that keep popping up. They promise astronomical returns. A relative of mine lost a substantial sum. They were shown fake profits, then hit with 'withdrawal taxes' and 'compliance fees'. The person they knew online stopped responding. The fake platform then became inaccessible. For crypto, reporting to organizations like ChainAbuse can help get the scam details documented and potentially warn others. Your local authorities should also be alerted, but recovery is very, very difficult. The shame is a tool they use; you are a victim, not foolish.

It's so awful to hear this. I was nearly caught in something similar. I met someone online, and they kept showing me these amazing trading results on an app. I almost put money in, but my husband said it sounded too good to be true. We checked reviews for the app, and found tons of people saying it was a scam. Luckily, we stopped before I sent any money. Please, please don't send any more. The person is gone because they are a scammer. The money is probably lost. Try reporting it to the BBB, even if you're not in the US, they sometimes have international scam databases. Stay safe.

Reading this makes my stomach turn. I lost about €5,000 to a similar fake investment scheme a year ago. Met a 'woman' on Tinder, she showed me her 'portfolio' on a slick website. I invested, saw fake gains, then she said I needed to pay 'capital gains tax' to withdraw. It was all lies. She disappeared. I felt like the biggest idiot on earth. I reported it to my local police, but they said recovering crypto internationally was a lost cause. It took me months to even admit it to my family. You are not alone in this, and it's not your fault. These people are professional criminals.

I was scammed on Facebook Messenger into a fake crypto platform too. They made me feel like we were building a future. Then, the "withdrawal fee" for a "system upgrade". I paid R10,000. Then they wanted R20,000 for "anti-money laundering compliance." That was the red flag for me. I stopped. The person blocked me immediately. I reported it to the South African Reserve Bank and also to the local cybercrime unit. They are investigating, but honestly, I don't expect to get the money back. It's the feeling of betrayal that hurts the most. You're not alone, OP.

This is exactly the kind of thing my sister fell for. She met someone on a dating app, and he convinced her to invest in a cryptocurrency called 'NovaCoin' which he claimed was going to the moon. She put in $10,000 from her savings. Then he said there was a $2,000 'regulatory fee' to withdraw profits. She paid it. Then he asked for another $5,000 for 'network enhancement'. She never heard from him again and the platform disappeared. It was devastating. She reported it to the RCMP, but they said international crypto scams are very hard to trace. It's been two years, no recovery.

This is a widespread fraud syndicate, likely operating from Asia. They use sophisticated social engineering. The "person" you met is a handler, part of a large operation. The fake platform shows fabricated gains. The "security deposit" is simply them trying to extract more funds before they disappear. Given you're in South Africa and used local banks plus Luno, reporting to the South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) is your primary step. They oversee financial services. You can also report the Facebook profile to Meta and the details of the scam platform. Traceability of crypto is complex; Chainalysis is a tool for law enforcement, but you can provide them with any transaction IDs.

I am so sorry. This exact scenario happened to my cousin just last month. He met a woman online, she convinced him to invest in a platform called 'QuantumTradeFX'. Said it was a guaranteed 10% daily return. He put in $5,000. Then she said he needed to pay $1,000 "tax" to withdraw his "profits". He sent it. She ghosted him. He contacted the SEC, but they said they don't handle individual recovery cases like this, but he filed a report anyway. He's completely lost his savings and is just heartbroken. He said the hardest part was admitting he was duped.

This sounds awful, and I'm really sorry you're going through this. I was in a similar situation about 18 months ago. I met someone online who pushed me into a fake gold trading platform. I invested £3,000. When I tried to withdraw, they asked for a £500 "verification fee". I paid it, thinking it was just a formality. Then they asked for another £1,000 for "tax". That's when I realised. I stopped sending money. The person vanished. I reported it to Action Fraud in the UK and also blocked them on everything. It's tough, but blocking them and reporting is the first step to moving on. Hope you can get something back.

Oh no, that's terrible. It's easy to feel stupid, but please don't. These scammers are professionals at manipulation. My sister fell for something similar where she thought she was investing in stocks. She lost about AU$8,000. The person she met online convinced her it was a special opportunity. Then they wanted a 'processing fee' and then a 'currency conversion fee'. They just kept coming up with new demands. She reported it to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). They have a cybercrime division that might be able to help. Don't send any more money, and document everything you can.

Mate, this is a textbook scam. The 'security deposit' is a classic move to get more money from victims. They create a fake front-end that looks like a legitimate trading platform, but all the numbers are made up. Once they've got enough, they vanish. Your inheritance is likely gone. The best thing you can do is report it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Scamwatch. They log these things and can provide advice. Also, cut all contact immediately. Don't reply to any further messages, they'll just keep asking for more money.

This hits close to home. My best friend went through this. Met a guy online, seemed perfect. He convinced her to invest in crypto on this 'amazing platform'. She put in a significant amount, maybe R50,000. When she wanted to withdraw, they said she had to pay a 20% 'transaction fee' first. She paid it. Then they said her account was flagged for 'unusual activity' and needed a 'compliance fee' of R10,000. She never saw him again. She reported it to the South African Reserve Bank. They can't recover funds directly, but they collect reports to identify trends and potentially act against fake financial service providers. Don't send another rand.