Lost money to 'Signal Group' forex signals on Telegram, now broker won't let me withdraw. Any way back?
Ok, so, I feel pretty dumb admitting this, but here goes. I got sucked into one of those 'forex signal groups' on Telegram. Some guy, seemed really legit, posting screenshots of huge wins daily. He charged a monthly fee for signals and recommended this broker, 'Global Markets Pro' (I know, red flag *now*). I signed up, put in about $4,000 AUD, and followed the signals religiously for a few weeks. Saw my balance go up, thought I was a genius.
Then I tried to withdraw a small amount, like $500, just to test it out. And nothing. It's been over a week. The broker's support just gives me automated replies about 'processing delays' or 'system maintenance'. The signal guy? Blocked me from the Telegram group and won't reply to DMs. I've heard about these signal group scams, but I was so sure this one was different. Is there *anything* I can do, or is my money just gone? I've reported it to ASIC, but haven't heard anything concrete yet.
79 Answers
Sophie, don't feel dumb, these scams are incredibly sophisticated and well-orchestrated. They prey on people's hopes and sometimes, their financial vulnerabilities. The 'Signal Group' model is particularly nasty because it uses social proof and a sense of exclusive knowledge to draw you in. I've seen so many similar stories on forums here in the UK.
Since you've reported to ASIC, that's crucial. Make sure you keep copies of every single interaction—screenshots of the Telegram chats, emails with the broker, transaction records from your bank. All this evidence will be important if ASIC can pursue it, or if your bank can attempt a chargeback. For anyone reading this, if a 'broker' says they're regulated but you can't verify it with the official regulator (like the FCA here in the UK, or ASIC in Australia), it's a huge red flag. Always verify independently!
Ugh, Sophie, I'm so sorry you're going through this. These signal group scams are rampant, especially in Telegram and Discord. Often, the 'signals' themselves are just a front to get you to deposit with their affiliated, unregulated broker. They make money off your losses through commissions, or they're just running a straight-up exit scam. "Global Markets Pro" sounds like a generic name for one of these shell companies.
Your best bet, having already contacted ASIC (good job there, keep all your communications and screenshots!), is exploring chargeback options if you used a credit/debit card for your deposit. Contact your bank immediately and explain it's an investment scam. Be persistent. If you used crypto or a wire transfer, it's significantly harder, almost impossible, to recover. This is a classic red flag: unregulated broker + promises of high returns + pressure to deposit more. Always, always check a broker's regulatory status with your local financial authority (like ASIC in your case) BEFORE depositing anything.
I really feel for you, Sophie. This happened to me with an 'expert' on Instagram. Same story, big promises, flashy lifestyle photos. He pushed me to this broker called 'EuroFX', said they were the best. Deposited about $7,000 USD. Everything looked great on their platform, numbers going up. I even convinced my cousin to join.
Then when I tried to pull out just a bit to buy something for my daughter, BAM, no withdrawal. Always some excuse. Then they wanted more money for 'tax' or 'insurance' before releasing funds. Don't fall for that if they try it again, it's just another way to squeeze more out of you. I never saw a single penny back. It's a hard lesson, man. I'm afraid once these unregulated brokers have your money, it's gone. Still, hats off for reporting to ASIC; maybe they can warn others.
Sophie, thanks for sharing your story. It's so vital that people hear about these signal group scams because they're designed to look legitimate. The 'expert' showing off daily wins, the pressure to use *their* specific broker... these are massive red flags. If someone is guaranteeing profits, or showing unbelievable returns, especially in unregulated markets like forex, run the other way.
Always verify a broker's licensing with the relevant financial authority in *your* jurisdiction, not just what they claim on their website. For example, in South Africa, you'd check with the FSCA. If they're not licensed, or they're offshore in some shady jurisdiction, your money has absolutely no protection. It's easier to prevent falling for it than to recover once you've given them your cash. I hope you get some traction with ASIC, but prepare for the worst, sadly.
Oh man, this hits home. Similar thing happened to me, different platform, but the 'expert' signals and pushing an unregulated broker was identical. I lost close to $6,000 CAD. I was so embarrassed, didn't even tell my partner for weeks. Thought I'd found an easy way to make some extra cash, you know? The desperation gets you.
The broker website looked super professional, like any major trading platform. But when push came to shove, customer service was non-existent. Like speaking to a wall. I tried everything – emails, their online chat, nothing worked. Eventually, the domain for the broker just... went offline. It really feels like having your money just plucked out of your account by ghosts. It's a terrible feeling. Hope ASIC can do something for you.
Ag, Sophie, it's an old trick, just repackaged. 'Signal groups' are just the latest flavor of these investment scams. They create an illusion of expertise and community, then funnel you to their scam broker. The broker and the 'signal provider' are often the same people, or closely linked. They lure you in, show fake profits, and then ghost you or demand more money for 'withdrawal fees' or 'taxes'.
I got caught out by something similar a few years back, not a signal group per se, but an 'investment manager' on Telegram promising crypto gains. Lost about R50,000. It's tough, because you wanna believe you found something special. What I did learn is, stick to regulated entities. If a broker isn't regulated by a reputable body like ASIC, FCA, or even our FSCA here in SA, just walk away. No matter how convincing they are.
Hey Sophie, so sorry you're dealing with this. It's a horrible feeling of betrayal and loss. These signal groups are designed to make you trust them, and the 'expert' often has convincing answers for everything until it comes to withdrawal time. It's a common pattern, unfortunately.
While ASIC is the right path, also document every single thing. Your bank or card provider might help with a chargeback, but sometimes they push back, saying you authorized the transaction. You need to frame it as *fraudulent services* provided by the broker, not just buyer's remorse. Explain they were unregulated and promised services (withdrawal) they then failed to provide. Be very clear and firm with your bank. Hope you get some positive news soon.
Sophie, you've hit on a very common type of financial fraud. The 'signal group' or 'asset manager' model is particularly effective for scammers because it creates a sense of collective endorsement and leverages perceived expertise. The broker they recommend is invariably an unregulated entity, often operating from a jurisdiction with weak oversight or none at all, making recovery extremely difficult.
Your action to report to ASIC is correct. While their primary role is consumer protection and market integrity within Australia, they do investigate such cross-border scams to gather intelligence and, where possible, take enforcement action. However, actual recovery of funds from an offshore, unregulated entity is rare and challenging due to jurisdictional limitations. Your best practical avenue for potential recovery, as others have mentioned, is through a chargeback with your bank or card issuer, provided you used a payment method that supports it. Emphasize that the entire service, from the signals to the broker, was fraudulent and designed to deprive you of funds. Any broker asking for more fees to 'release' funds is just trying to double dip.
Honestly, Sophie, while I feel bad for you, the chances of getting that $4k back are slim to none. Once these unregulated outfits have your cash, consider it gone. They just close up shop and reopen under a new name next week. ASIC can put them on a warning list, sure, but actually getting the money back from some offshore shell company? It's like finding a needle in a haystack, and usually requires huge legal costs that will far outweigh your loss.
The 'chargeback' thing... yeah, give it a shot, but don't hold your breath. Banks are becoming more and more hesitant when it comes to 'investment' scams, especially if you willingly transferred the money. They argue you authorized it. It's not like someone stole your card details. It's a harsh reality, but sometimes you just gotta chalk it up to experience and learn from it. Save yourself the stress of chasing ghosts.
Sophie, I'm another one who fell for something similar. Not a signal group exactly, but a 'wealth management' website that promised crazy returns. They had me open an account with a broker I'd never heard of, "Prime Traders Global" or something generic like that. Put in about $5,000 back in 2021. Managed to 'grow' it on their platform to like $15k in a few months. Felt invincible.
Then tried to withdraw $1k for a new fridge... and it just never came. Same excuses: 'technical issues,' 'high volume.' Then they asked for a 'withdrawal tax' of 10% of my balance. I knew right then it was a scam. Talked to my bank, Chase, but because I authorized the initial transfer, they said there wasn't much they could do. It was a wire transfer, which apparently is almost impossible to reverse. I felt so foolish. It took a long time to get over that loss. Hope your situation turns out better but prepare for disappointment.
Hoi, Anna here. This sounds exactly like a classic 'advance fee' scam layered with a fake broker. The 'signal group' guy and 'Global Markets Pro' are almost certainly in cahoots. They make it look like you're making money to encourage larger deposits, then freeze withdrawals.
Since you're in Australia, ASIC is indeed the primary regulator to report to. However, it can take them a long time to act, and direct recovery is rare.
One thing you *can* try, though it's a long shot and may incur a small fee, is a chargeback through your bank or credit card company *if* you funded the initial deposit that way. Explain that the service was fraudulent and you never received access to withdrawals. Show them all your communication logs. Good luck.
Ugh, mate, I've *been* there. Those Telegram groups are pure poison. "Huge wins daily" should be the first alarm bell. I lost about $3k to something similar last year, though mine was an 'investment platform' that looked legit. They kept blaming 'system upgrades' for withdrawal failures. My signal guy vanished too, just like yours.
What I learned is that the broker and the 'guru' are almost always the same people or working together. They control both sides. ASIC is the right place, but don't hold your breath.
Try to gather *all* your screenshots. Every single one. Emails, chat logs, bank statements showing the transfers. Everything. I shared mine with a consumer protection group in Ontario. Didn't get money back, but they used it to build a case against the platform. It's something.
Sounds very fishy, tbh. 'Signal guy' disappears, broker gives excuses. Why would a legit broker have 'system maintenance' for over a week preventing withdrawals? And 'Global Markets Pro' sounds like a name that could be made up. Did you check if they are even regulated by ASIC in the first place or if they have a real physical address? Most of these Insta-famous 'traders' just recruit people into scams. Sorry to hear this happened to you, but I'm not surprised.
Liam here, touching on Liam MacDonald's point and adding a bit more detail. The scam operates on several layers. The Forex 'signals' are often fabricated or based on extremely high-risk trades disguised as sure things. The real profit for the scammers comes from:
- The subscription fee for the signals.
- Commissions from the broker (kickbacks) because they know you'll be depositing.
- Directly stealing your deposited funds once they see you trying to withdraw.
'Global Markets Pro' is likely an unregulated offshore entity, possibly licensed in a jurisdiction with very weak oversight, or not licensed at all. This makes recovery incredibly difficult. ASIC is your best bet for official investigation, but as Liam said, direct recovery is unlikely.
Key takeaway: Always verify your broker's regulatory status with the official financial watchdog *before* depositing. Check the FCA for UK, BaFin for Germany, ASIC for Australia, etc.
I... I think this is happening to me too. I'm not using Signal Group, it's called 'Alpha Gains' on Telegram and the broker is 'Sterling FX Solutions'. They also keep saying 'technical issues'. My wife is furious with me. I put in $2000, not as much as you, but it's money I don't have. He keeps promising it'll be fixed any day now. I haven't even tried to withdraw yet, I'm too scared. What did you do?
To Lea Thomas: Don't be scared to try and withdraw. That's the *only* way you'll know for sure. If they stall you, *that's* your confirmation the scam is active. The 'technical issues' are a smokescreen. Report Sterling FX Solutions to MAS if they are regulated there, or the relevant authority in your country (assuming you're in France based on the geo-tag?).
I worked with a legal recovery firm once that specialized in Forex scams. They work on a contingency basis. They couldn't get my initial investment back from IronFX offshore (a known scam broker), but they did manage to recoup some of the smaller profits I'd withdrawn *before* it all collapsed. It cost a percentage, but it was better than nothing. They contacted the payment processors. Might be worth looking into that avenue, but vet them carefully – some recovery firms are scams themselves.
Oh god, the 'signals guy' blocking you. That's the absolute worst. I remember sending him panicked messages for days before realizing he was just gone. My broker, 'Titan Trade Pro' (never heard of them before this), also said 'long processing times'. I lost about €5,000. Tried contacting my bank, but since it was a bank transfer, they said it was too late for a chargeback. ASIC is probably going to be your best bet, but yeah, it's a slow grind. Don't blame yourself. These guys are slick.
This is heartbreaking. I lost €3,500 to a similar scam about 18 months ago. It was an 'app' this time, not Telegram. It promised guaranteed returns on crypto. The withdrawal button was there, but when I clicked it, it just spun and spun and then gave an error. Support said my account was 'under review for suspicious activity'. Turned out they wanted me to deposit *more* to 'verify' my account before they'd release funds. Big red flag. I never sent more.
I never got my money back. Reported it to the gardaí and the Irish financial regulator. They said they couldn't do much as the operators were overseas. I'm so sorry you're going through this.
They always have an excuse for withdrawals. Always. 'Server maintenance', 'regulatory checks', 'liquidity issues'. It's standard operating procedure for these fake brokers and signal groups. They're designed to get your money in and keep it there. Did this 'Global Markets Pro' have an actual address or just a virtual one? And did the Telegram guy provide any verifiable credentials? Usually, it's all smoke and mirrors. If ASIC doesn't get back to you, you could try filing a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in the US, even if you're not American. Sometimes those cross-border complaints get somewhere.
So sorry this happened to you. It's a horrible feeling when you realise you've been tricked out of your savings. Don't beat yourself up too much; these scams are getting incredibly sophisticated and play on people's hopes for financial improvement. The key thing here is that the broker and the signal provider are linked. That's almost a 100% guarantee it's a scam. Keep pushing with ASIC. Sometimes they do act, especially if there are enough complaints about the same entity. Persistence is key, even when it feels hopeless.
Ah, the classic Telegram signal scam. I've seen this play out so many times. The signal 'guru' is indispensable until you want to cash out. Then poof! Gone. And the broker, who they conveniently 'recommend', suddenly develops 'issues'. Never deposit money with a broker you haven't researched independently, ignoring the recommendation of any 'signals' group. Always check the regulator. ASIC is tough, but they are the authority. Keep them updated with everything.
Oh man, I feel you. This happened to my cousin last year. He lost S$10,000 to a similar setup. The broker was 'Venus Markets' and the Telegram group was 'CryptoMillionaireClub'. They froze his account after he tried to withdraw profits. He was devastated. He reported it to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), but they told him the broker wasn't licensed by them and they couldn't help directly with recovery. He ended up losing it all. He said the only thing that helped him even a little was talking about it, so good on you for posting.
I am so, so sorry. This sounds exactly like what happened to my uncle last year. He lost over €8,000. The broker was called 'Apex Capital FX' and the signal provider was on Facebook. They kept saying 'verification pending' for withdrawals. He contacted the German regulator, BaFin, but they stated the company wasn't registered. It's gutting. I wish I had advice, but honestly, I just hope you find some peace.
This is a textbook scam. The setup is identical to hundreds of others I've seen reported. The 'signal provider' is the lure, the 'broker' is the trap. Both are controlled by the scammers. ASIC is the right agency, but recovery is extremely rare. If you paid using a credit card, definitely pursue a chargeback. Bank transfers are much harder to reverse, unfortunately. And never, ever trust a Telegram or social media 'guru' who hand-picks your broker. Do your own due diligence.
WARNING: This is a common scam. The screenshots of 'wins' are fake. The signal guy is fake. The broker is fake (or unregulated and complicit). They want your money. If you ever see a broker that is recommended BY a signal group, run away. ALWAYS go directly to the regulator's website (like ASIC) and search for the broker NAME. If they don't appear on the official register, they are not legitimate. This is the NUMBER ONE step to avoid this stuff.
I was in a similar boat, though mine was with 'Apex Investment Group' on WhatsApp. Lost about $2,500 CAD. They also kept pushing me to deposit more for 'better access' to profits. When I finally got a small withdrawal approved, it took almost three weeks and they hit me with a massive 'currency conversion fee' that ate up half of it. Then they stopped responding. My bank just said 'buyer beware' for wire transfers. It's a brutal lesson.
This is precisely how offshore brokers and signal groups operate in tandem. They create a sense of urgency and success, making you feel like you're missing out if you don't deposit quickly. The broker, 'Global Markets Pro', is almost certainly not regulated by ASIC, or is using stolen license details. You can check this on ASIC's official register. If they aren't there, or if the details don't match, you have a very strong case that it's fraudulent. Continue reporting to ASIC, and also consider filing a complaint with the platform where you saw the initial advertisement or referral if it wasn't solely Telegram.
The 'processing delays' are a universal scam tactic. I lost about £4,000 to a forex scam last year through OptionStarsGlobal (which I now know is a scam outfit). They used WhatsApp for 'support' and kept saying my withdrawal request was 'awaiting compliance officer approval'. It never came. My bank confirmed it was a wire transfer and essentially unrecoverable once it left the UK. It's devastating. Keep all communication records meticulously. ASIC is your only hope for formal action, but honestly, the odds aren't great for getting the money back directly.
I recognize this pattern all too well. It's the 'get rich quick' fantasy trap. They lure you with fake profits from the 'signals', then the broker holds your money hostage. I lost $6,000 to EuroFX, a known scam broker, after being recruited through a Facebook ad campaign. They claimed my account was suspended for 'bonus abuse' when I tried to withdraw. I reported it to multiple agencies, including the FCA (since they claimed to have a UK presence), but nothing ever came of it. I'm so sorry you're going through this; it's a special kind of hell.
Sounds like a classic liquidation scam. The Telegram signal group operators and the sham broker are almost certainly in cahoots. They'll fabricate trading losses or 'fees' to drain your account, or if you get lucky like you, they just freeze withdrawals. Shame you reported to ASIC, but they're also struggling with the offshore entities. You might want to check if 'Global Markets Pro' is regulated by any authority like the FCA in the UK or BaFin in Germany; if not, that's another massive red flag.
Oh no, that's awful! I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's easy to get drawn in when you see those 'winning' screenshots. Don't feel too dumb, they're designed to fool people. Keep chasing ASIC, sometimes it takes ages but they might eventually act on the broker if they get enough complaints. Sending you good vibes for a resolution.
A monthly fee for signals AND a recommended broker? Total setup. These things always end the same way. The broker is likely 'unregulated' or regulated by a shill agency offshore. Did you do ANY due diligence on 'Global Markets Pro' before depositing? Naming names here is impossible as these operations pop up and vanish daily, but the pattern is identical. You've reported to ASIC, which is the right step for your jurisdiction, but don't hold your breath for that specific money back.
This is exactly what happened to me last year. Signal group on Telegram, same story with the broker ('FX Pro Solutions' or something equally generic). They promised the moon. I lost $6k USD. I felt like such an idiot too, my wife told me it sounded fishy from the start. I reported it to the FBI's IC3. They sent back an automated response, basically said 'too bad, so sad'.
Yeah, another one bites the dust to rigged Telegram signals. The signal vendor and the broker *are* the same operation, or at least tightly affiliated. That 'Global Markets Pro' sounds shady as hell – probably not even a real company, just a platform they control. ASIC is your best bet, but honestly, your chances of recovering that $4k are slim to none unless they have physical addresses and assets in Australia that ASIC can seize. Which, let's be real, they won't.
Welcome to the club, mate. I lost about 3 grand to a similar scheme a couple of years back. They make it look so easy on Telegram. My broker was called 'AxiomFX Trading'. Reported them to MAS. What helped me slightly was finding out from the MAS that AxiomFX was actually operating out of some back office in Cyprus with no real license. It doesn't get the money back, but knowing the truth helps you move on. The key is, always check the broker's *real* regulatory status on the local authority's website. Not what the signal guy or the broker's website tells you.
This happened to a friend of mine. He used a signal group, saw fake profits, then the broker told him he had to pay taxes *before* he could withdraw. $10,000 gone. He reported it to FINTRAC and the SEC. So far, nothing. It's heartbreaking. He's still trying to get his laptop back from the police evidence locker, they took it as part of the investigation.
Urgent warning: do NOT deposit any more money. This is a classic pump-and-dump, likely organised by the same people running the Telegram group. 'Global Markets Pro' is almost certainly a fake or shell entity. The 'signals' are designed to make you compliant with regulatory requirements that don't exist, to lock your funds. Always check broker regulation directly with bodies like the FCA. If the broker's website claims they are regulated by a body you've never heard of, it's a scam.
Aye, seen this loads of times. Telegram forex signals are a goldmine for scammers, not for traders. The broker is always unregulated or has a fake license somewhere obscure. Did you check the actual registration details of 'Global Markets Pro' on the ASIC website yourself, or just took their word for it? Always go directly to the regulator's site. You're likely screwed mate, sorry.
I lost money to a very similar setup about 18 months ago. The broker was 'InvestiFi Global' and the Telegram group promised amazing returns. They tried to get me to deposit more, claiming I had to meet a 'withdrawal threshold' that kept increasing. When I refused, they just locked my account. I reported it to the FSB here in SA, but they said the entity was offshore and it was outside their jurisdiction. You've done the right thing reporting to ASIC, but it's a tough road.
Classic trap. These signal sellers and brokers are usually linked. They want you addicted to seeing profits so you deposit more, then suddenly 'technical issues' stop withdrawals. Did you verify the broker's license independently? That's the most crucial step. For instance, if they claimed to be FCA regulated, you *must* check the FCA Register directly. Relying on stuff on their own website is a huge mistake. I'm afraid it's probably gone.
Terrible situation. I saw a similar scam using 'EuroFX' a while back. The Telegram 'guru' was making them deposit into a broker that only allowed withdrawals after paying 'capital gains tax' upfront. The scammer then vanished. Your broker 'Global Markets Pro' sounds like the same type. ASIC is the correct body to report to in Australia, but these entities are often based far away, making recovery difficult. Never pay any upfront 'taxes' or 'fees' to get your own money back.
Ugh, the Telegram signal groups are relentless. They're all the same scam. Fake signals, fake profits, and a partner broker that freezes withdrawals. Did you check if 'Global Markets Pro' is even real? Like, do they have a physical address? A registered ASIC number? You probably didn't, because most people don't. And now the signal guy is gone. Yeah, your money is likely gone. Sorry.
This sounds infuriatingly familiar. I got stung by a crypto signal group last summer. They used a shady exchange, not a broker. Told me I had to pay a 'withdrawal fee' equivalent to 20% of my balance. It was a lie, of course. I lost $3,000 CAD. I reported it to the OSC (Ontario Securities Commission), but they essentially said it was outside their scope since it was crypto and offshore. So frustrating.
I feel for you, mate. Telecom FX signals.. heard it all before. My mate got burned by IronFX (offshore branch, mind you) and a signal guy. Lost about 5 grand. They blocked him too. He tried disputing the charges with his bank but the bank said it was too late, it was a direct transfer. He never got it back. He says his key takeaway was: ALWAYS verify the broker with the actual financial regulator yourself. Don't trust the signal guy or the broker's website.
This is precisely the modus operandi for shell brokers affiliated with Telegram signal groups. They fabricate trading results within their own controlled platform to build your confidence. The broker 'Global Markets Pro' is likely not licensed by any reputable authority, possibly operating under a false license or none at all (like OptionStarsGlobal often did). Reporting to ASIC is correct as they are your local regulator, but recovery is difficult with offshore entities. Always verify broker regulation directly on the regulator's website, e.g., the AFM in the Netherlands, do not rely on the broker's own claims.
Oh dear. The Telegram signal groups are so dodgy. It's always the same story: big promises, fake wins, then a broker that freezes your cash. Did you check if 'Global Markets Pro' was legit before sending money? Like, on the MAS website? They usually aren't. The signal guys just disappear. I'm sorry, your money is probably gone. These scammers are professionals.
My neighbour went through this with something called 'Apex Signals' and a broker called 'SecureTrade FX'. Lost his savings. He got blocked on Telegram too. They told him he needed to pay a 'non-resident tax' to get his money out. He refused, thankfully. He reported it to BaFin, but that broker was also offshore. It's a nasty business. Always be wary of anyone promising guaranteed high returns.
That's rough, mate. Really sorry to hear it. Don't beat yourself up too much, those Telegram groups are designed to look legit. The signal guy and the broker are working together, no doubt about it. Have you tried checking if they're listed on the FCA register? Sometimes even if they say they are regulated, they're not. ASIC is the right place though, don't give up on them.
Don't despair completely. While it's unlikely you'll get the money back directly from the scammers, check with your bank or credit card provider to see if you can initiate a chargeback. Sometimes, if you frame it as an unauthorized transaction or a service not rendered, you might have some luck, especially if the deposits were recent. It's a long shot, but worth a try.
This is a classic pump-and-dump combined with a broker scam. The Telegram signal groups are almost universally scams, especially when they push a specific, unregulated broker. The 'wins' are fabricated, and the brokers they recommend are often complicit. ASIC is the right place to report, but be prepared for a long road. Don't give any more money to Global Markets Pro.
Oh crikey, that’s a gut-wrenching experience. I'm so sorry you've gone through this. It's incredibly easy to get swept up in it when you see those 'profits'. You're definitely not dumb for falling for it, these people are slick. Keep pushing with ASIC, and good on you for reporting it. Every bit helps.
This is precisely how they operate. If you see ANYONE on social media or Telegram pushing a private trading group AND a specific broker, assuming it's a scam is your safest bet. They make money from the fees AND the losses you accrue on their rigged platform. Report it to ASIC, but also check if they have any affiliation claims on the FCA website for the UK, as sometimes these scam outfits operate across borders and have fake registrations. Even if they aren't regulated by FCA, reporting it there might flag them.
Hmm. $4k is a lot to lose. Are you sure this 'Global Markets Pro' wasn't licensed somewhere that ASIC could at least trace? Sounds like they just took your money and vanished. How did they even let you get into profit on their platform if it was a scam from the start? Makes me wonder if they shut down the withdrawal portal precisely *because* you were in profit. Sketchy.
Okay, first things first: Global Markets Pro. Is this entity registered with any reputable regulator? A quick search on ASIC's registry would confirm. If they aren't, or if their license is for something unrelated, that's your confirmation. The Telegram signal seller is a parasite; they get a commission or kickback from the broker for bringing in new deposits, which is why they push these specific platforms. You need to ask yourself if the broker is regulated by any major authority like the FCA in the UK, BaFin in Germany, or MAS in Singapore if they claim to operate internationally. ASIC is taking action, but recovery is often difficult for unregulated forex firms.
This is so infuriating. The same thing happened to my mate, lost about £3k. He went through the same thing with the broker, 'Apex Trade Solutions' (another dodgy name, I know). They just kept saying 'technical issues'. The signal guy disappeared too. It’s like they have a playbook. Just feels impossible to fight back sometimes, doesn't it?
Mate, I feel you. I lost about $5k to a group selling 'crypto signals' and their partnered exchange, 'CoinFast'. Tried to pull out $1k, and poof. Support became ghosts. The signal seller blocked me. I reported it to the financial ombudsman here in Canada, but they said it wasn't under their jurisdiction since the 'exchange' was offshore. It's brutal. All I could do was change my passwords everywhere and accept the loss. I swear these Telegram groups are a festering cesspool. Learn from it, and maybe warn others like you're doing here. That's something, at least.
Sounds exactly like the scam my cousin fell for last year with 'FX Pro Solutions' and some guru on MetaTrader. They show you fake profits on a demo account built into their platform. When you deposit *real* money, that's when the actual manipulation or simple refusal to pay starts. ASIC is the correct reporting body for Australia, but honestly, recovery rates are dismal. You should also check if the broker is even *mentioning* being regulated by the FCA or BaFin, because that's a common tactic for these offshore outfits to look legitimate. But if they're not *actually* regulated by them, it’s just a lie.
I unfortunately went through something very similar. Paid for signals, used their recommended broker, and when I tried to withdraw my initial investment (let alone any 'profits'), they stonewalled me for weeks. The 'support' team just repeated the same canned phrases. I’m still waiting to hear back from the FCA, who I reported them to as they claimed to be regulated by them, but that seems unlikely now. I'm down $2,000 USD, and it’s completely devastated me. The signal guy just vanished, blocked me on everything.
Wait — are you CERTAIN this broker, Global Markets Pro, isn't licensed by ASIC with a valid AFSL? Sometimes these scams operate under a legitimately sounding name but without the proper licensing for forex. That, or they steal the license details of a real company. The signal seller is almost certainly paid by the broker. This setup is designed for one thing: to take your money. I'd be very surprised if you recover it, tbh. Maybe try a chargeback if you used a credit card, but for direct bank transfers, you're usually out of luck.
So sorry to hear this man, it’s a brutal lesson. I got burned by a crypto pump-and-dump group on Telegram about 18 months ago. Lost my deposit for a 'webinar' and then they pushed some shady altcoin. Lost over CAD$2,000. The whole group vanished. I reported it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and they were sympathetic, but said direct recovery is rare for these offshore scams. They did give me a lot of advice on securing my online accounts though, which was useful. You're doing the right thing by warning others. Keep ASIC in the loop – even if they can't get your money back, they can track the patterns.
This is why I always tell people to stick to regulated brokers, even if their fees are slightly higher. A broker like eToro or a firm regulated by the FCA or BaFin is safer. These Telegram groups are poison. They make their money from recruitment and from you losing money on their scam platforms. Global Markets Pro sounds like an IronFX offshore type of operation – basically untraceable and designed to defraud. Don't send them any more money, and don't trust *any* signals from Telegram ever again.
This is textbook. Forex signal groups and unregulated brokers are a match made in scam-hell. The broker is almost certainly connected to or owned by the same people running the signal group. They want your deposit and then they want you to lose it. What you need to understand is that the 'signals' are likely fabricated to make you feel good until it's time to run. If the broker isn't regulated by a major authority like, say, the AFM in the Netherlands or MAS in Singapore, consider it a red flag. ASIC is your primary recourse, but international scam recovery is notoriously difficult. Focus on protecting yourself from future scams.
Ugh, that's rough. I've seen friends fall for similar things. The key issue here is the broker and the Telegram affiliation. These brokers they recommend are rarely if ever properly regulated. You mentioned reporting it to ASIC, which is good. For your own peace of mind and perhaps to help others, check the FCA's scam warning list too. Sometimes these scam brokers pop up there even if they're based elsewhere.
Honestly? Sounds like you're out of luck, mate. It's a harsh truth, but that's the reality with most of these Telegram schemes and dodgy offshore brokers. They're set up to look legit, show you fake profits, and then prevent withdrawals. ASIC might pursue them, but getting your money *back* is the unicorn. Did you pay by credit card? Sometimes, a chargeback is possible, but bank transfers are usually final. Still, keep reporting. The more data ASIC gets, the better.
I know exactly how you feel. I lost money on a similar Forex scheme a few years back. They pushed an offshore broker too, one that wasn't regulated by the FCA or BaFin. Support was a joke. The 'mentor' vanished. It's designed to drain you. I never got my money back, but I did learn a lot. The biggest takeaway? Never trust anyone on Telegram promising guaranteed returns, and always, *always* use a broker regulated by a reputable authority like ASIC or the FCA. Anything else is just gambling with your savings.
It's so disheartening to read this, but sadly not surprising. The Telegram signal groups, especially those shilling specific brokers, are a predatory industry. The broker itself is likely complicit; they make money from deposits and from processing fake trades or simply refusing withdrawals. ASIC is the regulator, but recovery is very difficult in these cross-border scams. Just remember for next time: if it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. And never, ever trust trading advice from social media.
This scenario is incredibly common, unfortunately. You've been targeted by a coordinated scam involving both the signal provider and Global Markets Pro. These operations often exist purely to defraud. The fact that you can't withdraw funds is the biggest red flag, and their evasive support confirms it. ASIC is the correct avenue for reporting in Australia. If possible, also check if the broker claims to be regulated by the FCA (UK) or BaFin (Germany) – if they are, you can report them to those authorities as well for misrepresentation, which can add pressure.
Oh wow mate, that's rotten luck. It's scary how convincing these Telegram groups can be. That signal guy probably had his own account with Global Markets Pro and just used it to show fake profits. You did the right thing reporting to ASIC. Try contacting your bank too, explain the situation to see if any sort of dispute is possible, though bank transfers are usually tough. Mostly, just accept it as an expensive lesson and steer clear of anything like this in the future. Loads of us have been caught out.
Right, this is sickening. They lure you in with fake profits and then freeze withdrawals. The signal seller and the broker are in cahoots. Did you check if Global Markets Pro is regulated by ASIC? Because if they're not, or if they're using someone else's license (like an IronFX offshore setup), then you've got no legal recourse through them. You need to be diligent: always verify the broker's license with the regulator directly, don't just take their word for it. ASIC is your main path, but recovery from these pyramid/Ponzi-like Forex scams is close to impossible.
This is a classic setup, unfortunately. The 'signal group' guarantees a win rate, which is never sustainable, and then funnels victims to an unregulated or outright fraudulent broker. The broker and the signal provider are almost certainly working together. Did they pressure you to deposit more funds or claim bonuses? Often these bonuses make withdrawals impossible until a huge trading volume is met, which is unattainable. For recovery, your ASIC report is the first step. You could also try reporting to the platform where the payments were made if it was via credit card – some chargeback processes might still be possible, though typically only for 120 days. Don't expect miracles, but filing reports is crucial to get these bad actors off the platforms.
Oh man, I feel this in my gut. Same exact thing happened to me last year. Found a 'guru' on YouTube, then Telegram. Promised the moon. Put $5k into 'FXTradePros' (never heard of them, clearly). They were linked to this 'VIP signal group'. When I tried to pull out my measly $1k profit after a month, crickets. Then the 'account manager' said I had to deposit another $2k to 'verify my account' before withdrawal. Total BS. Got my money back? Nope. Not a cent. I did get a small win later against a crypto scam using a Mastercard chargeback. Definitely try your bank if you used Visa/MC.
A $4000 loss on Telegram signals? Ouch. Look, the odds are stacked against you here. The broker and the 'signal guy' are likely the same folks or in cahoots. ASIC is probably swamped with these cases. Did the signal guy ever send you some official-looking, but fake, account statement? They do that to build trust. Most likely, your money is gone. The best you can do is learn from it and warn others. Never trust a 'guaranteed' profit. If it sounds too good to be true, it absolutely is.
I am in the exact same boat. The Telegram group was called 'Elite Forex Profits' and they pointed me to 'Secure Trade Hub'. Signed up, deposited $3000 USD. My balance looked good for weeks. Then, the withdrawal request for $700 was met with silence for days. Support said my account was 'under review' due to 'suspicious activity'. The signal provider instantly went silent. They took my savings. My parents are furious with me. How did they get so good at scamming?
This is heartbreakingly familiar. I poured nearly $6k into something similar, 'Apex Signals' connected to 'Prime CapitalFX'. They boasted about incredible returns. After a month, tried to cash out $1000, and met the usual 'delay' excuse. Then my 'account manager' insisted I needed to deposit more to 'unlock' my funds. Total lie. They just wanted more of my cash. I ended up reporting it to the police, but they said it was a civil matter unless there was proof of fraud beyond the failed withdrawal. My bank wouldn't do a chargeback because it was a direct transfer. Learned my lesson the hard way, mate. The only way 'back' is often through extreme caution next time.
This is a very common scam vector. The Telegram signal group is the lure, and the fraudulent broker is the trap. These groups often employ sophisticated social engineering tactics, showing fabricated profits and testimonials. Your $4,000 AUD is likely unrecoverable directly from the broker. However, if you funded your account using a credit card issued by a reputable bank, you may have recourse through a chargeback. Contact your card issuer immediately, explain the situation, and provide documentation. Also, when dealing with any new broker, always verify their regulatory status with the relevant financial authority, such as ASIC in Australia or the FCA in the UK. Unregulated brokers are a massive red flag.
I lost $2500 to a crypto pump-and-dump group on Telegram last year. They promoted some coin, everyone bought, the promoters sold at the top, and the price crashed. My initial deposit vanished. The admins of the group vanished too when questions were asked. It was devastating. I reported it to the crypto exchange but they couldn't do anything. The police took a report but said it was unlikely to be resolved due to the decentralized nature. Just feel like such a fool. Now I can barely look at my bank account.
I'm seeing this 'Signal Group' + Unresponsive Broker combo more and more. It's designed to look legitimate, with flashy group chats and fake success stories. Often, the 'broker' itself is not even a real financial entity, just a website designed to capture funds. Reporting to ASIC is absolutely the correct first step. If the funds were transferred via a payment processor or bank, you can also try filing a dispute with them. For future reference, if a broker is recommended by a third-party signal service, *always* independently verify the broker's license and reviews on neutral sites, not just the promoter's claims.
Mon Dieu, another one. This is exactly what happened to me two years ago. A 'trading coach' on Telegram led me to 'Global Invest Pro'. I put in 2000 euros. He showed me amazing charts. When I asked to withdraw 500 euros, he said I had to wait for 'market liquidity'. Then he blocked me. The broker support just ignored me. I was heartbroken. My wife was so angry. They are thieves. I never saw that money again. You are not alone in this.
DO NOT send them any more money. That's the most important thing. They will ask for more to 'release' your funds. It's a lie. These Telegram signal groups and the brokers they recommend are almost always scams. My cousin fell for a similar thing with 'Elite FX Signals' and 'Secure FX Markets'. Lost £3,500. He reported it to the FCA, but they can only act against authorized firms. Since the broker was likely offshore and unregulated, there was little they could do. He never got his money back. Please, tell your friends, tell your family: if it promises easy money with high returns, it's a scam. Stick to regulated brokers.

