Lost my savings to a 'new connection' from a hiking group, fake investment platform. Can I report this in Ireland?

Oh man, that's absolutely awful, I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's not your fault, these scammers are incredibly sophisticated. You *absolutely* should report it, even if the chances of getting your money back aren't high. Reporting helps intelligence agencies track these networks and protect future victims. In Ireland, you should report it to An Garda Síochána (the national police). They have a dedicated Cyber Crime Unit. Also, gather *all* the evidence you have: screenshots of conversations, transaction details (even to the fake platform), the website address, names, anything. Every little piece helps them build a clearer picture. Unfortunately, these funds often move quickly through crypto mixers and out to offshore accounts, making recovery tough, but reporting is crucial. Don't beat yourself up, these things are designed to trick people.

Ugh, this just hits home so hard. I went through something similar last year, though mine started on a dating app. The *exact* same pattern: small 'wins' to hook you, then pressuring you for more, then the 'tax' thing. It's soul-crushing. I didn't report it immediately, but wish I had. When I finally did, i went to police here in Singapore and the MAS – they were sympathetic but kinda said recovery likelihood was low. The emotional toll is huge. I still feel so foolish sometimes, even though I know logically it's their despicable tactics. Just, be kind to yourself. It's a wound, not a reflection of your intelligence. And yes, please report it, if only for your own peace of mind, that you did everything you could. FWIW, Chainalysis does a lot of work tracking crypto, but getting them involved as an individual is tough.

Look, with these things, you're usually stuffed. I mean, it's crypto right? Once it's gone it's gone. Especially if it went to some dodgy offshore exchange. The police might take a report, they probably will give you a crime reference number for insurance purposes if you're lucky. But actual recovery? I wouldn't hold your breath. These scammers are often based in places with lax laws, or they've laundered the money through so many layers it's impossible to trace. Best thing is to consider it a very expensive lesson. Harsh, I know, but realistic. Sorry, mate.

Oh Liam, I'm so incredibly sorry. This type of scam, the pig butchering one, it's just devastating because they don't just take your money, they mess with your head and heart first. The 'friendship' is part of the weapon. I know exactly what you mean about the sickness in your stomach. I lost a significant amount too, started with someone from a food forum, same 'invest in crypto' story. After I finally realized, my partner was so angry, but then understanding. I reported to the RCMP here in Canada and the BBB (not much help for crypto, but still). It felt like screaming into the void, but it did help me start to process it mentally, just to acknowledge it formally. Don't ignore the emotional side. Talk to someone you trust, or a therapist. The financial loss is huge, but the betrayal hurts just as much.

This really sucks, I totally get it. I was targeted by one of these, thank god I only lost about $500 before my sister pointed out all the red flags. The pressure to invest more, the 'customer service' asking for fees... it's all part of the theatre. You absolutely need to report it to An Garda Síochána. Even if they can't get your money back, they need the intelligence. Also, look into your bank's fraud department. Sometimes, if the initial transfer wasn't directly crypto-to-crypto and went through a bank transfer first, there might be a slim chance of a chargeback, but it's a long shot with crypto involved. Still, make that call to your bank too. Hang in there.

Liam, my heart goes out to you. This is a cruel scam, designed to exploit trust. Please don't carry this burden alone. You are far from the only one this has happened to. The shame is what they want you to feel so you stay silent. But speaking up, even here, is the first step in taking back some control. Yes, report to the police in Ireland. Gather all your digital fingerprints. Every message, every payment record. Even the fake platform's URL. This helps authorities understand the crime better, even if immediate restitution is difficult. It's a long road, both financially and emotionally. But you need to start somewhere. The fact that you're asking here shows courage.

Dude, I'm so sorry. The online hiking group angle, that's just another way for them to build that rapport. Swore I was falling for this one chick, she was all 'yoga and good vibes' and then BAM, crypto investment. Lost like 6k. For real, it messed me up for a while. You gotta report it, man. IC3 here in the US, but for you in Ireland, definitely the national police, An Garda Síochána. Get everything documented. Transaction IDs, wallet addresses if you have 'em, screenshots, everything. They may not get your cash back but you gotta do your part to stop these creeps. And tbh, talking about it helps, like what you're doing right now. Don't internalize it.

Oh god, Liam. I'm literally shaking reading your post because this is my worst nightmare. I met someone really nice online recently, also in what felt like a super innocent hobby group, and they've just started talking about crypto investments. It's been setting off little alarm bells in my head because of stories like yours, but they seem so genuine. You've confirmed my fears. I'm so, so sorry this happened to you. I'm also in Dublin. Please, let us know if reporting to the Gardaí yields anything or if you find out about any specific resources here. My stomach just dropped; I'm going to block this person now. Thank you for sharing, even if it's painful, you've probably saved me from the same fate.

This is truly horrendous, Liam. These pig butchering scams are devastating because they play on human connection. The red flag you mentioned, the 'limited-time bonus for a larger sum' and then 'demanding more money for taxes/fees' is *classic*. Once they demand more money to release your initial funds, it's 100% a scam. They're just trying to milk you for every last cent. Do not pay any more. Your priority now is to report it to An Garda Síochána with every detail. Also, check with your bank immediately, but for crypto, as others have said, recovery is incredibly difficult due to the nature of the transactions. But reporting is vital for a broader law enforcement effort. You need to process the emotional impact too. These are psychological attacks, not just financial ones.

It's truly heartbreaking to hear your story, Liam. These sophisticated criminal networks prey on trust and hope. You did nothing wrong, except to believe in someone who turned out to be a predator. In your situation, based in Ireland, a formal report to An Garda Síochána is the appropriate first step. Ensure you provide them with: all communication logs (chat screenshots, emails), details of the fake investment platform (web address, any names used), and all transaction records, including any wallet addresses you sent funds to. While recovery is often challenging with crypto scams, your report contributes to the global intelligence picture that eventually helps dismantle these operations. Don't let the shame silence you; your experience can help others. Take care of your well-being, too.

This is a classic pig butchering scam, unfortunately. The 'hiking group' connection, the fabricated investment returns, the pressure for larger deposits with promises of bonuses, and then the demand for 'fees' to release funds are all hallmarks. While it's deeply upsetting, reporting is still worthwhile, especially in Ireland. You should try reporting it to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) and possibly the Central Bank of Ireland. They may not recover your funds directly given the nature of crypto scams, but each report helps them build patterns and potentially track down perpetrators or warn others. Chainalysis also tracks these types of illicit flows.

Oh man, that's rough. I fell for something similar a couple of years back, though not quite as much as you. Met someone on a dating app, thought we had a real connection. They introduced me to some 'forex trading' thing. Started small, looked good. Then they got me to put in like €8k, all my savings. Same story – suddenly couldn't withdraw, needed 'taxes' paid. Lost it all. The shame is the worst part, isn't it? We're re-building slowly. Definitely report it. Even if they can't get your money back, it might stop someone else.

It sounds exactly like a 'pig butchering' scam. They 'fatten up' the victim with fake profits before the final 'slaughter' (taking all the money). These scammers are incredibly sophisticated and often operate internationally, making recovery extremely difficult. In Germany, we report such financial crimes to the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) and our local police. Even if funds are in crypto, which makes tracing harder, the initial interaction and fraud are still criminal acts. Be cautious of anyone you meet online, no matter how friendly they seem, suggesting high-return investments.

Wait, a hiking group? That's a new one. Usually it's dating apps or 'professional networking' sites. 15k is a massive hit, I'm sorry. If they used a platform, even a fake one, that platform might have some digital footprint. But frankly, getting money back from crypto scams like this is a long shot. Most of the advice here is to report and move on. What did your partner say ultimately when you told them the full extent?

I'm so incredibly sorry this happened to you. It takes a huge amount of courage to share this, and please don't feel ashamed. Scammers are designed to prey on trust and genuine connection, and it sounds like this person was very skilled at manipulation. You absolutely did the right thing by reporting it, even if it feels hopeless now. The Gardaí (Irish police) have an economic crime unit that handles these things. If you can gather any evidence like messages, website URLs, wallet addresses, give it all to them. Thinking of you.

This is heartbreaking. You trusted someone, and they took advantage of that. It's the worst kind of betrayal. These scammers are ruthless. They'll use any sort of shared interest, like hiking, to build rapport. You're absolutely right to identify it as a pig butchering scam. Many people in the UK have lost fortunes this way. Report it to Action Fraud. They are the national reporting centre for fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It's a starting point. Don't let them win by silencing you.

Ugh, this sounds like textbook 'pig butchering'. The fake platform, the pressure to deposit more, the 'taxes' excuse... it’s designed to drain you dry. I've seen similar scams pop up on forums here in Singapore, sometimes linked to fake wealth management sites. Recovery is tough, especially with crypto. Reporting it to the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) of the Singapore Police Force might be an option if the scammers had any Singaporean links, but I don't know about Ireland. Focus on securing your accounts and never clicking dodgy links again, I guess.

Mate, that's a disaster. 15 grand is serious dosh. The scammers are professionals at this, they build trust slowly and then bam! Same thing happened to my mate Dave, lost his house deposit. He reported it to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) cybercrime unit. They said recovery is rare, but they follow the money. The key red flag you missed was that they pressured you to deposit *more* money for a 'bonus' – legitimate investments don't typically work like that. Always be wary of 'guaranteed' or time-sensitive bonus offers.

Je suis tellement désolée. This is exactly what happened to me last year. I lost €10,000 on a fake forex platform recommended by someone I met on Facebook. They seemed so kind, we talked every day for weeks. Then they asked me to invest more... and poof, the money was gone. The 'customer service' also asked for fees. I reported it to the police here in Bordeaux, but they said recovering crypto is almost impossible. It feels like a violation, doesn't it? I'm still trying to rebuild my confidence after that. We're not alone in this.

This is awful. I feel sick reading this, because it happened to me too. Lost about $20k. Met someone online, seemed like a soulmate. They introduced me to what they called a 'private trading group'. Showed me spreadsheets, 'proof' of huge gains. I put in my savings, even took out a small loan. Then they ghosted me after I asked to withdraw. Reported to the FTC, they said to file a report with IC3.gov (Internet Crime Complaint Center). They can't always get money back, especially crypto, but they collect data. It's a horrible feeling.

This type of fraudulent activity, often termed 'pig butchering', is a global concern and unfortunately, international cooperation between law enforcement agencies is challenging for swift recovery. For those in South Africa, reporting to the South African Police Service (SAPS) Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and potentially the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) is advisable. While direct fund recovery is improbable given the crypto element and cross-border nature, lodging a formal complaint aids in intelligence gathering. Crucially, never share your private keys or login credentials for any platform, legitimate or otherwise.

It's grim reading this, feels like I'm watching a rerun. Happened to me two years ago. Met a guy in a 'business networking' group online, said he knew a foolproof way to make money on some obscure stock. Invested £5k initially, saw fake profits. Then he pushed for more, said it was a limited IPO. Lost the lot when I tried to cash out. Reported it to Action Fraud in the UK. They said recovery is extremely rare, but filed it. The worst part is the feeling of utter stupidity. You’re not alone. Just remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.

So sorry you're going through this. It hits hard, doesn't it? Lost £7k to a similar scam about 18 months ago. Met a woman online, seemed legit, started talking investments. Fake platform, fake profits, then the 'withdrawal fees' appeared. Felt like such an idiot, couldn't tell anyone for months. My neighbour told me to report it to Action Fraud. They took the details, but said don't expect much. The best advice I got was to get off social media for a while and focus on rebuilding. Blocked everyone related to it. Take care of yourself.

Ah crap, I'm so sorry. This is hitting home hard. I lost €5k about 6 months ago, similar story. Met someone on a foreign exchange forum, seemed genuine. They told me about this amazing platform, showed me screenshots of wins. I put in a bit, saw it grow, then put in the rest. When I wanted to cash out, red flags everywhere. They wanted a 'transfer fee'. Reported it to the Gardaí here in Limerick, and also to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) since the platform *claimed* to be regulated by them (total lie). Don't know if they'll do anything but it felt important to report.

This is soul-destroying. I lost a significant amount to a 'forex' scam, similar scenario, about a year and a half ago. The psychological manipulation is extreme. They isolate you, build trust, then exploit it. You *must* report it to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB). They work with international law enforcement. While recovery is unlikely, every report adds to data that might catch these people. Also, consider freezing your credit report immediately if you're in the US, or any equivalent financial monitoring in Ireland, just in case they have more info.

Ugh, reading this makes me wince. I lost a good chunk of money – maybe $8k – to a crypto scam a while back. Met the person online, seemed super legit, talked about shared interests. Then came the investment pitch. Fake platform, amazing 'returns', then suddenly I couldn't access it. They demanded 'fees.' I did report it to the NY Attorney General's office and also filed with the FTC. It's the *process* of reporting that sometimes helps you detach and realize it wasn't your fault, but theirs. The psychological damage is real.

This really hit me. I lost about £4k about 10 months ago to a very similar scam. Met a woman on a language exchange app, we chatted for ages, then she mentioned crypto. Seemed really smart. She guided me to a website, looked legit. I put in a few grand, saw it 'grow'. Then she pushed for more. I tried to withdraw, and suddenly needed a 'tax payment'. It was devastating. I reported it to Action Fraud. They were sympathetic but realistic about recovery. The hardest part for me was the shame. Talking about it here is brave.

This is devastating. I was also a victim of a crypto scam, lost about $10k. Met someone on social media, seemed like a friend. They pushed me towards investing in crypto on a platform they 'recommended'. It looked so real, the website was slick. They kept telling me to deposit more for better returns. When I finally tried to pull out my money, they came up with excuses and then demanded fees. I reported it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). They said they can't guarantee recovery but collect all the data which is vital.

Yeah, this sounds painfully familiar. Lost about €6k to a forex scam a couple of years ago. Met the person online, seemed cool, convinced me their 'private signals' were gold. Small initial investment, looked good. Then they pressured me for a bigger deposit. Wanted to cash out after seeing a 'profit'. Suddenly, 'processing fees' and 'account verification' charges. It's a total sham. I reported it to the Dutch police and the AFM (Authority for the Financial Markets). They said recovery is tough with crypto/forex scams, but important to report.

I'm so sorry. This is pure heartbreak and betrayal. It sounds like a 'pig butchering' scam, and they are incredibly sophisticated. They target trust and loneliness. You did the right thing by reporting it. In the US, we report to the FTC and IC3.gov. While recovery is rare with crypto scams due to anonymity and international nature, reporting helps authorities track these operations. A key red flag to watch for *next time* (which you'll hopefully never need) is any investment platform that isn't regulated by a reputable financial authority like the FCA or ASIC. Always check their credentials.

Oh OP, that's absolutely brutal. Pig butchering scams are sophisticated and target exactly that feeling of connection and trust you built. Yes, you absolutely should report it in Ireland. While direct recovery of funds is incredibly difficult once they're moved, reporting is crucial for several reasons. It helps the authorities map these criminal networks, potentially preventing others from falling victim. Filing a report is the first step, even if it feels like a long shot. Contact An Garda Síochána (the Irish police) and also look into reporting it to the Central Bank of Ireland, as they oversee financial services. They might not recover your money but they can investigate the platform if it was operating in Ireland without authorization.

I feel this so deeply. I lost a significant amount, not crypto, but a fake job scam. They made me pay for 'training' and 'equipment'. The person I spoke to was so convincing, even sent me fake contracts. When it all fell apart, radio silence. It took me months to even admit to myself what had happened. You're not alone in this. The shame is immense, but please don't let it consume you. It's the scammers who are the criminals, not you. You were duped by someone who is a master manipulator.

This is exactly how they reel you in. The 'limited-time bonus' and 'taxes' – these are screaming red flags in hindsight, but when you're in it, they prey on your desire for quick wins. Don't feel foolish; these scams are designed to exploit human psychology. The platform likely wasn't regulated by anyone. If you can, get the name of that platform (even if just for your report) and mention it to An Garda Síochána. They might be able to flag it, at least. Keep an eye out for similar investment schemes advertised anywhere, they're usually scams.

Terrible story, OP. The setup you described is classic for these operations. They create a fake sense of urgency and then pull the rug. For anyone reading this: if an investment sounds too good to be true, it *always* is. Also, if they pressure you to deposit *more* money, especially for bonuses or to 'unlock' funds, that's a massive alarm bell. Never send money to anyone you've only met online, especially for investments. Stick to a known, regulated platform if you ever consider investing, and do your own research independently.

You absolutely must report this in Ireland. I’m also in Cork, and while I had a different sort of scam (tech support scam, thankfully lost less than you but still infuriating), I found that reporting it, even if it didn’t get me my money back, made me feel a bit more empowered. Your first port of call should be your local Garda station. Detail everything. The social engineering aspect of these scams is where they’re most effective. Also, look for Irish online safety resources; they might have specific advice for financial scams like this. The fact they asked for 'taxes' is a dead giveaway of a scam.

Ugh, this is chilling. The 'hiking group' bit is so clever, using a shared interest to build trust. Please know, OP, that your feelings are completely valid. It sounds like a sophisticated operation. In France, we have websites like SignalArnaques.com which have forums about these types of scams, maybe Ireland has something similar? Your best bet is indeed reporting it to the authorities, even if recovery seems unlikely. The main thing is to cut off all contact and resist any further requests for money, no matter how convincing they sound.

From what you've described, it sounds painfully like a pig butchering scam. The stages are usually: build trust online, introduce a fake 'investment' opportunity on a cloned platform, show fake profits, then demand more money for fees/taxes before disappearing. The 'bonus' is a common tactic to get you to deposit higher amounts. I'd be very skeptical of any 'investment' platform that isn't widely recognized or regulated by a major financial authority like the FCA in the UK or ASIC in Australia. Stick to what you know.

I went through something similar, though it was a romance scam that morphed into an investment scam. The amount lost was less, but the emotional damage was huge. When they start asking for money for taxes or holding fees, that's your cue to run. I eventually reported it to a national fraud agency here in the UAE, and while they couldn't get my money back, the process helped me understand how these operations work. It's a horrible violation of trust. You did well to name it as a pig butchering scam. Protect yourself now.

This is wild. The 'hiking group' thing – that's a new twist on the old fishing scams. They get you talking about something you love, then pivot to easy money. I've seen similar things in the Netherlands, often with crypto or forex platforms. My gut feeling is that reporting to the Gardaí is your only avenue. Don't expect much in terms of getting money back though; these scammers are usually overseas and hard to trace. A common red flag is when they *only* communicate via messaging apps and never a real phone number or email that connects to a legitimate company.

My heart goes out to you, OP. I lost R30k to a fake Forex trading scheme I found on Facebook. The ads were slick, promising passive income. I saw 'profits' in my mock account and got greedy. Then they wanted a 'withdrawal fee' and 'tax payment'. I paid it. Then they asked for more. That's when I finally woke up. I reported it to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the national consumer commission, but like you, the money is gone. The hardest part was telling my husband. You're strong for sharing this.

Oh no, OP, this is awful. You are not alone in this, and what happened is NOT your fault. These scammers are incredibly adept at manipulating people. You trusted someone, and that’s a basic human thing to do. For reporting in Ireland, like others have said, An Garda Síochána is the primary channel. You could also look into filing a complaint with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) if the platform *claimed* to be regulated even if it wasn't, or if it targeted people from the UK too, as they work with international bodies. It’s a long shot, but reporting is vital.

This is textbook pig butchering. The initial connection via a hobby group is particularly insidious because it lulls you into a false sense of security. They build rapport, then introduce the scam. The fake 'returns' are designed to hook you. Listen, OP, you’ve already done the hardest part by admitting it and seeking help. Reporting to An Garda Síochána is the right step. Another thing to consider is to freeze *all* bank accounts associated with these transactions immediately. Also, if you used a credit card for any part of it, contact your card provider to see if chargebacks are possible, though it's unlikely this far down the line.

I lost my savings too, a few years back. It was a fake investment platform I found on Instagram. They promised massive returns on 'exclusive' art deals. They showed me fabricated certificates. I sent over £8k. Then they asked for more for 'import duties'. Took me months to get out of the shame spiral. Reporting it is important, yes, but honestly, the money is probably gone. What you need to do now is protect yourself. Block them on everything. Change passwords. And NEVER trust online 'friends' with your money. Ever.

This is devastating to read, OP. The fake connection, the fake platform, the fake profits – it's all designed to take your money. I was scammed by a similar crypto-related fraud about 18 months ago. They posed as financial advisors. I lost a substantial amount. I did report it to the MAS here in Singapore, and while they acknowledged it, the funds were long gone. What I learned is to be incredibly wary of *any* unsolicited investment advice, especially if it comes from someone you met online. Verify *everything* independently. Check the regulator’s website directly, don’t trust a link they give you.

I'm so sorry OP. This sounds exactly like what happened to my uncle a few months ago. He met someone on a gardening forum, they chatted for ages, then she convinced him to invest in this 'amazing' new venture. He put in about £10k. Then the requests for 'taxes' and 'fees' started. He was heartbroken. He reported it to the police and a consumer protection agency. It’s good to report it, but the chances of getting the money back are slim. Just try to cut your losses and focus on healing from the emotional shock.

I got hit by a very similar scam. Met someone through a shared hobby group online (mine was photography), they seemed so friendly. Suggested a fantastic crypto investment. Showed me where to put my money on their 'platform'. I lost about €5,000 of my savings. The excuses about taxes and fees to withdraw were the same. It’s soul-destroying. I reported it to An Garda Síochána here in Ireland, but honestly, felt like shouting into the wind. Your situation is worse because you lost so much more. You'll get nothing back, but report it anyway. It helps them track these people.

Same thing happened to me, but with stocks, not crypto. Met the 'advisor' on LinkedIn. They promised crazy returns. My wife told me not to do it, but I was hooked on the idea of getting rich quick. Lost my entire bonus for the year. These people are smooth. Reporting is definitely the way to go. An Garda Síochána is your best bet in Ireland. Don't give up hope entirely.

Oh man, that's rough. The fake investment platform is such a common MO. They create a convincing-looking site, often making it look like your bank or a famous exchange. The 'customer service' demanding more money is the final nail in the coffin. If you're in Ireland, definitely report it to An Garda Síochána. They have a national cybercrime unit. Also, you can report it to the Financial Regulator if the platform impersonated a regulated entity. Just remember, if it feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut next time.