My 'broker' (OptionStarsGlobal) is demanding a 'trading history verification fee'. Scam?
Hi everyone, I'm really panicking here. I've been trying to withdraw funds from a platform called OptionStarsGlobal for about a month now. I invested what was supposed to be a decent chunk of my savings, roughly 12k EUR, and for a while, it looked like I was making some profit. Nothing crazy, but enough to feel good.
Now, when I try to withdraw, they're suddenly saying I need to pay a 'trading history verification fee' of 1500 EUR. They claim it's a mandatory regulatory thing to prove the legitimacy of my trades before they can release my money. This sounds super fishy to me. I mean, shouldn't they already *have* my trading history? And why wasn't this mentioned before?
Has anyone else encountered this with OptionStarsGlobal or any other broker? Is this a standard practice, or am I being scammed? I'm in Dusseldorf and I really can't afford to lose more money.
67 Answers
Paul, I'm really sorry to hear you're going through this, but unfortunately, this is a classic tactic used by unregulated scam brokers. OptionStarsGlobal is known for this. A legitimate, regulated broker would *never* ask you for a 'trading history verification fee' to release your own funds. Your trading history is their internal data; it's what they use to generate your statements. There's no such regulatory requirement that mandates *you* to pay for them to 'verify' it.
This is just another attempt to extract more money from you. If you pay it, they'll likely come up with another fee, and another, until you either run out of money or realize it's a lost cause. You've been targeted by an investment scam. I'd strongly advise against paying them anything further. Focus now on recovery options, starting with chargebacks if you used a credit card or bank transfer, and reporting them to relevant financial authorities.
Oh wow Paul, this sounds absolutely horrendous. I'm so sorry you're in this situation. It's totally understandable why you're panicking. That 'trading history verification fee' sounds super dodgy, like Sara said. No legit broker does that. Please don't pay them anything more. My heart goes out to you, it must be so stressful. I hope you can find a way to get your money back, or at least stop the bleeding. Keep us updated, we're here for you.
Yeah, dude, that's a scam. Plain and simple. 'Trading history verification fee'? Seriously? They're just making stuff up to squeeze more cash out of you. Anyone asking you to pay *them* money to *get your own money back* is running a confidence trick. OptionStarsGlobal has a reputation, and it's not a good one. Don't fall for it, cut your losses and report them. You won't see that 12k again if you keep playing their game. Harsh, but true.
Ugh, Paul, I've been there, not with OptionStarsGlobal but another one just as bad. They called it a 'tax clearance fee'. It's the same playbook. I lost about 5k EUR back then. It was horrible. I ended up paying it, thinking 'just one more payment and I'll get my principal back,' but it was a trap. They just kept asking for more. Learn from my mistake: *do not pay*. Once they ask for these arbitrary fees to release funds, the money is gone. Your best bet is to report to BaFin and see if your bank can do a chargeback. It's a long shot, but worth trying. Stay strong, it's a horrible feeling but you're not alone.
This 'trading history verification fee' is a classic 'advance fee' scam, which is sadly common in the unregulated forex/CFD space. OptionStarsGlobal, as an unregulated entity, has no obligation to adhere to any legitimate financial regulations or disclose true fees. They invent these charges specifically to drain more funds from victims. Your trading history is logged on *their* systems, for *their* benefit, not yours to verify. The very notion of paying a fee for *them* to verify *their own data* is absurd.
Do not engage further or send more money. Your focus should immediately shift to recovery options. If initial deposits were made via credit card, contact your bank/card issuer immediately for a chargeback. For wire transfers, report to your bank and local law enforcement (e.g., German police, BaFin). Document everything, including all communications, transaction records, and the platform's website info.
Oh Paul, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress. It's incredibly unfair. Please, please don't send them any more money. These 'fees' are just a way to squeeze more out of you. It's a horrible situation, and it takes courage to even talk about it, so good on you for reaching out. Focus on what Michael said about recovery options. Even if it's a small chance, it's better than giving them more of your hard-earned money. Sending you good vibes from Nice.
Sorry to hear this but yeah, 100% scam. 'Trading history verification fee'? I've been in finance for years, not a thing. Ever. Not a legitimate one anyway. Sounds like they're just pushing buttons to see what you'll pay. They don't have to verify anything for *you* to get *your* money. They're just milking you. Cut contact. Don't be fooled by promises of 'your money is safe, just pay this one last fee'. It's never the last one.
Paul, this is a massive red flag. The fact that OptionStarsGlobal is asking for a 'trading history verification fee' means they're likely an unregulated entity operating a scam. Legitimate financial institutions, especially those overseen by bodies like the FCA or the AFM, would never impose such a charge for withdrawals. This is a common tactic to pressure victims into sending more money, a form of 're-victimization'. Your funds are very likely held by criminals, not a real trading platform.
Your priority now is damage control. Do not send any additional money. Contact your bank immediately to see if any transactions can be reversed, especially if they were recent. Also, gather all your communication with them, transaction receipts, and their website details. Report this to BaFin in Germany. They might not be able to recover your funds directly, but they can issue warnings and assist in investigations. It's crucial to understand that recovery services that guarantee your money back are also often scams themselves.
As others have correctly pointed out, Paul, this 'trading history verification fee' is not a legitimate charge. OptionStarsGlobal is a notorious unregulated broker that has received warnings from multiple financial regulators, including the FCA. Their business model relies on attracting investors, showing them fake profits, and then inventing various fees to prevent withdrawals or extract more funds.
Your primary course of action should be to attempt a chargeback through your bank or credit card provider. This process can be challenging, especially if a lot of time has passed or if funds were transferred via cryptocurrency or direct wire. Provide your bank with all evidence you have, including this demand for a 'verification fee', as it clearly demonstrates fraudulent intent. Additionally, file a complaint with BaFin. While direct recovery is difficult, official complaints contribute to regulatory action against such entities and prevent future victims. Also, be extremely wary of 'recovery agencies' who contact you offering to get your money back; many are scams themselves.
Omg Paul, this is literally what happened to me with a similar 'broker' a few years ago. Not OptionStarsGlobal, but they had a fancy name too. They made me pay like three different fees, one was a 'withdrawal processing fee', then a 'tax clearance', and then they demanded a 'risk assessment fee' just when I thought I was finally getting my money. I kept paying, thinking 'just a bit more, I'm so close!', but I lost over 8k pounds that way. It was devastating, I cried for weeks.
Don't pay them, Paul. Seriously, don't. That money is already gone if you ask me. I know it hurts to hear, but pouring more money into it is just throwing good money after bad. I wish someone had told me sooner. Report them to whoever you can, your bank, the police, BaFin. It probably won't get your money back but it might stop them doing it to someone else. Good luck. It's truly awful.
Yep, this is a classic scam. OptionStarsGlobal is listed on a few watchlists as a fraudulent operation. They invent fees like this to bleed you dry. That 'trading history verification fee' is a total fabrication. There's no such thing under any legit regulatory framework. Report them to your local financial regulator and consider filing a report with the FCA if you're UK-based, or the AFM for you in Dusseldorf. They won't get your money back, but it helps warn others.
Oh wow, that sounds incredibly stressful, especially with your savings involved. I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's definitely not standard practice for legitimate brokers to demand extra fees out of the blue like that. They already have your trading history. This sounds like a major red flag, and honestly, I'd be very worried it's a scam.
Hmm, a 'trading history verification fee'? That sounds like BS to me. Why would they need you to pay them to verify something they already have records of? Sounds like they're just trying to squeeze more money out of you before you realise it's gone. Keep your guard up.
OMG, I know this feeling. It's like that sick dread in your stomach. I lost a chunk to something similar a few years back. They always have a new excuse. This fee sounds exactly like the kind of BS they pull. Don't pay it. Cut your losses if you can, or at least stop sending them more money. Contacting the regulators is a good idea.
Yeah, that's a huge red flag. Legitimate platforms don't ask for extra fees like that to release your own money. They're trying to scare you into paying more. I'd bet my house it's a scam. OptionStarsGlobal is likely not a real broker. Don't send them another cent. It's probably gone already, sorry to say.
I'm in the same boat. I put in R150,000 rand with a platform that sounded so professional. Then they asked for a 'tax clearance fee' before I could withdraw profits. I paid it. Then they wanted a 'security deposit'. I paid that too. Now they're saying my account is under review and they need more 'capital injection'. I should have listened to my gut. This is devastating.
Trading history verification fee? That’s a new one, but it reeks of a scam. If they were a legitimate broker, that 'verification' would be part of their internal process, not an extra charge to you. Sounds like they're trying to get one last bit of cash before you disappear. Seriously, don't pay it.
Mir geht es genauso. Ich habe 8.000 Euro bei einer Firma namens 'GlobalTradeFX' eingezahlt, und jetzt wollen sie eine 'administrative Gebühr' für die Auszahlung. Sie sagten, es sei wegen 'Geldwäschepräventionsrichtlinien'. Ich habe ihnen gesagt, dass ich nichts Illegales getan habe. Sie haben nicht geantwortet. Ich bin so verzweifelt.
No way, that's not legit at all. A 'trading history verification fee'? They should already *have* your trading history. This is a classic scam tactic, trying to invent reasons for you to pay more money. Just stop communicating with them. It's very likely a scam and your money is gone.
ATTENTION! This is a scam! OptionStarsGlobal is known to operate like this. They are not regulated and prey on people. NEVER pay any additional fees for withdrawal. That is a fraudulent request. Report them to the AMF if you can, but honestly, the money is likely lost. Try to warn others by posting everywhere you can about them.
As someone who works in financial compliance, I can tell you definitively that this is a scam. Legitimate brokers do not charge 'verification fees' for trading history. This is a common tactic used by unregulated, fraudulent platforms. They invent these fees to extract more money before disappearing. Your best bet is to report them to the AFM (Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets) and inform your bank immediately. See if your bank can initiate a chargeback, though it's unlikely after a month. Don't pay them another euro.
This smells strongly of a scam. Regulated brokers, like those under FCA or AMF supervision, have clear withdrawal processes that don't involve these arbitrary 'verification' fees. They already possess your trading data. The fact that OptionStarsGlobal is demanding this *after* you requested a withdrawal is a huge red flag. They are likely an unregulated entity trying to steal your funds. If you have any chance of recovering funds, it would be through your bank or card issuer via a chargeback process, but this window is often small. I'd recommend reporting them to MAS in Singapore if they have any link there, or your local regulator, just to get them on a warning list.
I'm so sorry, this sounds like a nightmare. I was in a similar situation last year. I invested in what I thought was a crypto platform, and when I tried to withdraw, they wanted a 'withdrawal processing fee'. I paid it, thinking it was just part of the system. Then they asked for another one. I lost about £5k. It's a cruel scam. Just don't pay them anything else.
STOP! Do not pay that fee. This is a known scam pattern. OptionStarsGlobal is likely an unregulated entity. They will invent endless fees. The 'trading history verification' is made up. Report them to the relevant financial authority in your country immediately. Also, check with your bank about blocking any further transactions and if a chargeback is possible. If they are operating out of Dubai, the SCA (Securities and Commodities Authority) might be a point of contact, though recovery is difficult.
Oh mate, that's rough. Sounds exactly like the kind of BS that FXChoice used to pull. They'd invent taxes, fees, anything to stop you getting your cash. I lost about 2 grand before I realised. It’s gutting. Your best bet is to just cut your losses and report them to the FCA if they claim to be regulated by them. Don't give them another penny.
That sounds absolutely awful, I'm really sorry you're dealing with this. My heart sank reading it. It's definitely not normal. Legitimate brokers have the trading history already. This is a classic scam tactic, invented to make you pay more. Please don't send them any more money. You might want to look into reporting them to the AFM, they might be able to add them to a warning list.
I fell for this too. They called it a 'compliance fee'. I paid it, hoping to get my money out. Then they wanted a 'network transfer fee'. It never ends. I lost about $10,000 CAD. I reported them to the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), but I haven't heard back. It's devastating. Just stop sending them money.
This is almost certainly a scam. OptionStarsGlobal is not a regulated entity in any reputable jurisdiction. The 'trading history verification fee' is a fabrication designed to extract more funds from you. Regulators like the FCA (UK) or BaFin (Germany) would never require a client to pay such a fee for verification. Your best course of action is to immediately cease all communication, report the platform to BaFin, and contact your bank to see if a chargeback is possible. Don't pay them any more money.
Ugh, that's a horrible situation to be in. 'Trading history verification fee' is pure scam speak. They don't have legit history to verify for you, they *have* your history. It’s a made-up charge. I had something similar with a dodgy forex outfit once. They wanted an 'anti-money laundering certificate' fee. Total rubbish. Just don't pay it. You're likely not getting that money back, sorry.
Mate, I've been through this. Lost about £3k to IronFX offshore. They pulled the same stunt. Wanted a 'regulatory compliance fee'. I paid it. Then they wanted a 'software upgrade fee'. It's endless. Don't pay it. Report them to the FCA and warn everyone you know. It's awful, but you've got to stop the bleeding.
Yeah, that sounds like a classic advance-fee scam. The regulatory bodies don't operate like that. They wouldn't demand a fee *from you* to verify your *own* trading history. The broker is supposed to have that. OptionStarsGlobal is definitely on the radar for being a fraudulent outfit. Don't send them another cent. Report them to the financial authorities in your jurisdiction, like the BaFin in Germany.
Oh no, that's awful! I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's completely understandable that you're panicking. That 'fee' sounds completely made up. It's like they're just digging a deeper hole. Please, please don't pay it. Try to remember that your savings are important, and this feeling of dread is a massive red flag. You're not alone in this; many people have dealt with similar situations.
STOP. Do not pay that fee. Seriously. That's not how legitimate brokers work, not even close. They are trying to squeeze more money out of you. OptionStarsGlobal is almost certainly a scam operation. They prey on people like you. Once they get that 1500 EUR, they'll likely invent another fee. You need to cut your losses now and report them immediately. Check with the German financial regulator (BaFin).
Absolument pas une pratique normale. This is textbook scam behavior. They invent a 'fee' to unlock your funds, which they will never send. OptionStarsGlobal is known for this. Your money is likely gone. The best you can do now is report them to the French authorities if you were solicited here, or to BaFin as you are in Germany. Don't give them more money. C'est une arnaque.
I fell for something similar about two years ago. Lost about 8k USD to a platform that shall remain unnamed (but they were pushy like this too). They hit me with a 'tax' fee right after I requested my first withdrawal. Same story, different wording. I ended up reporting it to the FBI's IC3, and my bank tried to help, but honestly, the money was gone. Just wanted to say, you're likely in the same boat, and it’s a horrible feeling. No more fees!
Oh goodness, that sounds terrifying. I had a similar scare with a platform called FXChoice a while back. They also asked for a 'processing fee' to release my earnings. I was so close to paying it, but my husband talked me out of it, thank goodness. He said, 'If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.' We reported them to the FCA, but it was too late for my initial deposit. Don't pay.
This is a classic scam structure. They lure you in, make it seem like you're profiting, and then hit you with these arbitrary fees when you try to cash out. OptionStarsGlobal is known to be one of these operations. The 'trading history verification fee' is completely made up. No legitimate regulator or broker would ever ask for that from an individual. You need to report this to BaFin ASAP. They investigate these types of fraudulent entities.
Hmm, a 'trading history verification fee'? That sounds like a new one, but honestly, just as bogus as all the others. Most reputable brokers have that info readily available and don't charge you extra to access it. My gut feeling says scam. Have you checked if OptionStarsGlobal is even regulated by AFM or another EU authority? You can usually find that info on their website, and if it's not there or looks fake, that's a big red flag.
Yeah, that's exactly how they get you. Mine was a 'compliance fee' after I supposedly made a killing on some crypto. They wanted like 2 grand CAD to release my 5k profit. I told my wife I wasn't paying it, and she just nodded. She knows my 'get rich quick' ideas are usually just... quick ways to lose money. So yeah, avoid paying. They'll just invent another reason. Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Oh love, that sounds absolutely dreadful. You must be so stressed right now. Please try not to pay them any more money. That fee sounds completely made up, and it's just a tactic to get more out of you. Your feelings are valid – it absolutely sounds fishy! You're smart for questioning it. Take a deep breath. There are people here who understand and want to help you figure out the next steps.
This 'fee' is ridiculous. They are playing games with you. OptionStarsGlobal is a well-known scam broker. I've seen this exact scenario posted on other forums. They will keep asking for more money for different 'fees' – withdrawal fees, tax fees, etc. – and you will never see your money. Stop communication with them and report them to the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) if they are operating here.
I am so, so sorry. I was in your exact position last year. I invested with IronFX offshore and they demanded a 'government levy' fee. I paid it. Then they asked for another 'international transfer fee'. I paid that too. Lost everything, all 15k USD. They just kept coming up with new excuses. I reported them to the FCA, but it was like shouting into the void. Please don't pay them a single euro more.
Don't pay it! This is a very common scam. OptionStarsGlobal is a known scam operation. They don't want you to withdraw your money; they want to keep it. The 'trading history verification fee' is a fabrication. You should report this immediately to the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). They track these fraudulent platforms. It's unlikely you'll get your money back, but reporting them helps prevent others from falling victim.
Oh that's awful! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress. It sounds like a scam, 100%. You shouldn't have to pay a fee to verify your own trading history – they should have that! Keep all your communication records handy. If you ever need to report them, having dates, names, and specific demands will be super helpful. Try not to send them any more money, okay? Sending hugs.
This is 100% a scam. OptionStarsGlobal is not a legitimate broker. They are scammers who operate exactly like this. The 'trading history verification fee' is a made-up charge to steal more money from you. Do not pay it. Report them to the relevant financial regulator in your country (BaFin in Germany). Also, file a report with your local police department's fraud unit. They might not recover the funds, but it starts a paper trail.
That fee is completely bogus. I dealt with a similar scam a year ago. They asked for a 'liquidity verification fee' after I tried to withdraw my profits. It was about 2000 USD. I paid it, stupidly. Then they demanded another 3000 for 'anti-money laundering checks'. That's when I knew for sure it was a scam. I never saw my money again. Please, for your own sake, do not pay them another cent. Report them to MAS if they have any connection to Singapore.
Ugh, that's so frustrating and scary! It sounds like a total scam. I've heard similar stories. Brokers should have your trading history. That fee is just a made-up excuse to get more money. Don't pay it! You're in Germany, so definitely report them to BaFin. You can also check if they're listed on any warning lists from financial regulators. It's a good first step to see if they're legit.
Okay, let's break this down. That 'trading history verification fee' is not a thing in legitimate finance. Brokers maintain your trading history; they don't charge you to verify it. OptionStarsGlobal is known to be a scam. They operate using advance-fee fraud. Once you pay this 1500 EUR, they will invent another fee. The best course of action is to report them to BaFin (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) immediately. Do not send them any more money.
Man, that is brutal. I got hit with something similar last year. Lost about 5k AUD to a forex platform. They demanded a 'capital gains tax payment' before they'd release my supposed profits. It was all lies. I reported them to ASIC, but the money was gone. This fee they're asking for is just another way to steal from you. Don't pay it. They're just trying to bleed you dry.
Oh no, that sounds dreadful! I had a bit of a scare with a platform a few years back; they suddenly wanted a 'documentation fee' before releasing funds. Thankfully, I hadn't deposited too much. I realised it was a scam then and cut my losses. You absolutely shouldn't pay that fee. It's a classic scam tactic. Report them to the FCA if you can, even if it feels like a long shot. You've done the right thing by asking here.
Oh dear, this sounds exactly like a classic advance-fee scam. OptionStarsGlobal is not a regulated entity I recognize, and demanding fees for *verification* after you've already deposited is a massive red flag. Real brokers don't operate like this. They wouldn't ask for extra money to release your own funds. The AFM, our Dutch regulator, has also warned about numerous scams preying on people right now. Don't send them another cent.
I nearly fell for this same thing last year, with a different shady site. They also hit me with a 'tax clearance fee' before I could get my money out. Lost about 8k GBP, my whole emergency fund. It felt like a punch to the gut. They keep badgering you, saying it's just a small hurdle. I eventually reported them to the FCA, but I know that money is gone. My advice? Cut your losses now if you can. It's hard, I know. Just don't send them that 1500 EUR. It's gone.
A 'trading history verification fee'? Seriously? What are they verifying, that you actually traded? That's supposed to be on their platform. Unless you're dealing with some super niche, highly regulated market I'm unaware of, this screams scam. Stick to brokers regulated by reputable bodies like the FCA or AFM. I'd be very suspicious of any platform I hadn't thoroughly vetted myself.
This pattern is textbook. OptionStarsGlobal is likely not regulated by any serious financial authority. These 'fees' are how they extract more money before you realize it's a lost cause. In Germany, BaFin (the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) would not permit such a practice. If they were a legitimate entity, they'd have clear withdrawal terms upfront and wouldn't block your funds with arbitrary fees. The fact that they're demanding money *after* you've decided to withdraw is the biggest tell. Report them to the relevant financial authorities in your jurisdiction.
Run away. Now. That 'trading history verification fee' is a complete fabrication. They are scammers, plain and simple. They've taken your money and are now trying to squeeze more out of you. Never, ever pay an upfront fee to withdraw funds. If a broker asks for more money *after* you've deposited and want to take profits, it's a scam. Report this to the South African Reserve Bank's financial surveillance department if you can, but honestly, expect to lose the money.
I… I think I invested with them too. OptionStarsGlobal. The same thing happened to me. They told me I needed to pay a 'compliance fee' to withdraw my profits, which were only a few hundred dollars. I didn't have the extra money so I couldn't pay, and now they won't respond to me. I'm so upset and embarrassed. I reported it to MAS, but I don't think it'll help. I'm in tears.
Yeah, mate, that's a scam. OptionStarsGlobal are known for this. They lure you in with promises of quick profits, then hit you with these ridiculous fees when you try to cash out. Happened to my mate Dave last year with a similar outfit. He lost a good few grand. He eventually reported them to the FCA, but like most of these scams, getting money back is nigh on impossible. Don't send them the money. It's a common trick.
This is heartbreaking. I was scammed by a site called EuroFX a while back, and they used the exact same tactic. Demanded a 'withdrawal processing fee' after I'd put in about 9k EUR. I paid it, hoping to get the rest out. Then they asked for another one, a 'tax confirmation fee'. That's when I knew I was truly fleeced. I never saw a cent back. Please, for your own sake, do not pay that 1500 EUR. It's a hole you'll keep digging.
Absolutely a scam. OptionStarsGlobal sounds like one of those fake brokers. If they were legit and regulated by, say, the FCA here in the UK, they wouldn't invent fees to block your withdrawals. It's their playbook: get you to deposit, show fake profits, then demand more money for arbitrary reasons. If you have time and want to try reporting it, look for the financial regulator in your country (like BaFin in Germany). But honestly, the money is likely gone.
This is exactly how my cousin lost R150,000 ZAR. The platform was different, but the story was identical. They promised him massive returns, then when he tried to withdraw, they invented 'admin fees', 'legal fees', 'tax fees'. They kept asking for more and more. He reported it to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) here in SA, but nothing came of it. Please, do not pay them any more money. They are thieves.
Oh no, this is awful. I've seen so many people fall victim to these kinds of brokers. OptionStarsGlobal is not on any reputable regulator's list I know of. Asking for a 'trading history verification fee' is a classic scam tactic. They invent these 'regulatory requirements' to steal more money. If you haven't already, try reporting them to the AMF in France or the relevant body in Germany. But honestly, getting money back from these people is extremely rare.
As someone who works in financial compliance, I can confirm this is a scam. OptionStarsGlobal is not a legitimate, regulated broker. Real financial institutions operate under strict guidelines set by bodies like the FCA, AFM, or MAS. They do not invent arbitrary 'verification fees' to block client withdrawals. This is a predatory tactic to extract more funds. Report them to your national financial regulator immediately. The fact that they are demanding this fee *after* you've initiated a withdrawal is the critical red flag.
This is rough, I'm so sorry. I went through something similar with a place called FXChoice a couple of years back. They asked for a 'validation fee' and then a 'capital gains tax' just to release my small profits. I ended up losing the whole lot because I kept paying, thinking it was just a formality. I learned the hard way that if they ask for money to *release* your money, it's a scam. That's my main takeaway from that nightmare. You're not alone, sadly.
Hey, that sounds really stressful. I haven't dealt with OptionStarsGlobal specifically, but I have heard similar stories from friends. It's always about some unexpected fee popping up right when you want your money. Keep all your communication with them in writing, just in case. And definitely don't pay that fee. If you're in Canada, you'd report this to FINTRAC or your provincial securities commission. Good luck, hope you get it sorted.
This is a horrible situation. I had a similar experience with IronFX offshore. They were demanding a 'transfer fee' and then a 'government levy' to release my funds. I paid the first one, which was around £1000, and then they wanted another £3000. I realised I was being scammed and refused to pay. Lost my initial investment of £5k. It’s a bitter pill to swallow. The scam artists are getting so sophisticated now. Reporting them is a good step, but don't expect miracles.
Ugh, another one. OptionStarsGlobal sounds like a classic scam broker. I've seen similar posts on other forums. They always invent some excuse to keep your money, and 'trading history verification fee' is a new one, but the principle is the same. They're not regulated, they're not legitimate. Don't pay them. If you want to try and report them, check with BaFin in Germany, but unfortunately, these guys often disappear before anything can be done.
Oh no, this is so familiar. It happened to me with a platform called 'Golden Sands Investments'. They asked for a 'client onboarding fee' of 2000 USD to release my small profits. I was so desperate to get *anything* back that I paid it. Surprise! They then asked for another fee, a 'bank transfer tax'. I never saw a cent. I'm still so ashamed. Please, please do not send them that 1500 EUR. They are professional criminals.

