My 'new partner' from a global dating app vanished after I invested in 'SafeCryptoTrade' – what now?
I'm feeling so stupid right now. I met someone really lovely on an international dating app a few months ago, and we really clicked. We talked on WhatsApp constantly, they seemed so genuine and supportive. Eventually, they started talking about 'SafeCryptoTrade' – an investment platform they said was giving amazing returns. I was hesitant at first, but they were so convincing, showing me screenshots, talking about their own profits, even guiding me through setting up an account and making my first deposit. I put in about 50,000 ZAR which isn't a lot for some, but it was my emergency fund, everything I had saved.
Everything looked great on the platform interface for a while, the balance was growing. Then, when I tried to withdraw a small amount to test it, they said there were 'tax' issues, then 'liquidity problems.' And now, a week ago, they just disappeared off WhatsApp, and the website's gone. I feel truly broken. Is there anything I can even DO from South Africa? I've heard about reporting to the FBI for crypto scams, but I'm not in the US. Please, any advice helps.
asked by Olivia Smit· 21d ago