#security-hold-fee

My 'broker' OptionsTradePro wants a 'security hold release fee'. Is this another scam tactic?

Hey everyone, I'm really at my wit's end here. I invested a decent amount, like in the low five figures, with OptionsTradePro after a guy reached out to me on LinkedIn. Seemed super professional, showed me 'profits' that looked amazing on their platform. When I tried to withdraw a chunk of it last week, they approved it, but then a day later, I got an email saying my funds are on a 'security hold' and I need to pay a 'security hold release fee' of about 10% of my total balance to get my money. They're saying it's for 'international transfer protocols' and 'AML compliance'. I'm in Chicago, and I've never heard of anything like this. I already put in about $12k. Is this legit? Or am I being played for more money? I'm so scared I'm gonna lose everything. Any advice on what to do next would be a lifesaver. I'm afraid to pay it, but also afraid not to and lose what I already put in.