Scam category

Crypto & investment scams

Critical risk WhatsAppTelegramCrypto platforms

Crypto and investment scams promise high or guaranteed returns through VIP groups, mentor 'professors', or fake trading platforms. Early gains and small withdrawals build trust before deposits are trapped behind fake fees.

Last reviewed 2026-06-15.

How these scams usually work

These scams build a relationship first, through a group chat, a 'mentor', a dating app, or a wrong-number message that becomes a friendship. You are introduced to a trading platform or app that looks professional and shows steady gains. A small test withdrawal succeeds, which convinces you to deposit more. When you try to take out a larger amount, the platform demands taxes, fees, or a minimum balance before release. Those payments simply add to the loss, because the platform and its profits were never real.

What the scammers want

Deposits
'Tax'/'fee' payments to withdraw
Wallet access

Common red flags

Guaranteed investment returns Romance or emotional pressure Recovery promise after a scam

What to do

Treat guaranteed returns as a scam sign.
Don't invest on chat-group tips.
Leave and block the group.

What not to do

Do not deposit more to 'withdraw'.
Do not pay unlock fees.
Do not trust profit screenshots.

Common scam messages in this category

Is this crypto investment group invite a scam?

Top scam types

Related trend reports

If you were affected

See our recovery guides and report through official channels via the reporting directory. Be wary of anyone offering to recover lost money for an upfront fee.

Official sources checked

Huntress - Pig butchering scam: signs, examples & protection - High reliability
Washington State DFI - WhatsApp 'professor' crypto scam warning - High reliability
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre - Fraud Prevention Month 2026 / top frauds 2025 - High reliability

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Frequently asked questions

Why can't I withdraw my profits?

Because the profits aren't real. Demands for 'tax' or 'fees' before withdrawal are how the scam extracts more money.

The platform let me withdraw a small amount - doesn't that prove it's real?

No. Allowing a small early withdrawal is a deliberate tactic to build trust before you deposit larger sums that you cannot get back.

Someone I met online is guiding my crypto investments - is that a red flag?

Yes. Investment advice from a new online contact, especially one who steers you to a specific platform, is a hallmark of these scams.