A “random”, “accidental” text. They then cultivate a relationship and “casually” mention they have been making money in crypto and that they can teach you. Remember, no random stranger has any genuine interest in helping you make money.
It is a common tactic for the scammers to allow you to withdraw smaller amounts of profit at first. They do this to build your trust, and entice you to put in a larger amount of money. When it comes time to withdraw the “profits” from your larger investment, they will not let you. Usually they will keep making excuses for reasons you cannot withdraw (taxes, fees, etc..). The profits you see on the platform/website are completely fake as well, they are just manually editing the code on the website to show that your account has profit.
The Red Flags
In hindsight, there were several red flags:
- Romantic Sites: They are targeting the weak and lonely.
- Too Good to Be True: The promised returns are exceptionally high and guaranteed, with claims that upgrading smart contracts would yield incredible profits.
- Pressure to Act Quickly: There is a sense of urgency to invest quickly to take advantage of the opportunity.
- Emotional Manipulation: Sharing personal stories about their family, like their father’s health issues and her business problems, creating an emotional bond that made it harder to question the scammer intentions.
- Elaborate Stories: Sharing detailed plans for a future together, including travel plans and romantic dates, which make the interaction feel very real.
To avoid falling victim to similar scams, here are some steps you can take:
- Verify Contacts: Always verify the identity of anyone offering investment opportunities. Use trusted sources and platforms.
- Research Thoroughly: Conduct thorough research on the investment opportunity, including the website and the people involved.
- Be Skeptical: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. High returns with low risk are often a red flag.
- Consult Professionals: Seek advice from financial professionals before making any significant investments.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.
I hope sharing this post will help others avoid been scammed. Please stay vigilant and protect yourself and your investments. The world of crypto can be exciting and profitable, but it is also filled with risks and scams.
Are you victim of scam? Use our Chatbot and get a Free Consultation from CNC Intelligence Experts, they can assist you by investigating your case and tracing your funds. You should also contact your bank as soon as possible and let them know about your issue.
Stay safe and invest wisely.