Which stories keep coming back?
- “Support needs to verify your wallet.”
- Fake support asks for a recovery phrase, security code or remote access. End the conversation and find the real support channel yourself.
- “Send a little to receive more.”
- A copied account or video promises a giveaway in exchange for an upfront payment. Do not send funds to qualify. A screenshot of payouts is not evidence.
- “This app is the one you need.”
- A phishing app or page copies a real service. Check the full website address and app publisher independently. A padlock indicates encryption, not an honest operator.
- “Keep this opportunity between us.”
- A new online contact builds trust, then introduces a supposed investment platform. Talk to someone you trust outside the conversation before following money-related instructions.
- “Pay one more fee to withdraw.”
- A fake dashboard can show a balance that cannot be withdrawn. Stop sending money when an operator demands another deposit or payment to release it.
- “I can recover what you lost.”
- Unsolicited recovery agents can target you again. Do not pay them or disclose keys. Use official reporting channels.
When should you stop?
You do not owe a stranger a quick decision. Stop when a request removes your time, privacy or control.
- A countdown, threat or instruction to keep a secret.
- A request for a recovery phrase, private key or security code.
- An instruction to install remote-access software.
- A payment required to withdraw an existing balance.
- A link that differs from the service's real address.
What can you do if you were targeted?
Being targeted is not a personal failure. Scams use trust and urgency. Reporting can help, but it does not guarantee recovery.
Stop contact and payments.
Do not send another fee, approve another request or install supplied software. Bring in a trusted person for a second perspective.
Save evidence.
Keep messages, website addresses, transaction IDs and payment records. Never include a recovery phrase or private key in a report.
Secure affected access.
If a login was exposed, change it through the real service on a trusted device and review account sessions. Treat exposed recovery phrases or private keys as compromised. Seek help through verified channels without sharing the secret again.
Report through official channels.
Contact the affected financial service independently and report fraud to local police and the appropriate national service. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services.
Where can you find official help?
Use the service for your location and check its current reporting process directly.