I was introduced to a forex trader on Telegram by a mutual friend. The trader claimed to manage accounts for high-net-worth individuals, promising guaranteed profits of up to 50% per month. He had a professional website, an Instagram page full of luxury cars and lifestyle posts, and dozens of testimonials.
I started with $25,000 on October 15, 2023, as a test. Within a week, he showed me my trading account, which had grown to $38,000. Excited by the results, I sent another $75,000. Over the next month, he kept sending me screenshots showing my account balance increasing. By mid-November, my balance had supposedly reached $180,000.
When I requested a withdrawal, he told me there was a minor tax fee of $10,000 that needed to be paid first. That raised a red flag, but since I had already made so much profit, I thought it was a reasonable request. I sent the fee. Days passed, and nothing happened. When I followed up, he claimed there was another security fee. At that point, I refused. Within hours, I was blocked. His website, Instagram page, and Telegram account were all deleted. My money was gone.
Daniel, I’m deeply sorry that you had to go through this. Being introduced to someone through a trusted connection makes the scam even more painful, as it adds a sense of legitimacy. These scammers are incredibly skilled at building trust over time, using social proof, professional-looking websites, and fake testimonials to lure people in.
It’s important to recognize that any trader who guarantees profits or claims to have a “special trading strategy” that eliminates risk is lying. The forex market is volatile, and no one can predict movements with certainty. If a trader asks for additional payments before allowing withdrawals, it’s almost always a scam. Legitimate brokers do not require extra fees beyond the agreed-upon trading terms.
To prevent future scams, always use regulated trading platforms that have verifiable brokerage licenses. If you ever consider using a trader’s services, research their credentials thoroughly and request proof of past trading history through third-party verification. Never send large amounts of money directly to an individual trader’s account.
I encourage you to report this incident to Anonbravoteam. They have experience handling forex-related scams and may help track where your money was sent. While recovery isn’t always guaranteed, they can provide expert guidance on your next steps. Stay cautious, and never let urgency pressure you into financial decisions.