Investment Fraud: How It Works and How to Recover
Fake trading or investment platforms that show fabricated profits and then block withdrawals. Also known as pig butchering, sha zhu pan, fake investment platform.
Free case assessmentHow the fraud works
Investment fraud usually begins with an unsolicited approach — over social media, a dating app or a messaging group — that builds rapport before steering you toward a slick but fake trading or investment platform. The dashboard shows growing 'profits' to encourage larger deposits; when you try to withdraw, you meet new 'taxes', 'fees' or silence. Deposits are typically moved fast into cryptocurrency or mule accounts.
Warning signs
- An unsolicited contact that quickly turns to investing
- A platform you can only reach through a link they sent
- Pressure to deposit more to 'unlock' a withdrawal
- Guaranteed or unusually high, steady returns
- Requests to pay 'tax' or 'fees' before you can withdraw
Evidence to preserve
If you have been affected, gather:
- The platform URL and any app you installed
- Every deposit (dates, amounts, wallet addresses or bank details)
- Chat and call history with the 'advisor'
- Screenshots of your account dashboard and 'balance'
- Any ID or KYC documents you uploaded
How victims recover funds
The primary recovery route is crypto tracing & recovery. Crypto tracing follows funds across the blockchain from your wallet, through intermediary addresses, to the exchange or service where they are cashed out — producing an evidenced trail for that exchange and law enforcement.
Because funds are usually converted to crypto, the strongest route is blockchain tracing to the cash-out exchange, supported by a complaint to the regulator where a named entity is involved. Speed matters — traces and freezes are far easier early.
Investment Fraud recovery by country
Select your country for the local regulator, ombudsman and recovery routes: