An illustrative example
“Your profits are ready, but you must pay a tax or release fee before you can withdraw them.”
Warning signs to look for
- Promises of high returns with little or no risk.
- An investment recommended by someone you only know online.
- Demands for more money to unlock a withdrawal.
What you can do
- Stop sending money, including fees said to release existing funds.
- Check the firm and its contact details with the financial regulator in your country. A registration claim alone is not enough.
- Contact your bank or payment provider if you have paid. Be cautious of anyone promising to recover your money for an upfront fee.
Talk about it together
Try starting with:
“Let’s check the company with the regulator independently before either of us invests.”
Sources and further reading
Scamwatch: investment scamsGeneral educational information. Reporting routes and protections vary by country.