Wealth BAX Finance
A California resident encountered a scam after receiving a text from a stranger named “Sandy.” Following their initial conversation, Sandy suggested they switch to WhatsApp, where their interaction progressed. Eventually, Sandy introduced the victim to Wealth Bax, a trading platform for crypto assets, instructing them to create an account and deposit funds at “h5.wealthbax.com/x/.” To set up their account, the victim had to provide personal details, including a photo of their driver’s license. After depositing cryptocurrency and trading, Sandy convinced the victim to send money for family support, promising a return on investment. Initially, the site indicated the investment was worth $281,992. However, when the victim attempted to withdraw funds, they were informed that over $40,000 in taxes was required. Sandy advised the victim to pay the taxes, claiming she had done the same to access her money. Ultimately, the victim could not withdraw funds, and the site became defunct.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
In a separate incident, a California resident joined a Telegram group to learn about crypto trading from a man named Mason, who claimed to be affiliated with a reputable financial firm. Following group instructions, the victim opened an account with tpkcoin (also known as directcurrent) and made a deposit. Participating in a program called “big data trading,” the victim received trading signals for five days but was later told they owed $29,000 in commissions. When the victim tried to withdraw their funds to cover these fees, they were told a tax payment of $48,000 was necessary first. An assistant suggested downloading a cold wallet to avoid paying taxes on larger withdrawals. The victim sought advice before proceeding but was subsequently blocked from the trading platform, losing their initial investment of $4,200.
Pig Butchering Scam
A California resident was drawn into a scheme after discovering a crypto investment group led by a professor named Robert. The group reportedly made returns of 20% to 30% on investments. Robert established a trading platform, SILD, where group members traded collectively. A supposed assistant named Angelina guided the victim through the account setup on the SILD platform. After initial investments, Robert created a more exclusive group with a minimum investment of $50,000. Angelina informed the victim they couldn’t join the new group due to insufficient funds. However, she later contacted the victim, claiming their investment had tripled within two weeks and encouraged them to invest more. When the victim stated they had $50,000 available, Angelina claimed all slots for that amount were filled and offered a way in for $100,000. The victim liquidated a CD worth $50,000, but the bank blocked the transfer due to suspicious activity. The victim ultimately lost over $85,000, unable to recover any funds.
Investment Group Scam
Another California resident reported being scammed by someone on Instagram posing as a successful crypto investor. After a brief online relationship, the scammer persuaded the victim to invest in a platform named bitaeqcke.net. Upon depositing funds, the victim was shown how to trade and believed their account was growing. However, when the victim attempted to withdraw funds, they were met with demands for a $30,000 “tax profit” fee to be paid within ten days. Unable to pay, the scammer severed all communication, leaving the victim with no access to their funds.
Imposter Scam
A California resident discovered a YouTube live stream featuring someone impersonating Elon Musk, claiming to give away $100 million in crypto assets. To participate, viewers were instructed to send funds first. The victim sent $5,000 to a wallet address, only to find out later that the website was no longer operational. This scam utilized Tesla’s branding to mislead potential investors, as Tesla is not involved in crypto giveaways.
Crypto Giveaway/Airdrop Scam
In another case, a California resident was contacted by someone named “Sharon,” claiming to be a stockbroker. Sharon convinced the victim to transfer Bitcoin to a platform called capiturly.io for trading. After the transfer, the victim found they could not withdraw their funds, as the website was no longer operational.
Pig Butchering Scam
Another victim reported being scammed by a supposed investment opportunity with Ceypro Investments after being approached by a scammer named Ashley on Instagram. The victim was led to believe their balance was increasing but was later told they needed to deposit additional funds to make a withdrawal, resulting in a total loss of $100,000.
Imposter Scam
Two California residents reported their experiences with a fraudulent platform claiming to be SAXO Group. One victim was introduced to the platform through Facebook Messenger and was led to believe they were making money. However, when they attempted to withdraw their funds, they were asked to pay over $65,000 in “personal” taxes. The other victim lost $1,572,870.63 to the same site after being pressured into depositing more funds.
Pig Butchering Scam
A California resident encountered a scam after being invited to invest in cryptocurrency with CFX Lifestyle, which promised high returns. After an initial investment of $5,000, the victim was told they would receive profits after three months. However, the company later claimed it was having issues with the IRS, and the victim has yet to recover their initial investment.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
A report also came from a Californian who was solicited through Facebook by an employee of YFI App. The employee promised daily returns of 1%-1.8% on their crypto wallet. The victim, alongside other investors, was instructed to transfer funds to a specific wallet as a group investment. Ultimately, the victim lost over $61,000 after the wallet was drained.
Pig Butchering Scam
A California resident reported issues with the platform bybukx.com after attempting to convert Ethereum to Tether. After the initial deposit, the victim found their withdrawal blocked and was told they needed to obtain VIP status by depositing an additional amount, ultimately leading to a loss of funds.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
Another resident met “Erika” on Nextdoor, who introduced them to a trading platform called 0xlayer.top. After believing they made $300,000 in profits, the victim was told they needed to pay $73,000 in “verification fees” before they could withdraw funds. After several demands for more money, the victim ultimately lost their entire investment.
Pig Butchering Scam
In another case, a Californian reported being contacted by “Chen” through Instagram, leading to an investment in crypto assets on the platform mvxnft.net. After initial success, the victim was told to pay a service fee to withdraw their funds, which they could not recover.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
In a separate incident, a victim joined a WhatsApp group for trading Bitcoin. An “investment teacher” named Kaia provided instructions, but when the victim attempted to withdraw funds, they were told they needed to invest more to unlock their assets. The victim lost over $150,000.
Imposter Scam
A California resident was contacted on Telegram by someone claiming to be Tai, offering an opportunity to invest in a presale of the “xAI88X” coin. After transferring funds to a fraudulent website, the victim lost a total of $3,816.60.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
In another case, a victim met someone on WhatsApp who introduced them to the crypto asset trading platform h5.opacoin.net. After initial success, the victim was unable to withdraw funds and was told they needed to pay taxes first, ultimately resulting in a loss.
Pig Butchering Scam
A Californian was contacted by “Leonid” regarding an investment opportunity with Seikum. After believing their balance increased, when they attempted to withdraw, the account was frozen, and the victim lost $3,000.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
Another Californian reported losing money to fucoins.com after joining a WhatsApp group. After following the group’s investment advice, the victim was unable to withdraw funds, leading to significant losses.
Pig Butchering Scam
The victim reported issues with the platform piwbit.com after claiming their account had grown significantly. When they attempted to withdraw funds, they were told they needed to pay a fee, ultimately leading to a loss of $480,000.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
Another victim reported losing money on incapital.limited after being persuaded to open an account and trade. When the victim wanted to withdraw funds, they were told they needed to deposit more to preserve their account balance.
Pig Butchering Scam
A California resident reported losing $10,000 on the platform bullish-dot.com after being introduced to trading by someone they met online.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
A victim joined a WhatsApp group for Bitcoin trading and was pressured to invest. After believing they had made profits, they were told to pay fees to withdraw their funds, leading to significant losses.
Pig Butchering Scam
In another case, a victim reported being approached by “Daryna” online, introducing them to Krillpro. After believing they made profits, the victim was asked for additional contributions, ultimately leading to losses.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
A California victim was introduced to Experttrdeanalysis.com, where they were told to pay fees before being able to withdraw their investments. The website is no longer operational.
Pig Butchering Scam
The victim reported being convinced to invest in ethereum through ethereum-creditor.club. After initially thinking they were profitable, the victim was ultimately told they needed to pay additional fees to withdraw funds.
Advance Fee Scam
A California resident reported being involved in a scam through drafthex.com after believing they would receive a sign-up bonus but were unable to withdraw any funds.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
A victim reported being introduced to antcontract.cc via a dating app and was convinced to invest. When they attempted to withdraw funds, they were told they needed to pay taxes first.
Pig Butchering Scam
A California victim reported being contacted on a dating app by “Sharon,” who introduced them to a trading platform. After multiple deposits, the victim was unable to recover their funds.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
A victim reported being contacted by “Ananya” on TikTok, leading to a $3,000 investment in a crypto wallet. After attempting to withdraw, they found their funds were inaccessible.
Hacking
A fraudulent company impersonating Brave Software has been reported, offering high returns on investments. Victims have reported significant losses after being convinced to transfer cryptocurrency to the scam’s wallet.
Pig Butchering Scam
The victim met someone online through a dating site, who promised returns on investments through Capital Handels System. After being instructed to pay additional fees, the victim lost more than $10,000.
Romance Scam
Two California residents reported scams involving SAXO Group, where they were pressured to invest more funds and pay taxes before being able to withdraw their money.
Pig Butchering Scam
A victim reported being introduced to CFX Lifestyle, which promised high returns. After investing $5,000, the victim was unable to retrieve any of their funds.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
A California resident reported being contacted on Facebook by an employee of YFI App. After being persuaded to invest, the victim lost a significant amount of money.
Pig Butchering Scam
Another victim reported losing funds on bybukx.com after being convinced to trade. When attempting to withdraw funds, they found their requests blocked.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
The victim reported losing money on 0xlayer.top after believing they made profits trading. When they tried to withdraw, they were asked to pay fees, leading to significant losses.
Pig Butchering Scam
A California resident encountered a scam through mvxnft.net after believing they made profits trading. When attempting to withdraw, they were told to pay a service fee first.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
In another case, a victim reported being unable to withdraw funds from a trading platform after being convinced to invest by a supposed teacher in a WhatsApp group.
Pig Butchering Scam
A victim reported being approached by someone claiming to be a famous influencer, leading to a loss of funds after being convinced to invest in a fraudulent trading platform.
Advance Fee Scam
A California victim reported being contacted about a crypto asset trading opportunity, which turned out to be a scam. After attempting to withdraw funds, they were unable to recover any of their investments.
Pig Butchering Scam
A resident reported being contacted by a scammer who convinced them to invest in a fraudulent trading platform. The victim was unable to recover their initial investment after being told to pay taxes.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
In another case, a victim reported being approached by a scammer who promised high returns on investments. After making multiple deposits, the victim was unable to withdraw their funds.
Romance Scam
A California victim reported losing significant amounts of money to a scammer posing as a successful investor. The victim was unable to recover their investments after repeated requests.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
A victim reported being contacted by a scammer who convinced them to invest in a fraudulent platform, leading to significant financial losses.
Pig Butchering Scam
In yet another case, a victim was persuaded to invest in a crypto trading platform by someone they met online. After believing they made profits, they were unable to withdraw their funds.
Advance Fee Scam
A California resident reported losing funds on a fraudulent trading platform after being convinced to pay fees upfront before being able to withdraw.
Pig Butchering Scam
The victim reported being introduced to a fraudulent trading platform by a romantic interest online, resulting in significant financial losses.
Fraudulent Trading Platform
A California victim reported being scammed by a fake crypto platform after being convinced to invest. The victim lost more than $200,000.
Hacking
A resident reported losing funds after being contacted by a scammer impersonating a legitimate crypto platform, leading to unauthorized transactions.
Pig Butchering Scam
Lastly, a victim reported being misled into investing in a scam after communicating with someone online. The victim lost their entire investment after being pressured to pay additional fees.
