Illustrative scenario · Investment fraud · Crypto
A trading platform that wouldn’t let go
An investor is introduced to a professional-looking trading app. The balance grows for weeks — until a withdrawal request triggers a demand for ‘tax’ before any funds can be released.
Illustrative scenario: a composite example of a common case type — not a real client, and no real outcome is implied.
The situation
In this scenario, a client is contacted through social media by someone offering mentoring on crypto trading. They’re guided to a polished trading app and make several deposits by bank transfer to a crypto exchange, then on to addresses provided by the platform.
The in-app balance rises steadily. When the client asks to withdraw, they’re told a fee must be paid first. A second request brings a new fee. Contact becomes pressured, then stops.
What made it difficult
- Funds have passed through several wallets and at least one swap between tokens.
- The platform’s website and app may disappear at any time.
- The client is under pressure to pay ‘one final fee’.
Our approach.
- 01
Stop the losses
The first priority is to advise the client not to pay any further fees, and to preserve every screenshot, message and transaction record.
- 02
Document the platform
Domain registration, hosting and app details are captured before they can vanish, and checked against regulator warning lists.
- 03
Trace the deposits
Each deposit is followed on-chain from the client’s own exchange account through intermediate wallets, separating the client’s funds from unrelated activity.
- 04
Identify endpoints
The trace looks for points where funds reach identifiable services that can be approached by law enforcement or counsel.
What the client receives
- 01Timeline of contact, deposits and withdrawal attempts
- 02Platform and infrastructure findings
- 03Transaction-by-transaction trace map
- 04Report suitable for police, the client’s bank and a lawyer
Key takeaways
- ✓A request to pay before withdrawing is a strong sign of fraud.
- ✓Evidence about the platform should be captured early — sites disappear.
- ✓A trace shows where funds went; recovery depends on others acting on that evidence.
Related services
Cryptocurrency tracingWe follow stolen or misdirected digital assets across wallets, chains and bridges, and identify where funds reached exchanges or regulated services.Investment fraudFake brokers, trading apps and ‘guaranteed return’ schemes — we document how the scheme worked and trace where your money went.
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