Fake trading platforms became one of the fastest-growing scam types in 2021. They often look professional, offer “account managers,” and show fake profits to lure victims into depositing more.
Here are the five most reliable early red flags:
1. You cannot withdraw without “unlocking” your funds
Any platform that requires:
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tax fees
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mining fees
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unlocking fees
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verification deposits
…before allowing withdrawal is almost certainly fraudulent.
2. The website domain is recently registered
Many scam platforms use domains registered only weeks or months before they begin contacting victims.
3. No real company name or registration
Genuine investment platforms list verifiable:
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business addresses
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corporate filings
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regulatory numbers
Scam sites use vague or fake information.
4. Pressure to deposit quickly
Scammers rely on urgency.
They say you’re missing out on “market opportunities,” or that an account manager must “activate” your wallet.
5. Profits always go up — never down
Any platform that shows only wins and no losses is manipulating data.
What to do if you’ve already deposited
Save everything:
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Screenshots
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Chats
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Wallet addresses
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Payment receipts
Then contact a legitimate investigation service for a case review.
Act early — the longer the delay, the harder the tracing becomes.