What to Do If You Invested in a Scheme That Stopped Paying
Withdrawals are frozen, the platform wants a fee, and the group has gone quiet. What to do if an investment stops paying: stop depositing, gather evidence, report, and avoid recovery scams.
It often starts with small delays. A withdrawal is "processing". Then a fee is needed, or an account "upgrade", or taxes. The group chat goes quiet, or admins blame technical issues. These are the signs of a scheme that has stopped paying.
What to do now
- Stop depositing, whatever reason you are given. See withdrawal fee scams.
- Save evidence: screenshots of the platform, chats, payment receipts, wallet addresses and names. See evidence to keep.
- Contact your bank or payment provider about recent transfers. See stopping a transfer.
- Report to the police and your financial regulator. See reporting to regulators.
- Talk to other victims carefully: group reports can help investigators.
Recovery offers are the next scam. "Hackers", "lawyers" or "agencies" who contact you promising to recover funds for a fee are almost always fraudsters. See fake recovery agents.
Looking after yourself
Losing savings is painful, and shame keeps many people silent. See the emotional impact of scams and rebuilding after fraud.
For more, see investment scams.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay the fee to unlock my withdrawal?
No. Withdrawal fees and 'taxes' are the final stage of most investment scams. Paying rarely releases anything.
Will I get my money back?
Sometimes, partly, if authorities recover assets or a bank payment can be recalled. Often it is difficult. Reporting improves the chances.
Someone says they can recover my funds for a fee. Should I trust them?
Almost always no. Recovery offers after a scam are usually a second scam.
Sources
- Refund and Recovery Scams, US Federal Trade Commission
- Ponzi Scheme, Investor.gov (US SEC)
- What To Do if You Were Scammed, US Federal Trade Commission
