Recover After an Investment Scam
Steps to take after losing money to a fraudulent investment scheme — report, contain, and protect yourself from follow-on targeting.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
First 10 minutes
- Stop depositing money into the platform immediately
- Do not pay any 'tax', 'release fee', or 'verification fee' to access your 'profits' — these are always additional theft
- Screenshot the platform, your account balance, and all communications
- Note the website address, company name, and contact details
- Do not delete any apps or messages yet
First 24 hours
- Report to your bank about any payments made and ask about recall options
- Report to your national financial regulator (e.g. FCA in the UK, SEC or CFTC in the US)
- Report to your national fraud/cybercrime service
- Check whether the company is registered with your financial regulator before any further contact
- Tell trusted people close to you — investment scams sometimes spread through personal networks
Contact your bank or payment provider
- Report all payments to your bank and ask about recall for recent transfers
- If you paid by card, ask about chargeback options
- Ask your bank to monitor your account for follow-up fraud attempts
- If you took out loans or remortgaged, tell your bank the funds were lost to fraud
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the platform interface, your account balance, and transaction history
- Save all messages, emails, and call records
- Record the website address and take a full-page screenshot before it disappears
- Save any contracts, prospectuses, or promotional materials you received
- Note all payment methods used and keep receipts or references
Secure your accounts and devices
- Change passwords on any accounts linked to the platform
- Revoke any permissions the platform app was given on your device
- Be alert to recovery scammers — investment scam victims are frequently re-targeted
- Do not respond to anyone claiming they can recover your investment
Report it
- Report to your national financial regulator
- Report to your national fraud/cybercrime service
- Report to the platform's payment processor or app store if applicable
- Keep all reference numbers from each report
Investment scams — including fake trading platforms, pig-butchering schemes, and bogus crypto exchanges — are designed to look credible for as long as it takes to extract as much money as possible. Many victims deposit repeatedly because early 'profits' show on screen before the platform blocks withdrawals or disappears.
The money shown on your account dashboard is almost always fictitious. Any fees, taxes, or verification charges demanded to release your funds are further theft. Stop depositing immediately and do not pay to 'unlock' your balance.
Report to your financial regulator as well as the fraud service — regulated firms are required to handle complaints, and regulators can warn other consumers. While direct recovery is difficult, reporting creates a record that may help with any bank claim and ensures the scam is investigated.
Frequently asked questions
The platform says I owe tax before I can withdraw — should I pay?
No. Legitimate investment platforms never require you to pay tax or fees before releasing a withdrawal. This is a common second-stage theft tactic. Stop all payments.
Can I get my money back from an investment scam?
Recovery is difficult but not always impossible. If you paid by card, a chargeback may apply. If you paid by bank transfer, report immediately and ask about recall. Regulated platforms may be subject to compensation schemes — check with your financial regulator.
I was introduced to this investment by a friend — what should I tell them?
Tell them calmly. They may have been scammed too and not yet realised it. Sharing information can help both of you report and avoid further losses. Avoid blame — they are likely also a victim.
How do I check if an investment firm is regulated?
Check your national financial regulator's register (FCA register in the UK, SEC EDGAR or FINRA BrokerCheck in the US). Unregistered firms offering investment services are a major red flag.