PaybackCircle

Types of fraud

If your experience sounds like one of these, we've seen it before.

These aren't rare, and they aren't your fault. They are professional operations run by organized groups. Here is how each typically works, what the red flags are, and what to do.

Cryptocurrency scamsForex & binary options fraudRomance scamsFake investment platforms

Cryptocurrency scams

How this scam typically works

Typically starts on WhatsApp, Telegram, LinkedIn, or a dating app. The scammer builds trust, then introduces a 'trading opportunity' on a professional-looking platform. Small withdrawals succeed. Then a large deposit is requested — and withdrawals stop, blocked behind 'tax', 'unlock', or 'compliance' fees that never end.

Red flags

  • Introduction to a trading platform through a personal chat
  • Early small withdrawals that succeed (to build trust)
  • Sudden 'tax', 'audit', or 'unlock' fees to withdraw
  • Support only reachable via chat, never phone

What to do if this is you

  • Stop sending any further funds — the fees are the scam
  • Preserve all chats, screenshots, and transaction hashes
  • Report to your local police and, if applicable, national fraud line
  • Do not engage 'recovery agents' who contact you unsolicited

How PaybackCircle can help

We investigate the counterparty, preserve evidence, and prepare a documented report suitable for police, banks, and regulators. Where legal action is appropriate, we introduce you to vetted counsel. We do not promise recovery.

Start a free case review

Forex & binary options fraud

How this scam typically works

Unregulated 'brokers' — often clones of legitimate names — advertise easy returns on forex or binary options. Account managers pressure larger deposits. The trading interface may be manipulated to show wins. Withdrawal requests are met with delays, fees, or account freezes.

Red flags

  • Broker not listed on the regulator's public register
  • Aggressive account manager pressuring deposits
  • Bonus schemes that lock funds until huge trading volumes
  • Withdrawals delayed, requiring further deposits to 'release'

What to do if this is you

  • Check the broker on your national regulator's public warning list
  • File a complaint with the relevant regulator (FCA, CySEC, ASIC, etc.)
  • Initiate a chargeback with your card issuer if within timeframe
  • Preserve all statements, agreements, and communications

How PaybackCircle can help

We investigate the counterparty, preserve evidence, and prepare a documented report suitable for police, banks, and regulators. Where legal action is appropriate, we introduce you to vetted counsel. We do not promise recovery.

Start a free case review

Romance scams

How this scam typically works

A long-form emotional relationship — often months — that eventually pivots to a financial ask. Sometimes it's an emergency, more often it's a 'trading opportunity' the partner insists is safe. The relationship is the leverage; the money loss is the endpoint.

Red flags

  • Video calls are avoided or always fail
  • The partner is 'temporarily' overseas or on an oil rig / deployment
  • Financial requests emerge only after strong emotional bond
  • Introduction to a crypto or trading opportunity as 'our future'

What to do if this is you

  • Do not confront the scammer — cease all contact
  • Preserve profiles, photos, chat exports, and any transfers
  • Report to the dating platform and to police
  • Consider talking to a therapist — this is a form of abuse, not stupidity

How PaybackCircle can help

We investigate the counterparty, preserve evidence, and prepare a documented report suitable for police, banks, and regulators. Where legal action is appropriate, we introduce you to vetted counsel. We do not promise recovery.

Start a free case review

Fake investment platforms

How this scam typically works

Cloned or fabricated websites that impersonate legitimate advisors, funds, or exchanges. Dashboards show fake gains. Some appear on comparison or 'review' sites that are also run by the same operators. Support responds professionally — until you try to withdraw.

Red flags

  • Domain registered within the last 6–12 months
  • Regulator claims not on the regulator's own website
  • 'Advisors' whose LinkedIn photos reverse-search to stock imagery
  • Withdrawal requests trigger new verification or fee demands

What to do if this is you

  • Do a WHOIS lookup on the platform's domain age
  • Cross-check any regulator claim on the regulator's own site
  • Reverse-image-search any 'advisor' photos
  • Report the domain to registrars and hosting providers

How PaybackCircle can help

We investigate the counterparty, preserve evidence, and prepare a documented report suitable for police, banks, and regulators. Where legal action is appropriate, we introduce you to vetted counsel. We do not promise recovery.

Start a free case review