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If you've invested money in a scheme you now suspect is fraudulent, contact your bank and report to Scamwatch immediately.
Cryptocurrency & Investment Scams
Someone manipulates you into investing money in fake cryptocurrency schemes, fraudulent investments, or scam platforms — often through a romantic relationship or trusted connection.
What You Might Notice
Investment 'returns' exist only on screen, not as withdrawable money
You can see profits on a platform but can't actually withdraw them.
Pressure to invest more, especially after initial 'gains'
The scheme requires increasing investment.
The other person is unusually knowledgeable about your investment decisions
They guide you to specific platforms or trades.
What You Can Do
Stop investing immediately if you suspect fraud
Don't send more money to recover losses.
Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au
Report the scheme to help protect others.
Contact your bank about recovering funds
Quick action may help recover some money.
Important: This resource provides general information, not personal advice. Every situation is different. The actions suggested here may not be safe in your specific circumstances — particularly if the person causing harm could notice changes to your devices or accounts. Always consider your physical safety first.
If you need personalised support, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or your local specialist domestic violence service. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Deceiving victim into fraudulent cryptocurrency investments, fake trading platforms, or other financial schemes. Often involves building trust, demonstrating fake returns, and gradually escalating investment amounts. May also involve coerced cryptocurrency transfers that are difficult to trace or recover.
Investment Verification Verify investment opportunities independently through regulatory body resources.
SAFE-M-0147
Fraud Reporting Report suspected investment fraud to consumer protection and cyber security agencies.
Detection Indicators
ID
Detection Indicator
SAFE-D-0133
Pressure to Invest in Unverified Platforms Urged to invest on unfamiliar platforms that cannot be independently verified.
SAFE-D-0134
Withdrawal Inability Invested funds cannot be withdrawn from platform.
The TFA Matrix is a research framework under active development. Technique classifications, detection methods, and mitigations reflect current understanding and are subject to revision. This framework does not constitute forensic methodology, legal evidence standards, or clinical diagnostic criteria. Practitioners should apply professional judgement appropriate to their discipline and jurisdiction.