You invested in a crypto trading platform that turned out to be fraudulent? Your "profits" disappeared when you tried to withdraw? Crypto scams are exploding and recovery is difficult but not impossible.
$35,000
average loss per victim
+400%
increase since 2020
5%
recovery rate
Common Crypto Scams
- Fake trading platforms — Professional-looking sites that steal your money
- Romance + crypto — Online relationship leads to "investment opportunity"
- Guaranteed returns — Promises of unrealistic profits
- Celebrity endorsement — Fake ads using celebrity images
- Recovery scam — Scammers offer to recover your lost crypto for a fee
Red Flags
- Guaranteed high returns
- Pressure to invest quickly
- Can't withdraw your money
- Asked to pay "fees" or "taxes" to withdraw
- Platform not registered with AMF
What to Do
- Stop sending money — Don't pay any more "fees"
- Document everything — Screenshots, transactions, communications
- Report to AMF — Autorite des marches financiers
- Report to police — File a fraud report
- Beware of recovery scams — Scammers target victims again
How Report Quebec Can Help You
- Documentation of your case
- Guidance to appropriate authorities
- Official record of the fraud