The "can't-lose" investment friend

A "wrong number" text or a warm new online friend builds rapport over weeks, then introduces a "guaranteed" crypto or forex app with a mentor. A fake dashboard shows your money growing, and one small withdrawal "works" to win your trust — so you put in more.

The tell is simple: when you try to take real money out, you can't — you're told to pay "tax" or "fees" first.

What to do: stop depositing. Never pay fees to "unlock" your funds, and never invest with someone you've only met online. Payments made via SEPA instant transfer cannot be reversed once sent — there is no way to get the money back.