The Expert Podcast

• Learn about a real-world example of how online investment scams — especially those involving Bitcoin or cryptocurrency — actually happen.
• Scammers build false credibility by referencing real colleagues, former workplaces, and mutual contacts from your past.
• They gather personal details using LinkedIn, social media, and online databases to sound convincing.
• The scam often begins with casual conversations that evolve into trust-building over weeks or months.
• Eventually, they casually mention a “successful” investment they made, like earning $20,000–$50,000 in crypto.
• They show off luxury photos, vacations, or fake success stories to bait curiosity.
• Once you show interest, they play hard-to-get, making the deal feel exclusive.
• You're asked to invest a small amount first (e.g., $2,000 to $8,000).
• Soon after, you receive fake account statements showing impressive profits to encourage you to send more money.
• When you request to withdraw funds, they demand extra fees: taxes, audit charges, broker fees, etc.
• This is the stage where many victims finally realize it's a scam.
• Common red flags include:
  • Mention of people from your past you haven’t spoken to in years.
  • Delayed money requests after a long warm-up period.
  • Requests for more money when trying to withdraw.
• Before investing, verify where the money is held and who is managing it.
• Ask for a small redemption test — if you get any resistance, it’s likely a scam.
• Don’t trust screenshots or fake statements — scammers use graphic design to forge documents.
• Victims have lost millions of dollars in similar scams — don’t be the next one.