Investment scam | CC Recovery Ltd

How the scam works

Investment scams usually start with an advert, a message or a recommendation, and a professional-looking platform that shows your balance growing. Withdrawals are delayed, blocked or met with new "fees". Many victims only realise when the platform disappears.

1
The hook

An advert, a social media post or a friendly message promises strong, steady returns, often endorsed by a fake celebrity or a “successful” new friend.
2
A convincing platform

You are given access to a professional-looking website or app. A small first deposit appears to grow quickly, and an “account manager” calls to encourage you.
3
Bigger payments

You are persuaded to invest more, sometimes to take out loans or move pensions, and may be asked to install remote-access software “to help”.
4
No way out

When you try to withdraw, new taxes, fees or verification charges appear. Eventually the platform stops responding or disappears.

An example of how it happens

After seeing an advert with a well-known presenter, a retired teacher opened a trading account with a small deposit. Over three months the “balance” rose, and she sent more from her savings. When she asked to withdraw, she was told to pay a release fee first.

Illustrative example based on common cases, not a real client.

Warning signs

Returns that are unusually high, steady or "guaranteed"
Pressure to invest quickly or add more money to unlock withdrawals
Being asked to install remote-access software or open a crypto account
A firm that is not on the official register of authorised firms
Withdrawal requests that trigger new taxes, fees or verification charges

How to protect yourself

Check the firm on the official register of authorised firms before paying anything
Be wary of any return described as guaranteed, steady or risk-free
Never let anyone install remote-access software on your device
Talk to someone you trust before moving large sums

Can you get your money back?

Often, yes. It depends mainly on how you paid. These are the routes that usually apply to this type of scam.

Bank transfer (Faster Payments or CHAPS)

Since 7 October 2024, UK banks must reimburse most victims of authorised push payment fraud, up to £85,000 per claim, if it is reported within 13 months. Earlier payments may fall under the voluntary CRM Code or the bank’s duty of care.
How the money-back rules work
Debit or credit card

You may be able to ask your card provider for a chargeback, or claim under Section 75 for credit card purchases between £100 and £30,000. Chargebacks have strict time limits, so act quickly.
Crypto bought and sent on

Transfers out of a crypto exchange are rarely reversible, and payments to an account in your own name aren’t covered by the reimbursement rules. You may still be able to complain that your bank should have spotted and stopped the payments.

A general guide to UK rules. Every case depends on its facts, and nobody can guarantee an outcome. Check your bank.

If it has just happened

Speed matters. These steps protect you and give your bank the best chance to act.

Call your bank first, using the number on your card or its official website. Do not use numbers given to you by the caller or in a message.

A woman on the phone to her bank, holding her card and looking at her laptop.

Contact your bank now
Call the number on the back of your card or on your bank's official website. Tell them it is fraud. The sooner they know, the better the chance of stopping or tracing payments.
Stop further payments
Do not send any more money, even if you are promised a refund, a release fee or a withdrawal. Stop contact with the scammer.
Secure your accounts
Change passwords for your email and banking, remove any remote-access apps, and turn on two-step verification.
Report it
Report the crime to the police or your national fraud reporting service and keep the reference number.
Keep the evidence
Save messages, emails, screenshots, website addresses, wallet addresses and statements showing every payment.

A case handler wearing a headset, listening to a caller and taking notes.

How we can help

We build the case, you follow every step

We review what happened for free, help you gather the evidence, and pursue a complaint with your bank, escalating to the ombudsman if needed. You can also claim for free yourself.

Start your case See our process

Questions about this type of scam

I sent money to a crypto account first. Can I still claim?

Often, yes. Even where the reimbursement rules don’t apply, you may be able to complain that your bank should have spotted unusual payments and stepped in.

The platform still shows my balance. Is it real?

Usually not. The figures are generated by the scammers to encourage more payments. Don’t pay any fee to “release” it.

I invested over many months. Does that matter?

It can help to show a pattern of unusual payments. We build a full timeline from your statements.

Can you guarantee I will get my money back?

No. Nobody can honestly guarantee a recovery. Outcomes depend on how the payments were made, what your bank did, the rules that apply and the evidence available. Be wary of anyone who promises a guaranteed result.

Do I have to use a company to make a claim?

No. You can complain to your bank yourself for free and, if needed, escalate to the ombudsman yourself. Our Claim it yourself guide explains how. Some people prefer help with the evidence and the process, and that is what we offer.

What does it cost?

Our fees are set out in full on the Our fees page before you sign anything. You will never be asked to pay a "release fee", a "tax" or anything in cryptocurrency to receive recovered money.

How long does it take?

It varies. Banks usually respond to a complaint within a few weeks. If a case goes to the ombudsman, it can take several months. Your portal shows each step as it happens.

All questions