Bitcoin fraud

[vig92]

Hi,

Are there any ways to recover from a BTC scam that one has fallen for? (when you know that a popular exchange involved in the transfer chain is not financially regulated in your country; but recognised so your bank can't help either)

Happy to share more details if helpful. Also, not sure if this is the right forum to ask this question.

Thanks!

[Poker Player]

Well I am sure this is the right forum to ask the question but I am not sure if you meant "board" instead of "forum". Anyway, the thread can be moved.

I am afraid there is not much you can do but please share more details and I am sure there will be experienced members willing to help.

[mocacinno]

It's kind of hard to understand the exact problem... you lost me when you started talking about an exchange, where does it fit into the scam and which exchange are you talking about?

This being said, without knowing more details, it's a 2-part answer:

• Transactions are irreversible. Once a transaction is confirmed and has a couple confirmations, it's impossible to reclaim your funds (there are theoretical options if you controll >50% of the network's hashrate, but in reality it's impossible). Even unconfirmed transactions are really hard to cancel: you need both skill and a lot of luck
• When you talk about a popular (unregulated) exchange, you can probably still open a police report and drag them to court IF you live in the same country they're located in... Sure, you can't reverse any transaction, but maybe if enough people file police reports, they might be forced to reimburse their victims

It's basically the same with any crypto scam: once you sent funds to a scammer, your funds are gone... But if you (or a judge) can convice/force them to reimburse you, this is your best option (this option works for all kind of scams, not only crypto-related ones)

[vig92]

Thanks for the replies!

I can provide more context -
I have transferred BTC, over multiple transactions, from my Binance account to a BTC wallet on a fraudulent exchange website. I realised that I've been scammed when
- I wasn't allowed to withdraw any further from my account on the fraudulent website (though initial small withdrawals succeeded)
- asked to pay 40% of my assets' worth as personal income tax(!)
- another account created on that website (for verifying) ended up having the same BTC wallet address

I have the TxIDs in case they could help in any way. When reached out to Binance support, they just mentioned they couldn't help since the destination wallet address is outside their platform. (Binance is not regulated in my country, but registered)

Wondering what options I have.

Not sure if sharing the fraudulent website here is common practice (could certainly help others!)

[adzino]

Thanks for the replies!

I can provide more context -
I have transferred BTC, over multiple transactions, from my Binance account to a BTC wallet on a fraudulent exchange website. I realised that I've been scammed when
- I wasn't allowed to withdraw any further from my account on the fraudulent website (though initial small withdrawals succeeded)
- asked to pay 40% of my assets' worth as personal income tax(!)
- another account created on that website (for verifying) ended up having the same BTC wallet address

I have the TxIDs in case they could help in any way. When reached out to Binance support, they just mentioned they couldn't help since the destination wallet address is outside their platform. (Binance is not regulated in my country, but registered)

Wondering what options I have.

Not sure if sharing the fraudulent website here is common practice (could certainly help others!)

You moved your coins from Binance to another exchange which turned out to be a scam, right? If so, there is nothing much you can do. Your coins are lost. You can report it to your local authorities but I doubt they can do much about it. If the amount is significant, it won't hurt to give it a try.

1. The initial withdraw succeeded because they wanted to gain your trust.
2. Lol, that's bullshit. Why will you pay them tax?
3. Scam confirmed.

Like I said, nothing much you can do other than being very careful the next time. And yeah, please do share the name of the website.

[The Cryptovator]

I am guessing OP moved his funds from Binance to a Ponzi scheme. Website generating the same address as your previous account means it's a direct scam. Can we ask why are you hiding the website name where you had sent the funds from the Binance Exchange? Either Binance is registered in your country or not, they can't do anything when transactions are broadcasted on the bitcoin blockchain. During withdrawal, they must ask you multiple times like 2FA and email verification. Bitcoin can't be reversed, so your funds are gone forever. Just don't fall into any greedy offer on the web or real life, think twist before click the send button.

[mocacinno]

I agree with the 2 posters above...
But I wanted to add that binance is right, the can not help you nor can they be helt liable in any way...

Compare to fiat: if you created a bank transfer from your account with bank A to the account of a scammer, would you blame bank A?

So, yes, binance is a well known exchange, but they have nothing to do with you being scammed.

[Welsh]

As suggested you can actually gather as much information about the website as possible, possibly even doing your own digging to see if you can find out who owns the website. Once, you have gathered enough information, you can present it to your local authorities. This doesn't usually yield any results unfortunately, but if you can gather as much information as possible, and maybe even prove x owns x, then you might have a chance.

Otherwise, your coins are lost, and you'll have to just take it on the chin, and learn from the experience. I usually, recommend during thorough research on a website, before actually using it. This can be done by searching up their name on a search engine, or even asking here. Its quite common for people to come here, and ask about a certain service. Usually, when you have to ask its usually because there isn't much preexisting information on a company, which is a red flag anyway.

Compare to fiat: if you created a bank transfer from your account with bank A to the account of a scammer, would you blame bank A?

I guess the only difference is banks actively try, and prevent this from happening through confirmation calls, which can be an annoyance when you are absolutely sure the company your sending to is legitimate.

[ChrisPop]

You can always go the legal way and sue them, but if they were a scam they have likely stolen the funds and run with them. You might end up losing even more money on lawyers and court fees.
That's why it is recommended to only deal with trusted entities who are regulated in some form. Would you trust your funds to a man on the street vs the bank? I guess not.

[n0ne]

It is very difficulty to understand what exactly is mentioned in the opening post. Based on my understanding I've stated what I think of it. Scams are found everywhere, and people have learned to scam in the name of bitcoin which has turned to be an easy thing. Regulations adds more power to bitcoin, but those regulations will also be overcome by scammers with ease. When exchanges were found associated with the scams, then they'll be stopped from service.

[vig92]

Thanks everyone for the replies!

The scam website is mailiex.com. The money I lost is significant so I've been in shock for a while, not knowing where to ask what questions.
I don't intend to hold Binance liable but was exploring if they do have any protocols to deal with such cases, like other traditional banks.

No scam reporting (back in the day), 2FA / Google Authenticator integration, ID verification, valid physical location, whitepaper, valid LinkedIn profile of a member from the whitepaper, major coins listed and tracked, observed the exchange for a month, realistic returns, initial withdrawals allowed, all transactions logged - I thought these reasons were reasonable I've learnt my lessons!

These were the wallets used by them -
https://bitcoinwhoswho.com/address/3Q1twnh9L9Hr8e3qLTsoGzghYtZBbpRkjp
https://bitcoinwhoswho.com/address/3A4rrtkjckBkhB6vw9emQMFWpyZjjHd5NJ

[Globb0]

Sharex ate about half my holdings years back.

It was painful and I raged a bit but exit scam is exit scam.


Learn something and move on.

[BrownSuS]

The real scam is democracy

[suzanne5223]

Thanks everyone for the replies!

The scam website is mailiex.com. The money I lost is significant so I've been in shock for a while, not knowing where to ask what questions.
I don't intend to hold Binance liable but was exploring if they do have any protocols to deal with such cases, like other traditional banks.

No scam reporting (back in the day), 2FA / Google Authenticator integration, ID verification, valid physical location, whitepaper, valid LinkedIn profile of a member from the whitepaper, major coins listed and tracked, observed the exchange for a month, realistic returns, initial withdrawals allowed, all transactions logged - I thought these reasons were reasonable I've learnt my lessons!

These were the wallets used by them -
https://bitcoinwhoswho.com/address/3Q1twnh9L9Hr8e3qLTsoGzghYtZBbpRkjp
https://bitcoinwhoswho.com/address/3A4rrtkjckBkhB6vw9emQMFWpyZjjHd5NJ

According to bitcoinwhoswho.com the wallet you sent the Bitcoin was already reported and you be another victim of the scam because you don't google the address before making the transaction.
The scammer wallet is a personal wallet and here are the remaining wallet addresses as provided by wallet explorer.
https://www.walletexplorer.com/wallet/69ae252e048dfdfe/addresses
https://www.walletexplorer.com/wallet/01be21933a9ca8f1/addresses

You can track its movement if you're lucky and you can also report the issue to the local authority as said by others but I hope you provided the scammer wallet address to Binance so they could auto stop other user transactions to the scammer wallet.


Edit : Just to be sure, could you please provide the screenshot of the account balance on the site and the transaction ID

[milewilda]

Thanks for the replies!

I can provide more context -
I have transferred BTC, over multiple transactions, from my Binance account to a BTC wallet on a fraudulent exchange website. I realised that I've been scammed when
- I wasn't allowed to withdraw any further from my account on the fraudulent website (though initial small withdrawals succeeded)
- asked to pay 40% of my assets' worth as personal income tax(!)
- another account created on that website (for verifying) ended up having the same BTC wallet address

I have the TxIDs in case they could help in any way. When reached out to Binance support, they just mentioned they couldn't help since the destination wallet address is outside their platform. (Binance is not regulated in my country, but registered)

Wondering what options I have.

Not sure if sharing the fraudulent website here is common practice (could certainly help others!)

No one could really  able to help you out into this situation even if you do go with legal aspects then theres no way that you can get those coins back.More mistake that you have done is that
you do pay 40% if your assets worth even if its already an obvious scam attempt and heck you do make out new account on ending up on having the same deposit address.
Its clear as day that you do deal with a scam site/fraud. Binance cant do anything with that and also transactions are irreversible, you wouldnt know on whose the owner
of that wallet. So the best thing to do is to moved on and take this as a lesson learn for you.

[JKatSmith]

Same company is now moved to yafit exchange though mailiex is still around

See similarities in the sites

Profile was su yuqi on fb

Though expect the whole thing to disappear in a couple months when they go public dated for june 2021

Message me if i need there are any pertinent details that would be useful to post before i delete the app

Yeah they asked for 50% of assets of the account at the time
“ The deposit you paid is that you have triggered the financial security mechanism. The Financial Services Agency requires you to pay the deposit to prove the legitimacy of your assets. We just inform you”

[btc-room101]

I agree with the 2 posters above...
But I wanted to add that binance is right, the can not help you nor can they be helt liable in any way...

Compare to fiat: if you created a bank transfer from your account with bank A to the account of a scammer, would you blame bank A?

So, yes, binance is a well known exchange, but they have nothing to do with you being scammed.

No if you transfer (wire) money from A to B, and you Meant C, and B spends your money, then they (B) can go to jail for theft. Seen it with my own eyes.

In the BTC world, if you transfer BTC to an address that's not under your control (ONLY U know private key), then that BTC is gone forever, no exeptions.

99% of all exchanges are scam, even IRS-COINbase will take your cash, give you THEIR address

The only way to get real privately/anonyously BTC is to mine, and have the pool transfer BTC daily to your address

...

People just lose BTC to easy, which is why most of these people should just be trading BTC-ETFS and be done with that, at least there if you get ripped off you can file a complaint with the SEC for arbitrage.

If you bought shares in BTC-ETF x on the stock-market, say Fidelity; You wouldn't transfer those shares to a NIGERIAN Scammer would YOU?

The majority of people just don't belong in the BTC world.

Some here will say 'smart wallets', but we know that is bullshit, because that 'free wallet' is a scam

Some will say "Hard Wallet" USB Trezor, we know that is a scam, cuz that scratch-off private key they enclose in your package, they too have that key, as soon as you put funds on that 'hard wallet' the funds are gone ( swept away )

What is safe, how do experts keep their BTC?

Probably write-down the priv-key on paper keep it in a fire proof safe, make sure its only ever been on an offline system, that is clean, with no virus, like the hive model, that has NO shared stored memory

The really RICH whale mining-pools seem to create just a few addresses, keep the key in a vault, and use the same address for deposits, I see some addresses with 100's of 1,000's of Bitcoin, this seems to be a better approach, as your not messing with 100's of priv-keys on wallets on systems that have keystroke capture

Also almost every free add-on on firefox, chrome that say 'ad-block' seems to have crypto-mining and wallet theft, I mean you really got to make sure your not running anything when your messing with priv-keys on a computer. I frequently run clamav on many linux systems, even mining rigs, and I'm quite surprised the number of crypto-viruses found, first symptom is system is running slower than normal

...

A fool and his money are always departed, the 'confidence scam' is endless. I know people who trade bitcoin on localbitcoin.com, they meet in parks, their greatest fear all of them is a Nigerian finding out where they live, the attitude is soon as you become successful they mark you for total cleansing ( house breakin .... purge )

This is why privacy is so important in BTC, because once 'they' know you have it, and who you are, they can steal it, and 99% ( who have their own keys ) people keep  priv-keys on their computer, or close by. Of course 99% of common users don't even use priv-keys, as the exchange does it for them, then its even easier for the criminal to get your email, and mobile-phone number (SMS), and forge your phone-sim, get into the exchange 2factor transfer all your money out. Gone.

The majority of all exchanges are criminal, and the majority of all people who work at exchanges, are working for their Nigerian counter-parts outside, exchanges are setup to 'trade', e.g. take all your money on fee's, if you leave the balance there, then it just gets stolen.

..

The OP here got ripped off, I think most get ripped off, unless their very-very careful.

Long ago they said "If your rich, you watch your golden-eggs like a hawk", then & now, same with BTC, you have BTC, you keep those priv-keys hidden, & never near a computer or internet, or an exchange, and you tell NOBODY you have BTC

Which gets back to privacy, If THEY GOV know you got it, they'll get it, because the GOV is the mafia, they just steal it, and call it 'asset forfeiture', all BTC is tainted by definition.

[Bigbud4200000000000]

http://techmachines-miners.net is this fraud

[Obito]

http://techmachines-miners.net is this fraud

Be careful as it is an unknown site and you better check if they are a long time website or they are a young one because young ones are the most likely red flag for a scam website. Regarding OP, there aren't a lot of recovery service that will be able to reverse the transaction, I think there isn't anything like that existing, be careful as you can be a possible victim of scammers who will claim to know how to recover that scammed bitcoin, there is no such thing.

[btc-room101]

Sharex ate about half my holdings years back.

It was painful and I raged a bit but exit scam is exit scam.


Learn something and move on.

If U didnt' hold the private-key from day one, it was never your money.

Too many people play along, invest, join; play the game think their getting rich, maybe the house lets them withdrawl a little, then they find out about the 'exit tax', keep 1/2 if your lucky, I think 'nicehash' is the worst of all, and they have been running operations forever, and are plugged by everybody, goes to show you that paying people to 'say nice things, about bad operations' is the backbone of the bitcoin criminal system

All goes back to #1 rule, if from day one the crypto ain't going to your private-key address, run-away from that operator.