Is the Forex Pro Exchange Legit? Beware of Cryptocurrency Scams
Cybercriminals are constantly looking for new ways to scam unsuspecting individuals online. One such case involves the Forex Pro Exchange, commonly known as CEXPRO, where numerous victims, including myself, have fallen prey to a well-crafted scheme. This article aims to shed light on this scam and provide crucial information to potential victims.
The Incident: How I Was Scammed
Back in 2023, I lived in Canada and I came across a crypto website called CEXPRO. Despite its location in the United States, I chose to use it for several illicit reasons, which will be explained further. Within a few months of trading, I found myself investing a total of $16,000 in USDT and split this sum with my wife, investing an additional $15,000 on her behalf.
The primary actor in this scam was a trader using the alias Raymond Mcclure, who communicated through platforms such as WhatsApp. He promised a high return on investment (ROI) and assured me that by depositing money into CEXPRO, I would be able to withdraw all profits. However, matters quickly took a turn for the worse when I attempted to withdraw my profits. Instead of facilitating the withdrawal, they requested a commission to be paid to a fictitious investment agency named Brown Advisory.
The Deception: Paying the Commission and Facing Further Demands
I initially paid $4,000 to this commission, as advised by CEXPRO and the operator Anna Clerk. Mistakingly, I followed through with sending crypto coins to their allegedly quoted address. However, the nightmare was just beginning. The customer service then informed me that I would need to pay taxes, which I resisted as I am a Canadian resident and only pay taxes to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
When I firmly stated that I pay taxes to the CRA and not to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the scammers escalated their tactics, threatening to hold my account until I agreed to pay through them. Not surprisingly, I discovered then that my account had indeed been placed on hold, rendering my initial investment of $4,000, along with the $15,000 my wife had invested, inaccessible.
Concluding the Scam Experience
Cross-referencing various online forums and discussions, it is clear that many others shared similar experiences, with Raymond Mcclure and Anna Clerk being mentioned as the key players in facilitating these scams. Their methods, which include creating burner phones and fake online personas, only added to the complexity and difficulty in identifying the real perpetrators. It is crucial for those who have engaged with CEXPRO to be aware of this scam and take the necessary precautions.
Key Takeaways
Before investing any money into an unfamiliar crypto exchange, always ensure its legitimacy and verify any claims or requests for payment through official channels. Additionally, report any suspicious activities to a reputable cybercrime reporting site, as I did in Canada.
Remember, your money is at risk when dealing with unverified or poorly reviewed platforms. If you suspect a scam, take immediate action and consult with legal experts or online communities for guidance and support.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out and share your own experiences to help others avoid similar pitfalls in the future.