Read the conditions before the money moves.

Establish the written baseline

Before relying on a service, locate its withdrawal terms and record the applicable account type, document version, request process, stated charges and any identity requirements. Write down what is absent as well as what is present. This creates a reference for later questions; it does not verify that the provider will perform as described.

Treat dashboard numbers as claims

Scamwatch explains that investment scammers can display invented growth and allow small withdrawals to build trust before blocking access to the rest. A dashboard screenshot and an initial payout are therefore weak evidence for a platform’s identity or financial condition.

Investigate new conditions

If a request produces a new demand, preserve the exact wording and compare it with the terms you saved. Compare the stated process, charges and support instructions with the saved policy. A delay alone is not proof of fraud; document the issue and seek clarification through an independently obtained support channel.

If you suspect a scam, contact your bank or payment provider promptly through its official channel and follow the relevant authority’s guidance.

Be cautious about recovery offers

The FCA warns that people targeted by online trading scams may later be approached with an offer to recover their money after paying a fee. Verify any follow-up organization independently. Keep a chronology of payment references, requests and responses; no guide or private service can promise that recovery will be possible.