How the con unfolds
A stranger builds a friendly or romantic relationship over weeks, then introduces a "great" investment platform. Early fake gains encourage bigger deposits before everything vanishes.
The tells
An unsolicited contact that steers toward investing, a platform only they recommend, and pressure to add more once you try to withdraw.
Protecting yourself
Be wary of investment advice from new online contacts. Never move funds to a platform someone privately promotes. Withdraw-blocking after deposits is a definitive red flag.