In a chilling and exclusive interview, an individual forced into cybercrime operations has exposed the deceptive techniques used to defraud victims through elaborate online investment scams.
Speaking under anonymity, the insider detailed how scammers exploit social media platforms, particularly TikTok, to identify potential targets and initiate contact. “We start by finding your number on TikTok and message you while pretending to be a woman. We engage in casual chats for a few days, slowly building trust and learning about your life,” the individual said.
Once trust is established, victims are introduced to fake investment programs under the guise of high returns. The scam leads them to a fraudulent e-commerce site, made to appear legitimate but bearing no resemblance to actual platforms like eBay.
Victims are told they can “sell” items on the website and receive profits. “Initially, they click a button to sell an item, and we tell them they’ve made $25. They can even withdraw this amount,” the scammer revealed.
However, the trap deepens with each passing day. Victims are pressured to invest more money to unlock greater profits. “We claim that earlier profits are locked and more investment is needed to access them. It’s a bait-and-switch game. We ask for small amounts at first—$100, then $500—and later demand up to $30,000,” the scammer explained.
The fraud continues with claims of tax payments required to release the earnings. These payments are funneled through fake bank accounts or cryptocurrency wallets, draining victims’ funds completely.
Adding to the manipulation, scammers also use video calls—featuring female decoys—to reinforce trust and authenticity.
This eye-opening testimony offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of cybercrime rings and highlights the need for stronger digital literacy and awareness to combat such threats.
