CASE FILE · CFH-CS-12
Vector: fake exchangeInstrument: BTC, USDTLoss: AUD 96,800Location: Melbourne, AustraliaTimeline: 8 weeksRecovered: 81%
Reported operator: FDC Trade Asia ↗
How it began
The site looked like a full exchange, with order books and a slick app. I moved a large balance across to trade.
The trap
The order book was a display, not a market. There was no real custody — my coins had been forwarded out on deposit.
It looked exactly like a real exchange. It just was not one.
What we did
- We showed your deposits were forwarded out immediately, not held.
- We traced the forwarded funds to two compliant exchanges.
- We filed documented freeze requests at both.
- We supported your report with the custody analysis.
81%
recovered after we proved the platform held no real custody.
Red flags we saw
- An “exchange” that forwards deposits out instantly
- Order books that never let you withdraw
- App polish with no verifiable custody
Think your case looks like this one? Request a free, confidential review →