I tried investing in crypto but I have been paying alot of transaction fees. To the point that I am not able to pay anymore. So I am wondering if I got scammed as I viewed the pdf they sent me for tax fees. There were some spelling errors. So what should I do
1 Like
Heyoooo so sorry you are in the confusing situation 
glad that you’re checking in somewhere so you can get some support on this!!!
I am no expert at this but I think the best place to get clarity on scam related issues is ScamShield!!! I found this website with legit info on what to do next: I’ve been scammed
And if this doesn’t fit your situation, I think can call 1799 directly to get direct advice for your particular situation!
Hope you are able to get a good solution to your trouble! We’ll be here to support you!!
Hi @user7242, thanks for writing in!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; it must be quite stressful and confusing for you. I would encourage you to call the ScamShield helpline (Call our helpline), or make an online Police Report (SPF e-Services) if you have reason to believe that you have been scammed.
It is important to be as clear as possible when explaining your situation to the authorities. This would include:
- How much money was transferred to the individual / organisation that scammed you? Ensure that you have evidence of these transactions.
- Did you expose any personal details (e.g. bank login passwords) to the scammer? If so, contact your bank immediately.
- What methods of communication did the scammer use? (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram)
- Do you know the identity of the scammer? Do they have social media profiles on Facebook or Instagram?
I hope this information will be useful in getting the assistance you need. We’ll be here to support you! 
Best regards,
HanSolo2000
Befriender | let’s talk by mindline
Hey @user7242, I’m really sorry you’re going through this, it sounds like a really stressful and confusing situation especially since money involved. From what you shared, it seems like you’ve been asked to pay multiple fees (including a “tax fee”) just to access your crypto investment, and now you’re noticing red flags like spelling errors in the documents they sent you. That must feel super overwhelming and maybe even a bit scary.
You’re definitely not alone. Sadly, scammers often use these exact tactics, especially in crypto: asking for endless “processing,” “unlock,” or “tax” fees, and then disappearing. Spelling and grammar mistakes in official-looking PDFs is also a huge warning sign — legit financial institutions don’t usually make those errors. If they also avoid video calls, use vague names, or only contact you through platforms like Telegram or WhatsApp, that’s another red flag.
Here are some things you can do now:
-
Stop sending any more money even if they pressure you. Scammers are trained to use fear and urgency to manipulate people.
-
Report the scam — if you’re in Singapore, you can report to ScamShield and the Police via SPF.
-
Save all communication and receipts, emails, texts, PDFs or anything that can be used as evidence.
-
If you shared personal info like your IC, banking details, or passwords, change your passwords immediately and watch out for signs of identity theft.
-
Consider talking to someone you trust, you don’t have to go through this alone.
It’s totally okay to feel upset or even embarrassed, but please don’t blame yourself. These scams are designed to look real and play on our hopes and emotions. Your instincts are strong and the fact that you questioned the errors and fees shows you’re thinking critically about it now.
You’re not alone in this, and we are here for you.
1 Like
Hello @user7242, I’m really sorry you’re going through this. It sounds super stressful and confusing, especially with the high fees adding pressure. It’s totally understandable to feel worried, especially when the documents you received don’t look professional and have spelling mistakes. That definitely raises some red flags.
You’re doing the right thing by questioning it and wanting to make sure you’re not being scammed. Sometimes crypto fees can be high, but unexpected charges and sketchy paperwork are a good reason to pause and double-check.
My advice would be to stop making any payments for now and try to verify the legitimacy of those tax documents. Reach out directly to your crypto exchange’s official support to confirm whether those fees are real and if the documents came from them. If you can’t confirm, it might be worth reporting this to consumer protection or cybercrime authorities so they can help.
You’re not alone in this. Crypto can be really tricky to navigate, and lots of people get caught off guard. It’s great that you’re reaching out and trying to get clarity.
It’s been a week and I have blocked the person’s number. But they sent me an email saying that I have end of this month to pay the tax fees. If not my bank account will be under investigation. I did give away the details but have already deleted it and I have already lost a huge sum of money. I am panicking so much
Hi @user7242, it does sound like you’re in a difficult situation right now. It can indeed be a stressful situation after discovering that you were a victim of a scam.
Your safety is important, and I would encourage you to make a police report as soon as you can (SPF e-Services).
While the police may not be able to recover all of the money that you’ve lost, they may be able to stop the scammer’s attempts to log into your bank account.
If you are contacted by the Investigation Officer (IO) after making the report, do provide them with the scammer’s email address and the phone number. You should also provide the IO with evidence of any transactions you made with the scammer.
It’s also important to contact the bank to inform them that your bank account has been compromised. They can monitor your account for suspicious activity, place alerts, and potentially even freeze your account if necessary (Monetary loss or bank details leaked).
In the meantime, do contact National Mindline at 1711 or WhatsApp them at +65 6669 1771, if you need immediate crisis support.
Best regards,
HanSolo2000
Befriender | let’s talk by mindline
Dear @user7242
I’m sad to hear what you have had to face and please know that the anxiety you are experiencing is fully understandable. It’s good you wrote in and exploring what would be the best steps to take in this difficult situation.
The others on this platform who responded such as @Han_Solo_2000, @duckling , @CozyCompanion and @CharmingAnt have all shared some important steps you can take such as reporting to ScamShield at 1799, and reaching out to 1771 for crisis support.
Do consider them. The recommended actions shared above would aim to prevent any further loss and with the authorities help, recover what was fraudulently taken away from you. Please also keep on reaching here for support when needed. 