is that a scam?
CRITICAL investment

Is “sha zhu pan” a scam?

Yes — this is a known, dangerous scam.

A stranger sends a friendly wrong-number text. Over weeks they build romantic rapport, then introduce a fake crypto trading platform showing huge returns. All deposited funds are eventually stolen.

How to tell

  • Contact began with an unexpected wrong-number or social media message
  • Relationship develops unusually fast and they are always available
  • They introduce a 'can't-miss' investment platform you've never heard of
  • Platform shows impressive profits but withdrawals are blocked or taxed

What to do right now

  1. 1 Stop all contact with the person immediately
  2. 2 Do not send any more money — previous deposits are likely unrecoverable
  3. 3 Report to your bank's fraud team right away; some wire transfers can be recalled within hours
  4. 4 Seek support — this scam involves emotional manipulation; it is not your fault
  5. 5 Report to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov.

Full guidance, red flags, variants & official sources

Wrong-number text turns into a crypto investment opportunity →