In a WhatsApp community group, I was invited to join another group for trading signals. After showing interest, I was added to the "Hermann Peace Foundation 698" group. There, an assistant guided me to create a brokerage account on a seemingly secure website. I deposited a small amount via Shakepay, tested the withdrawal successfully, and gained confidence after successful trades and withdrawals.

However, after withdrawing $800, Shakepay blocked my account, labeling the source as a scam. I was advised to use Kraken next, but the funds never appeared. The assistant suggested NDAX, but the same issue occurred. The foundation's site then claimed my account was frozen due to risky withdrawals and demanded $5000 to lift restrictions. I managed to raise and deposit $1100, but it wasn’t enough, and they continued to demand more.

I realized the foundation was a scam, losing $8000 in total, including my savings, school fees, and living expenses. Fake members in the group supported the scam, posting false success stories. The foundation claimed to donate profits to Sea Shepherd, adding credibility.