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In today’s digital age, scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread. Unfortunately, I became a victim of one such scam, and it was a painful yet eye-opening experience. This article shares my story, breaks down how the scam unfolded, and provides valuable lessons to help others avoid similar situations. By sharing my experience, I hope to raise awareness and protect others from falling into the same trap.
The Scam Unfolds: Step-by-Step Breakdown

Step 1: Initial Contact
The scam began when I encountered what appeared to be Fiverr’s support team. They used a fake chat interface and a fraudulent URL that mimicked Fiverr’s official website. The scammers introduced themselves professionally, gaining my trust with their tone and language.
Step 2: Request for Card Details
The scammers requested my debit/credit card details, claiming it was necessary to verify my account. They assured me that the information would not be stored or misused, which made me feel comfortable sharing it.

Step 3: Escalating Demands
After providing my card details, they began asking for ‘top-ups’ to complete the verification process. The amounts started small, such as €250, but quickly escalated to €500 and even €1000. Each time, they promised that the money would be refunded after the process was complete.
Step 4: False Promises
The scammers repeatedly assured me that all the money would be refunded once the verification was done. They imposed arbitrary deadlines to create a sense of urgency, making it difficult for me to think critically.
Step 5: Emotional Manipulation
They acknowledged my struggles and reassured me that this was the final step. Their empathetic tone made me believe that they were genuinely trying to help, which kept me engaged.
Step 6: Realization of the Scam
It wasn’t until I had lost over €3000 that I realized I had been scammed. The realization was devastating, and I felt a mix of anger, frustration, and embarrassment.

Red Flags You Missed
Looking back, there were several warning signs that I overlooked during the scam. The fraudulent URL was a major red flag, as it was not an official Fiverr domain. Additionally, the repeated requests for money and the urgency they imposed should have raised suspicion. However, in the moment, I was too stressed and focused on resolving the issue to notice these signs.
Aftermath: What Happened Next
After realizing the scam, I immediately stopped all communication with the scammers. I contacted my bank to report the fraud and dispute the transactions. I also reported the incident to Fiverr’s official support team and shared the fraudulent URL with them. The emotional impact of the experience was significant, and it took time to rebuild my trust in online platforms.
Lessons Learned
This experience taught me several valuable lessons about online safety:
- Always verify the authenticity of support teams and URLs before sharing sensitive information.
- Be cautious of unsolicited requests for money or personal details.
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.
How to Protect Yourself from Scams
To avoid falling victim to scams, consider the following tips:
- Double-check URLs and contact information before engaging with support teams.
- Use official channels to contact customer support, such as the platform’s website or app.
- Be wary of requests for money or sensitive information, especially if they come with a sense of urgency.
- Report suspicious activity to the platform and relevant authorities.
- Use two-factor authentication and monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions.
Conclusion
While this experience was painful, it taught me valuable lessons about online safety. By sharing my story, I hope to raise awareness and help others avoid similar scams. Remember, staying vigilant and educating yourself about online scams is the best way to protect yourself in the digital age.