After the event, my investigations have led me to the unfortunate conclusion that I was a victim of a “Pig Butchering Scam.” It began when I received a call on April 4, 2023, from an unknown number (+1 270-693-0021), inquiring if I was attending a party. I informed them that they had reached the wrong number, but the caller, who introduced herself as Lydia (a name I now understand to be fictitious), initiated a conversation and soon suggested switching to WhatsApp or Instagram. She provided her WhatsApp number as 323-942-5687, and we connected there.

A week into our discussions, she began explaining her earnings from cryptocurrency and inquired if I was interested. My response was hesitant as I was not familiar with the complexities of cryptocurrencies. However, she (or potentially he, as the true identity remains uncertain) offered to guide me through the investment process. She recommended downloading the Crypto.com app and then the AxexCoin App for trading. Over a period of four months, I invested a total of $20,252.50. When it came time to withdraw my funds, including the profits, I discovered that my account on Axex had been disabled, although the AxexCoin app itself remained functional.