Hi, my name is D. Rivers, and I'm humbly reaching out for help as I try to rebuild my life after becoming the victim of a devastating online investment scam. What started as a friendship and a promising financial opportunity quickly turned into a nightmare that drained my savings, left me with high-interest loans, and put my home at risk.

In 2023, I was introduced to what I believed was a legitimate cryptocurrency trading platform through someone I had built trust with. After small initial investments showed “profits,” I was encouraged to invest more—eventually taking out personal loans to continue. The platform appeared to be working until suddenly I was locked out of my account.

I was told my account had been frozen due to trading risks and that I needed to pay a $30,000 “margin” to unfreeze it and access my funds. Desperate to recover what I had already invested, I took out a home equity loan—not to invest, but just to pay the margin and get my money back. But after making that payment, I was hit with more fake requirements and never saw any of my funds again. That’s when I realized I had been scammed.

Since then, I’ve been doing everything I can to survive and stay afloat. I work two jobs, I do DoorDash on the side, I freelance when I can, and I look for every possible opportunity to bring in extra cash. I’m not lazy—I’m just overwhelmed. I’m trying to dig my way out of a hole that wasn’t created by bad spending, but by being deceived.

I’m also doing this completely on my own. I don’t have family to lean on or a support system to fall back on. Every step I take is fueled by faith, determination, and the hope that someone out there will hear my story and care enough to help—even a little.

I’ve filed a police report, gathered evidence, and I’m working with tax and legal professionals to try and undo the damage. But the financial burden is too much for one person alone, and that’s why I’m asking for help.

How Donations Will Help:

• Pay down debts caused by the fraudulent scam
• Cover legal and tax representation (CPA, IRS filing help)
• Protect my home and stabilize my finances
• Create breathing room to rebuild with dignity

Even if you can’t donate, your prayers, kind words, and shares are just as meaningful. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story—and thank you for believing in second chances.

— D. Rivers