Vihus (VIH-EX): A Cryptocurrency Scam Masquerading as a Recovery Opportunity
The world of online investing is no stranger to scams. But when fraudsters capitalize on your losses to dig an even deeper hole, it adds a new level of deception. That’s exactly the pattern seen in the case of Vihus (VIH-EX), a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading platform operating under the domain www.vihus.com.
Many unsuspecting investors have already fallen for this elaborate scheme, which leverages social media manipulation, fake stock market advice, and advance-fee fraud tactics to extract funds from victims who are already vulnerable.
The Setup: False Promise of Stock Market Gains
For many victims, the scam begins on Facebook, where impersonators pose as licensed investment advisers. These impersonators offer market insights and recommend specific stocks under the guise of helping you learn the ropes of day trading.
At first, some trades might appear successful, with slight profits designed to build trust. However, those modest gains are quickly erased when a recommended stock suddenly crashes—leaving the investor in a panic over their loss.
This is when the real con begins.
Enter Vihus and the OBOR/URE Token Bait
After the stock losses, victims are contacted by someone like “Maria” through WhatsApp, claiming to be affiliated with a professional investment group. Maria introduces a “solution” to help recover lost funds: a chance to trade OBOR and URE tokens on the Vihus crypto platform.
She introduces another player—Karl Koppel, presented as a seasoned crypto expert who can guide the victim back into profit territory. They claim that with Karl’s guidance, victims can recoup losses in just a few trades and promise returns of 150% or more. All that’s needed? An additional deposit equal to 10% of the original loss.
This emotional manipulation preys on recent losses and hope for recovery.
Fake Platforms, Real Losses
Once the investor agrees, they’re directed to the Vihus trading platform: vihus.com/h5. The site appears sophisticated and fully functional, with live charts, wallet integrations, and trading interfaces.
But it’s all a front.
Victims are asked to transfer funds to personal crypto wallet addresses rather than through a secure, regulated platform. In one reported case, deposits were made to these wallets:
- BTC Address: 3FLsKHvymw8GPupruFdSkbmWKVHvTCg9cU
- USDT Address: 0xbe768872908233d5F413C7781FefcCA838299814
These funds, once sent, are unrecoverable through the platform. Support vanishes, Maria and Karl go silent, and the dashboard may even freeze or begin to display fake balances that never convert into real, withdrawable assets.
Advance Fee Fraud in Disguise
What makes this scam especially dangerous is the use of “advance fee fraud” tactics disguised as legitimate trading activity. The victim is promised big returns, but only if they keep paying upfront fees—either in crypto deposits, “unlock fees,” or added margin requirements.
Each payment is just another step into the trap.
Victims have reported being asked to pay more to “verify” accounts, cover fake taxes, or release pending profits. It’s a loop designed to keep the investor sending more until they realize they’ve been duped.
What Can Victims Do?
If you’ve interacted with Vihus or anyone associated with this scheme, the first step is to stop sending money immediately. Collect all evidence—screenshots, wallet addresses, chats, and platform activity.
You can:
- Report the fraud to your local financial or consumer protection authority.
- Warn others by sharing your experience on forums or scam reporting sites.
- Explore crypto recovery assistance from reputable services.
One such service is Forteclaim, known for supporting crypto scam victims in tracing transactions, preparing detailed case reports, and exploring viable recovery or chargeback options. While no service can guarantee full recovery, Forteclaim offers guidance rooted in real-world cases—without making false promises.
Red Flags That Reveal Vihus as a Scam
- No company registration or licensing information on the website.
- Withdrawal issues masked as security checks or tax verifications.
- Crypto wallet addresses used instead of a secure payment gateway.
- Pushy WhatsApp communication from fake advisors.
- Unrealistic profit promises (150%+ in a few trades).
- No transparency about who owns or operates the platform.
Final Thoughts
Vihus (VIH-EX) is not a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange—it is a fraudulent platform operated by skilled scammers who prey on your financial vulnerabilities. By disguising theft as “recovery help,” they capitalize on trust, emotion, and urgency.
If you’re already a victim, you still have the power to act. Report, document, and seek help. Avoid sinking deeper by refusing to send additional funds. And if you need guidance, firms like we can help clarify your options and steer you toward safer ground.
In the crypto world, if something sounds too good to be true—especially during a loss—it probably is. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and always double-check before you invest again.