A 14Month International Scam Battle

Nicola Ibbotson — The Scammer Detective
Brisbane • Queensland • Australia • 2026

Executive Summary

In 2017 I lost $33,531.84 AUD to an overseas trading scam that used remoteaccess software and highpressure tactics.
Funds were withdrawn from my personal bank account without informed consent.

Over the next 14 months I:

• Declined a $10,000 USD settlement offer
• Challenged formal arbitration proceedings
• Compiled structured, timestamped evidence
• Activated a bank chargeback process
• Recovered every cent

Each case is different — but structure, persistence, and documentation make recovery possible.

Timeline of Events

October 2017
– Contacted by an “investment trading platform.”
– Persuaded to install AnyDesk remoteaccess software.
– Made an initial transfer of $380 USD.
– Within minutes, the remainder of my bank balance was transferred without consent.
– Faced intimidation and emotional manipulation to prevent questioning.

Late 2017 – 2018
– Repeated unauthorised charges occurred.
– Withdrawal requests ignored.
– Company offered a $10,000 USD settlement requiring waiver and confidentiality — I refused.
– Began compiling documentation and correspondence for formal escalation.

Arbitration Phase
After I rejected the settlement, the company initiated arbitration to apply pressure.
I maintained written communication only, reviewed documents, and organised evidence.
Before the hearing progressed, the company withdrew its own arbitration claim, shifting control back to me.

Structured Chargeback Recovery
With arbitration withdrawn, I pursued a formal banking chargeback supported by evidence:

• Transaction log and timeline
• Records of withdrawal attempts
• Proof of remoteaccess misuse
• Formal dispute submissions

One disputed payment of $6,552.02 AUD was returned first — confirming the case’s validity.
Stepbystep persistence led to full recovery of $33,531.84 AUD.

No shortcuts. No thirdparty promises. No guarantees — only structure, evidence, and persistence.

Refusal of Partial Settlement

The $10,000 USD offer required:

• Full confidentiality
• Release of all liability
• No public discussion

Accepting it would have permanently closed legal and banking options.
Refusing the offer preserved my right to escalate — the key to complete recovery.

Key Lessons

1. Victims are psychologically manipulated, not “careless.”
2. Early documentation increases success rates.
3. Emotional clarity must come before financial decisions.
4. Partial settlements can end recovery chances.
5. Structure and patience beat urgency and panic.

These principles now define the work of The Scammer Detective.

Professional Disclaimer

This account describes Nicola Ibbotson’s personal experience and recovery between 2017 and 2018.
Results depend on individual evidence, timing, and bank procedures.

The Scammer Detective is an independent advisory consultancy providing:

• Scam verification and document review
• Recoverypathway education
• Emotional and practical guidance

We do not conduct private investigations, digital forensics, or financial tracing, and do not guarantee recovery outcomes.
This content is provided for educational transparency only.

Supporting Documentation (Redacted)

The following redacted materials are securely retained and indexed by Appendix A –I for reference and transparency.
All personal identifiers have been permanently removed to protect privacy and comply with data regulations.

Appendix Overview

(Any older bank statements beyond statutory retention periods were not included; sevenyear limitation applies.)

All appendices remain private internal records, available for verification upon lawful and appropriate request.

Closing Note

My recovery wasn’t luck — it was structure, patience, and documentation.
That same process now helps others verify, document, and take action through The Scammer Detective.