How to Spot and Avoid Getting Caught in a MLM or Crypto Scam
Scams have taken on increasingly sophisticated forms, blurring the line between legitimate investment platforms and elaborate frauds.
One recent case that has caught the attention of many in Sri Lanka involves a platform promoted under the names “Nearest Edge” and “ForwardAlias,” allegedly endorsed by one of the country’s wealthiest individuals.
“When I saw this article, I knew something was off at a glance, because the person I have worked for would never make a mistake like that because he is very calculated in his actions, even though it’s said live tv most channels doesn’t air realtime and then I saw the URL.” said Udara from our team.
The web page recounts an episode of a TV program with Chamuditha on Hiru TV, Mr Dhammika Perera accidetally reveled the invite link to trading platform that he claims i making him half a million Sri Lankan rupees a day and it supposed to be from a reputable news source, RIGHT? The guys who created this seems to have thought have enginnered the perfect scam and getting away with it.
Until, you really look at the URL or the web address on the article. This is the Daily iiror real link (https://www.dailymirror.lk/), and this is the link on the scam article (https://forwardalias.com/DjHC3xY4).
Despite flashy ads, polished interfaces, and purported celebrity endorsements, multiple red flags suggest this could be yet another deceptive crypto trading scheme.
The ForwardAlias/Nearest Edge Case
A suspicious link (https://forwardalias.com/DjHC3xY4) has been circulating online and I saw it on Facebook and because it’s one of my previous bosses, I checked it out and was shocked to read the article.
The article is written as if purportedly shared in error by Sri Lanka’s richest man during a media feature. It leads users to a sleek interface claiming high daily returns, such as LKR 236,800 to 546,500, and features what appears to be a trading dashboard.
However, this platform, known alternately as “Nearest Edge” or “ForwardAlias,” has raised serious concerns,
Fake Testimonials and Endorsements
Several promotional materials misuse images and names of well-known Sri Lankans, including politicians and business figures, who have not publicly endorsed the platform.
Simulated Trading Environment
Evidence suggests the platform uses fake graphs and fabricated figures to simulate trading success, misleading users into thinking they are generating real profits.
Withdrawal Traps
Many users report being able to deposit and earn small amounts initially, only to be blocked from withdrawing larger amounts unless they pay additional hidden fees.
Multiple Domain Redirects
Users often get redirected to unknown or unrelated sites like globalconnect24.net, a major red flag for phishing and fraud.
Invite-Only Access and Referral Pressure
The platform relies heavily on personal invites and aggressive referral schemes, common traits of multi-level marketing (MLM) scams.
How to Spot a Crypto or MLM Scam
Before you get swept away by dreams of quick wealth, here’s how you can identify red flags:
Too-Good-to-Be-True Returns
Guaranteed daily profits of hundreds of thousands of rupees without risk are simply not realistic. Real investing always carries risk.
Lack of Regulatory Information
Legit platforms list their regulatory bodies and licenses (e.g., SEC, FCA). Scam platforms avoid any mention of oversight.
Pushy Referrals & Invite Links
If a platform is pushing you to invite others or requires a referral code to join, it may be an MLM pyramid scheme in disguise.
Anonymous Team or Fabricated Endorsements
If there are no verifiable details about the people behind the platform, or fake endorsements are used, avoid at all costs.
Poor Withdrawal Experiences
Scams often allow initial small withdrawals to build trust, only to block or delay larger ones with hidden conditions or charges.
No Real Product or Service
In MLM scams, there’s often no tangible product or the product is irrelevant—just a cycle of recruiting new people.
What You Should Do
Report
If you’ve engaged with a suspicious site like ForwardAlias, report it to Sri Lanka CERT (Computer Emergency Readiness Team) or your local cybercrime unit.
Warn Others
Use your platform to spread awareness and educate friends and family.
Only Use Reputable Platforms
Stick with platforms that are well-reviewed and regulated, such as Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, or Bitstamp.
Research Before Investing
A simple Google search can reveal whether a platform has been flagged. Avoid investing in anything you don’t understand.
Conclusion
Scams are becoming more sophisticated, playing on our emotions, economic anxieties, and trust in public figures. While it’s tempting to believe there’s a shortcut to wealth, the reality is that most of these platforms prey on that very belief.
Stay smart. Stay skeptical. And always verify before you invest. Google it and check the URL whether it’s a credible source or the one that it claims to be.
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
Here is the screenshot to the complete Fake Article that act as the lead-in to the scam using the names of 2 public figures and a 2 media channels (Hiru TV, and Daily Mirror).
