‘They are so convincing’: Vera Gazzard lost her life savings to HyperVerse

Geelong woman Vera Gazzard lost more than $30,000 through a series of crypto schemes. Photograph: Penny Stephens/The Guardian

Vera Gazzard had plans for her $50,000 in savings. Elective surgery was on the list, as was help for her daughter who was expecting a second child.

But when an acquaintance recommended an investment opportunity called HyperVerse offering daily returns of 0.5%, she jumped at the opportunity.