I was suspicious of the lack of reviews and the obvious fake reviews for LakeB2B as well as the relatively low price offered by LakeB2B. But I also was impressed by early responses to deliver very precisely segmented lists that other far more expensive companies couldn't. I was sent a list of supposed email opens from a "test" email to this list that produced an alleged open rate of 18.15%. This apparently was a well orchestrated sham list to impress me and give me a false sense of confidence in "the team." I fell for it because I needed to believe them as I was stuck without them. My own self delusion. They know how to scam and played me like a fiddle. Requiring a bank transfer also made me quite suspicious, as did the multiple addresses and the surprised person on the phone I got who had to think to get his story straight about what the company does. I stupidly sent them money. Since the time for delivery of my emails came, there has been no evidence that a single email went out and there has been absolute silence from the people I was dealing with. They packed up and disappeared. LakeB2B appears to be a well thought through and well orchestrated scam.
Recommendation: This company at best is incompetent, but it is almost certainly a scam.
You got played, but now it's time to act. Immediately contact your bank to report the fraud and try to reverse the transfer. Gather all evidence — emails, call logs, any correspondence — and consider legal action. Share your experience widely to warn others. Moving forward, always verify and trust your instincts when something feels off. Don’t let these scammers get away with it. Protect yourself and make sure they're held accountable.