In today’s digital-first and remote business world, fraudulent advisors can thrive behind sleek websites and polished pitches. One name surfacing repeatedly in scam alerts is David Bouchez a self-styled business strategist who many allege has exploited entrepreneurs, freelancers, and clients across borders. Below, we explore who he is, how his schemes allegedly work, and most importantly—how you can protect yourself.
Who is David Bouchez?
David Bouchez portrays himself as a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and business coach. His online presence often features glossy branding, professional headshots, and glowing testimonials—presenting an image of legitimacy.
However, multiple sources suggest a troubling pattern: Bouchez reportedly operates under various company names—such as A‑Invest Spain, You Are Capital, Buttonwood Tree Capital, and Ardley Consulting SL—to continuously reinvent his persona.
How His Alleged Scam Tactics Work
1. Building Trust and Urgency
He often starts with friendly, jargon-filled consultations promising high returns, investor access, or strategic business solutions. He mixes professionalism with emotional triggers, invoking urgency: “spots are limited,” or “act now before the opportunity expires”.
2. High Upfront Fees
Clients are then asked to pay thousands—$3,000 to $15,000 upfront—for services like funding facilitation, mentorship, or business strategy. These are labeled as “retainer,” "due diligence," or "processing" fees.
3. The Vanishing Act
Once payment is made, communication reportedly slows to a crawl. Promised deliverables—business plans, investor connections, digital marketing campaigns—either arrive late, are generic templates, or never appear at all.
4. Running and Hiding
Victims say Bouchez cycles through new business identities after complaints surface, often changing emails, phone numbers, or business domains. In some cases, he’s accused of deleting social media profiles entirely.
Real Stories, Real Loss
Countless individuals have come forward across forums and complaint boards with remarkably similar stories:
“He promised investor introductions within 30 days. It’s been over a year, and I haven’t heard a single update.”
“I paid $20,000 for what I believed was a legitimate venture. As soon as the money was transferred, he vanished without a trace.”
Some victims report losses in the low thousands; others have claimed debt from business credit lines taken to pay Bouchez’s fees.
In multiple accounts, he allegedly abused trust further—using confidential business information for blackmail—leading to at least one convicted extortion case involving a Barcelona-based AI startup, Substrate AI.
Red Flags to Watch
Whether you’re dealing with Bouchez or anyone else promising fast growth, watch for these warning signs:
No verifiable credentials or solid track record
Vague contracts or no written deliverables
Guaranteed results or high returns with urgency
Upfront payment via untraceable methods (gift cards, crypto, wire)
Difficulty contacting them after payment
Frequent changes in company names and digital identities
Why These Scams Thrive
Slick digital branding can easily mask fraudulent intent.
Emotional appeals: Ambition, fear of missing out, desire for fast success.
Global reach: Operating across countries makes legal accountability complex.
Digital ghosting: Scammers vanish online faster than law enforcement can track them.
Protect Yourself: Best Practices
Verify credentials independently: Check company registration, LinkedIn, Google Reviews, and regulatory bodies.
Ask for verifiable references: Only consider advisors with documented success stories.
Insist on clear written agreements: Define deliverables, timelines, and refund policies.
Avoid large upfront fees: Opt for milestone-based payments.
Say no to pressure tactics: Legitimate professionals respect time and due diligence.
Trust your instincts: If something feels off, step back and reassess.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Document everything—emails, receipts, contracts.
File complaints with consumer protection agencies or platforms where contact was made.
Report to law enforcement, especially if extortion or fraud is involved.
Warn others—share your story on forums, review sites, or local networks.
Seek legal advice, especially if significant sums or confidential data are at stake.
Final Thoughts
David Bouchez is a cautionary reminder of how sophisticated scammers can exploit trust and ambition in today’s global business environment. His story underscores the importance of due diligence—especially when flashy presentations come with high fees and promises that seem too good to be true.
Before engaging any consultant or advisor, always verify credentials, demand transparency, and spread awareness. With vigilance and shared knowledge, we can reduce the reach of these digital wolves in sheep’s clothing.
