I lost $10,000 of my parents’ money in crypto… and lied to them that I turned it into $40,000. Now I don’t know how to fix it.

A few months ago, my parents gave me $10K. It wasn’t from a huge savings account or inheritance it was money they saved over time. They knew I was passionate about crypto and wanted to “support my journey” and “give me a head start.” I promised I’d be smart with it and that I wouldn’t gamble it recklessly.

At first, I genuinely tried to do the right thing. I spent hours researching, watching charts, diving into new projects, and staying up late on Discord and Telegram. Then I saw a few people making insane gains on low-cap Solana coins, and FOMO hit hard. I convinced myself that I found the “next big thing.”

So I went all in. On garbage.

I boughdinto three or four different low caps no stop loss, no real plan. Just vibes and moonboy dreams. Within a couple of weeks, one rugged completely. Another dropped 80%. One got delistet. The last one slowly bled out while I told myself It’ll bounce

Before I knew it, the entire $10,000 was gone. I stared at my wallet and just felt… empty.

Insteat of being honest, I panicked. I told my parents I made $40,000. I said the coins pumped hard, that I sold at the right time, and that I’m just waiting for “the market to cool off” before I move it to the bank.

They were so proud. Genuinely proud. And I felt like the biggest piece of shit alive.

I’ve kept the lie going for months now. I’ve even faked screenshots. They talk about how smart I amto their friends. I can’t even look them in the eye sometimes.

I know I need to tell them. I know this lie isn’t sustainable. But I’m scared they’ll never trust me again. That they’ll see me as a failure. That Illgo from being their “genius son” to just another disappointment.

Has anyone else been in a situation like this? A lie that spiraled out of control? How do you even begin to come back from it?

Would really appreciate some real advice not just for the money but for rebuilding the trust I broke.