Investment Scams

Investment scams promise high or “guaranteed” returns with little or no risk. Scammers use professional-looking websites, fake testimonials, and convincing language to make the opportunity feel legitimate, and they often pressure you to act quickly before you have time to research.

These scams commonly appear through social media ads, messages from “financial mentors”, fake news articles, or cold calls. You might be invited into a group chat where others appear to be making profits (often fake accounts). The scam may start with small gains shown on a dashboard to build confidence before asking you to deposit more.

Examples include crypto trading “platforms”, foreign exchange (forex) schemes, AI trading bots, insider tips, and “exclusive” pre-launch investments. A major red flag is when you can deposit easily, but withdrawing becomes impossible — you may be told to pay extra “tax”, “verification”, “admin fees”, or “release fees” before your money can be returned.

To stay safe, be wary of guaranteed returns, urgent deadlines, and pressure to keep the opportunity secret. Verify the company independently, check licensing/registration details, and never invest based only on an ad or message. Avoid sending money via crypto or unusual payment methods, and don’t share identity documents or remote access to your device. If you suspect a scam, stop payments immediately and contact your bank.