Investment Scams
Fake or manipulated investment opportunities that promise high, guaranteed returns and pressure you to deposit quickly.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
An investment scam is any scheme that takes your money for an investment that is fake, misrepresented, or designed to collapse. It can look like stocks, crypto, property, commodities, bonds, or a 'private opportunity' shared by someone you trust.
The defining feature is a promise that does not match reality: high returns, little or no risk, and pressure to act before you can verify anything.
How it works
Scammers reach you through social media ads, messaging apps, dating platforms, cold calls, or referrals from people who are themselves victims. They show professional-looking dashboards, fake account statements, and small 'profits' you can withdraw early to build trust.
As you invest more, withdrawals stall. You are told to pay 'tax', 'fees', or 'verification deposits' before you can access funds. None of it is real — the money is gone, and the requests are designed to extract even more.
Common red flags
- Guaranteed or unusually high returns with 'no risk'
- Pressure to deposit quickly or miss out
- Profits shown on a dashboard you cannot independently verify
- Fees or taxes demanded before you can withdraw
- Unregistered firm or one you cannot find on your regulator's register
- Contact began on social media, a dating app, or an unexpected message
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Hi! I made 38% this month on [platform name]. I can show you exactly how — message me on WhatsApp at [phone number].
Your account has generated a profit. To release your withdrawal you must first pay a 15% tax fee to [fake link].
Payment methods used
- Cryptocurrency
- Bank/wire transfer
- Gift cards
- Money transfer services
- Payment apps to 'friends & family'
Who is usually targeted
- People seeking better returns than savings accounts
- Newer investors attracted by crypto
- Retirees with lump sums or pensions
- People in online relationships
What to do immediately
- Stop sending money — do not pay any 'release', 'tax' or 'fee' demand
- Screenshot the platform, messages, and any account pages
- Contact your bank immediately if you transferred funds
- Check the firm against your national financial regulator's register
- Report it to your national fraud reporting service
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshots of the platform and your 'balance'
- All messages and the contact's profile
- Payment receipts, transfer references, and wallet addresses
- The website URL and any app you were told to install
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
- FCA ScamSmart / Warning List (UK) — Check if a firm is authorised
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my money back from an investment scam?
Sometimes, if you act fast. Contact your bank immediately — recent transfers can occasionally be recalled. Never pay anyone who guarantees recovery for an upfront fee; that is a second scam.
How do I check if an investment firm is real?
Search your national regulator's official register (for example the FCA in the UK or the SEC/FINRA in the US). Use the contact details on the regulator's site, not details the firm gives you.