Scam library
Fake investment ads
Ads for trading platforms, stock tips or crypto groups that promise big returns, then take your deposit.
Social interactions today17
TrendRising
Last 14 days
How much people are talking about "AI trading bot scam" online, measured by LunarCrush. Attention, not a count of victims.
What it looks like
Ad: Join our free stock group. Our professor's picks gained 300% this year. Click to join on WhatsApp.
Ad: AI trading bot makes $1,000 a day for you. Start with just $250. Guaranteed returns.
Ad: Retirees are earning extra income with this new crypto platform. Sign up and a personal advisor will call you.
How it works
Ads on social media or search engines invite you to a chat group, a 'professor's' stock tips or a crypto trading platform. They show fake gains on a site they control and urge you to invest more. When you try to withdraw, they ask for fees or block you.
Warning signs
- Guaranteed or very high returns
- A free group on WhatsApp or Telegram with a 'professor'
- An 'advisor' calls you soon after you sign up
- Pressure to deposit more to unlock VIP access
- Withdrawals require fees or taxes first
If you got one of these
- Do not sign up. A paid ad is not a sign of legitimacy. Scam ads get through every day.
- Report it: tap the three dots on the ad and choose Report.
- Check if a firm is registered with FINRA BrokerCheck or the SEC before investing.
- Leave any chat groups that push you to invest.
If you already paid or shared something
- Stop sending money. Paying fees to withdraw will not get your money out.
- Report it at ic3.gov and reportfraud.ftc.gov with every transaction detail.
- Contact your bank or the crypto exchange you used.
- Anyone offering to recover your money for a fee is a second scam.
Who gets targeted
People saving for retirement, new investors and anyone hoping to grow savings faster.
Also read: Is this online relationship or crypto investment a scam?