How to spot and avoid investment scams

Imagine losing your savings to an investment opportunity that appeared completely legitimate. The website was  professional, the testimonials seemed genuine, and the representative spoke with authority.  It all felt trustworthy. You were promised guaranteed returns and urged to act quickly before the opportunity disappeared. Trusting the pitch, you invested - only to find out later that it was all a carefully crafted scam.

With the growing popularity of investing, deceptions like these have become increasingly common. Scammers are evolving their methods, exploiting emotions like trust, fear, and greed to deceive unsuspecting individuals and steal their money. From fake opportunities to high-pressure tactics, they’ve mastered the art of manipulation.

This article will uncover how investment scams work, highlight their most common forms, and share actionable advice to help you stay one step ahead and avoid falling victim.

What are investment scams and why are they dangerous?

Investment scams are fraudulent schemes designed to steal money by convincing individuals to invest in fake opportunities. Unlike legitimate investment platforms or financial products, scams rely on manipulation and fraud, often targeting vulnerable or inexperienced investors.

What makes these scams especially harmful is their ability to appear authentic. Scammers use convincing websites, fake testimonials, and even sophisticated software to mimic legitimate platforms. Many victims are left financially devastated, with little chance of recovering their money.

Some common tactics used in investment scams include:

• Promising unrealistically high or guaranteed returns

• Using fake endorsements or impersonating trusted companies

• Creating urgency to pressure victims into making quick decisions

Remember, any investment that seems “too good to be true” probably is. In the next section, we’ll explore the most common types of investment scams and how they operate.

The psychology behind investment scams

Investment scams are often effective because they exploit basic aspects of human behaviour, making it easier for scammers to manipulate their targets. By tapping into emotions like trust, fear or the desire for quick financial gains, these schemes can appear highly convincing. Recognising the psychological tactics scammers use is essential for staying alert and protecting yourself.

Here are some of the most common strategies they rely on:

• Fear of missing out (FOMO): Scammers create urgency by suggesting that the opportunity is limited or exclusive, making you feel you’ll miss out if you don’t act fast.

• Trust manipulation: Many scams involve posing as a friend, family member or trusted professional to gain your confidence.

• Greed and ambition: Scammers prey on the desire for quick and easy wealth, offering deals that promise substantial returns with minimal effort.

• Social proof: Fake testimonials or claims of other people’s success are used to create the illusion that the investment is legitimate.

Common types of investment scams

Boiler room scams

Boiler room scams are among the most aggressive forms of investment fraud. Scammers, pretending to be sales agents, cold-call individuals and use high-pressure tactics to sell them worthless or non-existent investments. These calls are often scripted to sound professional and convincing, making it hard for victims to detect the scam.

For instance, you might be offered shares in an exciting new company at a “special price” that will soon skyrocket in value. But in reality, the company doesn’t exist - or the shares are worthless.

To protect yourself:

• Always research the company before making any investment decisions

• Look for verified reviews

• Check the company’s registration with a financial regulator 

• Avoid making decisions over the phone.

Forex trading scams

Forex trading scams lure victims with promises of substantial profits through foreign exchange trading. Scammers often use flashy advertisements, fake trading platforms and unlicensed brokers to make their schemes look legitimate.

For example, you might see an ad claiming you can “turn €500 into €10,000 in just two weeks” by trading currencies. After depositing your money, the scammer may manipulate your trading account to show fake gains, encouraging you to invest more. However, in the end, your money will have disappeared.

To avoid forex trading scams:

• Always verify that a trading platform or broker is licensed by a recognised regulatory authority 

• Be cautious of any platform that guarantees profits or encourages you to invest large sums of money upfront 

Pyramid schemes

Unlike Ponzi schemes, which use funds from new investors to pay returns to earlier investors without any legitimate profit generation, pyramid schemes rely on participants recruiting others to generate profits. You’re asked to pay a fee to join, and you earn money by bringing in new members. These schemes often collapse quickly, leaving most participants out of pocket.

A common red flag is an emphasis on recruitment over the actual product or service being sold. If you’re pressured to pay upfront and recruit others, it’s likely a pyramid scheme.

H3:  Advance fee fraud

Advance fee fraud involves scammers promising large returns or exclusive investment deals in exchange for an upfront fee. Once you pay the fee, the scammer vanishes.

This type of fraud often involves elaborate stories, such as winning a foreign lottery or being chosen for a rare investment opportunity. Protect yourself by: 

• Refusing to pay fees for investment opportunities 

• Verifying any claims independently

How to protect yourself from investment scams

While investment scams can be sophisticated, you can take steps to protect yourself:

1. Do your homework: Research any investment opportunity thoroughly, including the company and individuals promoting it.

2. Verify legitimacy: Ensure brokers and platforms are registered with reputable financial regulators like the MiCAR license in Europe. 

3. Avoid pressure tactics: Scammers often push you to act quickly. Take your time to evaluate any opportunity.

4. Stay informed: Learn about common scams by exploring resources like our crypto security hub which offers articles on crypto fraud, market manipulation, cybercrimes and more.

5. Use trusted platforms: Look for verified platforms with transparent fee structures and customer reviews, such as Bitpanda, which offers secure trading environments.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

If you think you’ve been scammed, act quickly by following these steps:

• Stop communication: Cut off all contact with the scammer.

• Report the incident: Notify your local financial authority or law enforcement agency.

• Secure your accounts: Change passwords and monitor your bank accounts for unusual activity.

• Seek professional help: Contact your bank or financial institution for advice on recovering lost funds.

Recovering from a scam can be emotionally draining, and it’s important to address the impact beyond just the financial loss. Lean on friends and family for support, or connect with online forums and communities for scam victims where you can share your experience and gain helpful advice. Remember, you’re not alone, and seeking support is a crucial step in the recovery process.

Stay safe and informed with Bitpanda Academy

Crypto scams are constantly evolving, but knowledge is your best defence. The Bitpanda Academy offers many resources to help you stay secure in the crypto world, covering common crypto scams, the biggest risks in investing and more.