Crypto & Investment Scams

Crypto and investment scams advertise unusually high or 'guaranteed' returns through fake trading platforms, social media tips, or a new online contact who offers to help you invest. Early on, a fake dashboard may show profits to encourage bigger deposits. When you try to withdraw, you are asked for more fees and taxes, and eventually the platform and contact disappear with your money.

Common red flags

  • Promises of guaranteed or unusually high returns with no risk
  • Pressure to invest quickly before a 'limited' opportunity ends
  • A new online contact who offers to manage your trades
  • Requests for more fees or taxes before you can withdraw
  • Unregistered platforms that are hard to verify or research

Crypto & Investment scam guides

High risk Crypto & Investment

Crypto Investment Scam

This scam promises high or guaranteed crypto returns through a fake platform, shows paper profits to encourage bigger deposits, then blocks withdrawals.
High risk Crypto & Investment

Crypto Recovery Scam

This scam targets people who already lost money, promising to recover lost crypto or funds for an upfront fee. The recovery is never delivered, and the victim loses even more money to the second scammer.
High risk Crypto & Investment

Celebrity Crypto Giveaway Scam

This scam uses fake posts, videos, or live streams that impersonate a celebrity or company and promise to 'double' any crypto you send to a wallet address, but anything sent is simply taken.
High risk Crypto & Investment

Fake Crypto Exchange Scam

A fake crypto exchange or trading app shows convincing balances and profits to encourage more deposits, then blocks withdrawals and demands 'fees' or 'taxes' before you can take any money out.
High risk Crypto & Investment

Rug Pull Scam

In a rug pull, developers heavily promote a new crypto token or project to attract investment and push the price up, then suddenly sell their holdings and abandon it, leaving investors with tokens they cannot sell.

Frequently asked questions

Can any investment guarantee high returns?
No legitimate investment can guarantee high returns with no risk. Promises of guaranteed profits are one of the clearest signs of an investment scam.
Why can't I withdraw my profits?
Fake platforms show paper 'profits' to keep you depositing, then demand endless fees or taxes to release funds. The money is usually already gone, and paying more will not recover it.
How can I check an investment platform?
Verify whether the company is registered with your local financial regulator, and be cautious of anyone who contacts you first with an investment opportunity.

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Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.