Medium riskSocial Media

Get-Rich Coaching Scam

In this scam, a self-styled mentor messages you promising fast wealth from trading, crypto, or e-commerce, selling expensive courses, 'mentorship', or signal groups built on fake screenshots and lifestyle images.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Course / mentorship fraud
Main red flag
A stranger DMs promising to teach you to get rich fast, for a fee.
What to do first
Be sceptical; verify claims and avoid paying upfront for guaranteed riches.

What to know first

In this scam, a self-styled mentor messages you promising fast wealth from trading, crypto, or e-commerce, selling expensive courses, 'mentorship', or signal groups built on fake screenshots and lifestyle images.

Social media scams spread through direct messages, ads, hacked friends' accounts, and fake profiles. They range from account-takeover phishing and fake giveaways to investment and romance fraud, exploiting the trust and reach of your own network.

The core pattern to watch for is clear: A stranger DMs promising to teach you to get rich fast, for a fee. Be sceptical; verify claims and avoid paying upfront for guaranteed riches.

Related tricks worth knowing: the Pyramid Scheme Scam and the YouTube Creator Scam. For the wider picture, browse the Social Media Scams guides or run the message through our scam checker.

Scam statistics

$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that began on social media in the US in 2023
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
Top channel
social media was among the most common ways scams reached people in 2023
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Tell-tale red flags

  • Promises of fast, guaranteed wealth
  • Flashy lifestyle images and unverifiable profit screenshots
  • Pressure to join now for 'limited spots'
  • Upsells to ever more expensive tiers
  • A push toward risky trading or deposits

Staying safe

  • Treat guaranteed-riches mentorships with strong scepticism
  • Research the person and look for independent, verifiable results
  • Avoid paying large sums upfront on hype
  • Report misleading financial claims

How it usually reads

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'I turned $500 into $50k and I'll show you how. Join my mentorship for $497, limited spots, DM me to start your journey to financial freedom.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What to notice: A stranger DMs promising to teach you to get rich fast, for a fee.

Steps if you already acted

  • If you paid, check refund options and dispute if misled
  • Do not deposit into any platform they push
  • Keep messages and materials as evidence
  • Be wary of further upsells and 'inner circle' fees

Common mistakes

  • Do not pay upfront for guaranteed wealth
  • Do not trust screenshots as proof of profits
  • Do not move into risky trading on a mentor's say-so

Scams like this one

High risk Job

Pyramid Scheme Scam

This scam is pitched as a business opportunity, but income comes mainly from recruiting new members who each pay to join rather than from selling a real product, so most people near the bottom lose money.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Social Media

YouTube Creator Scam

The YouTube creator scam targets channel owners with what looks like a brand sponsorship offer. The email or direct message proposes a paid partnership, then asks you to download a 'contract', 'media kit' or piece of software to review. The file is actually an info-stealer that can grab your saved passwords and session cookies, letting attackers take over your channel and bypass two-factor authentication. Verifying sponsors carefully and never downloading unknown files are the key defences.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Crypto & Investment

Forex Trading Scam

In this scam, a fake forex broker, 'account manager', or signal group promises high returns, shows fake gains on a slick dashboard, and pressures you to deposit more, then blocks withdrawals or disappears.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Your questions answered

Are all online courses scams?
No, but be cautious of mentors promising fast, guaranteed riches. Genuine education does not guarantee profits, and hype plus pressure is a warning sign.
The screenshots looked impressive. Real?
Profit screenshots and lifestyle images are easily faked. Look for independent, verifiable evidence before paying anything.
I paid for mentorship. Can I get a refund?
Check the refund policy, dispute the charge if you were misled, and avoid further upsells or deposits into platforms they recommend.
How do I learn investing safely?
Use reputable, regulated sources you research independently, and be wary of anyone guaranteeing returns in exchange for a fee.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

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.