SCAM LIBRARY · MONEY & PAYMENT

The fake investment platform

A fake investment platform tricks you into sending money by promising unusually high returns, then disappears with your cash.

Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-06

How it works

Someone contacts you (by phone, email, or social media) offering an exclusive investment opportunity with guaranteed profits that sound too good to be true. They create a sense of urgency—saying spots are limited or prices are rising soon—and may even show you a fake website or app that looks professional to build trust. Once you send money, the 'returns' may appear on screen, but when you try to withdraw, you're asked to pay additional fees or taxes before you can access anything.

Red flags

• Promises of unusually high or guaranteed returns with little or no risk
• Pressure to act quickly or invest more money to 'unlock' your earnings
• A website, app, or account that looks professional but is newly created or feels unfamiliar
• Requests for additional payments (taxes, fees, insurance) before you can withdraw money

What to do

• Do not send any money or personal financial information; hang up or stop communicating if you feel pressured
• Check the platform independently by searching for complaints or contacting the legitimate investment regulator in your country
• Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov so authorities can track and stop these schemes