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    Safety & Privacy
    Intermediate
    2 min read 7 stepsApril 2, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Recognize Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams

    Protect your savings from fraudulent investment schemes and cryptocurrency scams.

    In this guide (7 steps):

    1. 1.If it sounds too good to be true...
    2. 2.Ponzi and pyramid schemes
    3. 3.Cryptocurrency scams
    4. 4.Social media investment scams
    5. 5.How to verify legitimacy
    6. 6.What to do if you've been scammed
    7. 7.Safe investing basics
    1

    If it sounds too good to be true...

    ~15s
    No legitimate investment guarantees high returns with no risk. "Guaranteed 20% monthly returns" is always a scam. Even the best investors have losing years. Anyone promising guaranteed profits is lying.
    2

    Ponzi and pyramid schemes

    ~15s
    Early investors are paid with money from new investors. It feels real because you receive returns. Eventually the scheme collapses and most people lose everything. If recruiting others is required, it's a pyramid scheme.
    3

    Cryptocurrency scams

    ~15s
    Fake celebrity endorsements for new coins. "Pump and dump" schemes. Fake exchanges that steal your money. Romance scammers who "teach" you to invest in crypto on their fake platform.
    4

    Social media investment scams

    ~15s
    Ads showing luxury lifestyles and "secret trading methods." Testimonials from fake accounts. Direct messages offering "exclusive opportunities." WhatsApp or Telegram investment groups with fake success stories.
    5

    How to verify legitimacy

    ~15s
    Check FINRA BrokerCheck (brokercheck.finra.org) for registered brokers and firms. Search the SEC EDGAR database for registered investments. Look up any company at bbb.org. Google the company name + "scam" or "reviews."
    6

    What to do if you've been scammed

    ~15s
    Report to the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov), SEC (sec.gov/tcr), and your state attorney general. Contact your bank immediately. File a report at ic3.gov (FBI). Document everything — screenshots, emails, transaction records.
    7

    Safe investing basics

    ~15s
    Use regulated brokerages (Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab). Diversify — never put all money in one investment. Index funds are the simplest, safest way to invest. If you don't understand it, don't invest in it.

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    Official Resources

    FTC Consumer ProtectionCISA — Cybersecurity TipsAARP Fraud Watch Network

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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    How to Recognize Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure