Guide
Trading Scam Red Flags: Fake Apps and 'Guaranteed' Returns
Fake trading apps show big profits, then demand 'taxes' before you can withdraw. Learn the red flags of trading scams and how to check an investment first.
Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams
Investment scams promise big, safe returns — often through cryptocurrency or a trading app you have never heard of. The website or app may show your balance growing quickly, but when you try to withdraw, there are suddenly "taxes" or "fees" to pay first.
No legitimate investment can guarantee high returns with no risk, and no real agency or business will tell you to move your savings into cryptocurrency or deposit cash into a crypto ATM to "protect" it. Check whether a seller or firm is registered before you invest, and talk to someone you trust first.
Guides
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Guide
Crypto ATM scams: What to know before you put cash in a Bitcoin machine
No real bank or agency will tell you to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM. How the scam works, the FBI's latest numbers, and what to do if it happened to you.
Where to report investment & crypto scams
Reporting helps investigators spot patterns and warn others — even if you did not lose money. Type these addresses yourself or use the links below; do not use links from a suspicious message.
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FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Online and computer-related fraud, including tech-support, romance, investment and crypto scams.
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U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Investment fraud, fake brokers and "guaranteed return" schemes.
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Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
Crypto, forex and commodity trading fraud.
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Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Any scam, fraud or bad business practice — calls, texts, emails, websites and impostors.
You can also report to your state attorney general. If you sent money, call your bank or card company right away using the number on the back of your card.
Other scam types
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Government impostors
Callers and texts pretending to be Social Security, the IRS or Medicare. How to recognize them and where to report them. -
Phone scams
Impostor calls, robocalls, fake prizes and spoofed caller ID. How the most common phone scams work and what to say — or not say. -
Text message scams
Fake fraud alerts, package and toll texts, "wrong number" chats and job offers. Real examples of scam texts and how to report them. -
Email & phishing
Fake emails, look-alike websites and spoofed senders that try to steal passwords, card numbers and personal details. How to spot and report them. -
Delivery & toll texts
Fake texts about a package you missed or an unpaid toll. Learn what the real ones look like and what to do if you clicked. -
Tech support
Pop-ups and calls claiming your computer is infected or hacked. How the scam works, the warning signs, and how to recover. -
Family emergency
A call from a "grandchild" in trouble who needs money fast — now sometimes using a cloned voice. How to check before you pay. -
Romance
Online relationships that turn into requests for money. Warning signs, how to talk to a loved one about it, and where to report. -
Social media
Fake ads and shops, hacked friends, Marketplace tricks and investment "coaches" on social media. How to spot them and protect your account. -
Bank & Zelle
Fake fraud alerts from "your bank" and payment-app tricks. What your real bank will never ask and how to protect your accounts. -
Medicare & health
Calls offering "free" equipment, new cards or plan changes in exchange for your Medicare number. How to protect your benefits.