Skip to content
New: AI verdicts in plain language.
Scampilot
← All guidesGuide

Investment & crypto scams

Fake trading platforms, "guaranteed" returns and celebrity-endorsed crypto deals lure you to deposit money. Early "profits" on a fake dashboard tempt you to invest more; when you try to withdraw, fees pile up and the money vanishes. Often seeded via WhatsApp/Telegram groups ("pig butchering").

Warning signs

  • Promised "guaranteed" or unusually high returns with no risk.
  • Pressure to invest quickly via a platform you were sent to.
  • You can "see" profits but must pay fees/taxes to withdraw.
  • Contact began with a wrong-number text or a friendly group chat.

Example

Join our exclusive trading signals group! Guaranteed returns of 30% per month, risk-free investment. Deposit now to double your investment - limited spots.

Made-up example - not a real message.

How to protect yourself

  1. 01No real investment guarantees returns - high return always means high risk.
  2. 02Check whether the provider is licensed (e.g. BaFin in Germany) before paying.
  3. 03Be wary of platforms you reach only via a link from a stranger.

Already caught out?

  1. 01Stop depositing - "withdrawal fees" are just more theft.
  2. 02Contact your bank/crypto exchange to try to halt or trace transfers.
  3. 03Report to your financial regulator and police; keep all records.

Sources

Unsure about a specific message?

Paste it in - Scampilot checks text, links and numbers and explains the verdict.

Check it now