The Rise of Investment Scams

Investment scams have tripled since 2023, fuelled by cryptocurrency hype, AI stock mania, and social media "finance gurus." The average victim loses €45,000 before realising they've been scammed.

Common Types of Investment Scams

Crypto "Guaranteed Returns"

No legitimate investment can guarantee returns. If someone promises 10-50% monthly returns on crypto, it's a Ponzi scheme. Period.

Forex Trading Bots

"Set and forget" trading bots that promise passive income are almost always scams. The screenshots of profits are fabricated.

AI Stock Tips

Scammers now claim to use "proprietary AI" to predict stock movements. They'll show you fabricated performance data and pressure you to invest quickly.

Social Media "Mentors"

Instagram and TikTok are full of people showing luxury lifestyles funded by "trading." Most are actually funded by recruiting new victims.

The Red Flags

**Guaranteed high returns** with no risk

**Pressure to invest quickly** — "This offer expires today"

**Unregulated platforms** with no financial authority oversight

**Difficulty withdrawing** funds (fees, minimum balances, delays)

**Recruitment bonuses** for bringing in friends

**No verifiable track record** or company registration

How to Verify an Investment

Check the **AFM register** (Dutch Financial Markets Authority) at afm.nl

Search for the company on **ESMA's warning list**

Look for reviews on **independent** platforms (not testimonials on their own site)

Ask a **licensed financial advisor** for a second opinion

**Use GuardScan** to analyse any investment message or pitch

If You've Been Scammed

**Stop sending money** immediately

**Document everything** — screenshots, emails, transaction records

**Report to police** and the AFM

**Contact your bank** — some transfers can be reversed

**Don't pay "recovery" services** — these are often secondary scams

Remember

If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Legitimate investments carry risk, require time, and never guarantee returns.

Investment Scam Red Flags: What to Watch For in 2026