Staying Safe From
Fraud & Scams

Investment scams are fraudulent schemes where scammers promise high returns on investments to trick you into giving them your money. They often claim the investment is low-risk or offer unrealistic profits in a short amount of time. Once you invest, the scammer may disappear, and you could lose all your money.

To protect yourself:

• Be cautious of investment offers that seem too good to be true or that guarantee profits.
• Be wary of anyone contacting you unexpectedly about investment opportunities, especially through social media, messaging apps, or phone calls.
• If you’re unsure about an investment opportunity, take the time to research it independently and, if necessary, seek professional guidance before making a decision.

Scammers impersonate eToro using cloned websites or fake emails to trick retail investors into depositing funds into fraudulent accounts.

What to look for:

• Scammers often use social media platforms such as Telegram, Reddit, or Facebook to promote fake trading strategies, signal groups, or even direct traders to fraudulent platforms.
• Cold-callers or aggressive marketers pressure retail traders into buying stocks or other assets, often tied to worthless or fraudulent companies. These callers often present themselves as brokers from credible firms.
• Scammers often present opportunities in stocks, bonds, or commodities, appearing as legitimate offers. Investment scams promise high returns with little risk to entice victims into fraudulent schemes.
• Victims may be asked to transfer money for non-existent investments, losing their funds entirely. Always verify the credentials of financial advisors and avoid unregulated platforms or unsolicited investment offers.

Job scams are fake job offers designed to trick people into giving away personal information or money. Scammers might pretend to be from a real company and offer you a job that seems too good to be true. They might ask for personal details, such as your bank account information, or even ask for payment upfront for training or equipment.

To avoid job scams:

• Be cautious of job offers you didn’t apply for, especially if they ask for money or personal information right away.
• Always research the company and verify the job offer before sharing any details.
• If something feels off, it’s best to stay safe and avoid it.

Scammers may pose as a new romance partner, but may in fact be targeting victims into sending them money.

Watch out for:

• Be cautious of people you’ve only met online who quickly profess love or ask for financial assistance.
• They may claim to need funds for emergencies, travel, or other personal reasons.
• Always question sudden financial requests, and avoid sending money to someone you’ve never met in person.

Voice cloning scams use artificial intelligence to replicate someone’s voice, often a trusted friend or family member. Fraudsters may use the cloned voice to request urgent financial assistance, such as transferring money or providing sensitive information.

How to protect yourself:

• If you receive an unexpected call from a loved one asking for money, verify their identity through other means before taking any action.
• Ask them a question only they would know the answer to, e.g., tell me what my favourite takeaway was back when we were at college.

Cryptocurrency scams exploit the growing popularity of digital currencies. Fraudsters may create fake crypto exchanges, promote fraudulent initial coin offerings (ICOs), or offer “guaranteed” returns on crypto investments.

How to stay safe:

• Be cautious of anyone asking for payments in cryptocurrency or promising high, risk-free returns.
• Only use reputable exchanges and wallets, and avoid unverified crypto schemes.