Scams operating on social media and messaging platforms

We have seen an increase in individuals being introduced to scam investments through unsolicited messages on social media chat platforms, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Facebook/Messenger, Instagram and Viber. 

These messages can come from people falsely claiming to be an employee of an investment firm or bank and offering attractive investment opportunities. 

We have also received reports from people introduced to scam investments after unexpectedly receiving messages with invitations to join chat groups to discuss or learn about investing.  

Be extremely cautious if you receive an unexpected message via a social media chat about any investment opportunity. 

This will usually be a scam. Even if the offer comes from the account of a person you know, their account may be compromised by a scammer. If you receive messages like this, do not respond and report to the social media platform. 

To learn more about ways you can protect yourself from scams, check our Scam Basics page