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Investment Scams Promise Big Return but Deliver Big Losses

AARP

Published April 29, 2026

Senior couple meeting with financial consultant at home.

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Criminals steal billions by promoting fake investment opportunities that promise quick, guaranteed, or low‑risk returns. They may sound professional and convincing, but they exist for one reason: to steal your money.

Scammers often reach victims through seemingly errant text messages or on social media and dating platforms. Many build trust over time before the “investment opportunity” arises. But the opportunity is fake, and when you try to withdraw your gains, they invent fees, taxes or technical problems—then disappear altogether.

As exciting as a new investment opportunity sounds, this is high-risk territory, and the financial consequences can be life-altering. Always research the investment and the person offering it. You can find great resources at SEC’s investor.gov website as well as FINRA’s brokercheck.gov tool. Scammers rely on targets acting with emotion rather than logic – this is from their playbook.

Learn how to spot and avoid scams with AARP Fraud Watch Network™. Suspect a scam? Call our free helpline at 877-908-3360 and talk to one of our fraud specialists about what to do next.

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