1. A platform promises guaranteed returns of 20% a month. This is:
Answer: A scam. Real investments can’t guarantee high returns. Guarantees are a core scam signal.
2. Your account shows big profits, but you must pay a “tax” to withdraw. This is:
Answer: A sign of a fake platform. The balance is fake. Fees to withdraw are how these scams take more money.
3. The best way to check an investment firm:
Answer: Search the financial regulator’s register. Regulators such as the AFM, FCA or SEC list authorised firms. Reviews on the firm’s own site prove nothing.
4. True or myth: crypto transfers are usually final and very hard to reverse.
Answer: True. Crypto payments are usually final. That’s why scammers prefer them.
5. A “recovery agent” offers to get back your lost crypto for an upfront fee. This is:
Answer: Usually a second scam. Recovery scams target people who were already scammed.
6. What is a “pig-butchering” scam?
Answer: Building trust for weeks, then steering you into fake investing. Scammers spend weeks building a relationship before introducing a fake platform.
7. An influencer says a coin is “about to 100x.” Most likely:
Answer: Paid promotion or a pump-and-dump. Hype posts are often paid, or designed to let insiders sell to you.
8. “This offer closes in one hour.” That is:
Answer: A pressure tactic. Rushing you stops you from checking. Legitimate investments let you take time.
9. Someone you met online coaches you to install a trading app from a link. You:
Answer: Stop — that’s a major red flag. Fake trading apps show fake profits. Only use regulated firms you found yourself.
10. Unsure about an investment? The best move:
Answer: Pause and get an independent opinion. Small test investments often pay out on purpose to win your trust.