Is your crypto investment opportunity a scam?

Sept. 17, 2026, 5:09 a.m. ET

• Scammers use social media to promote fake cryptocurrency investments with promises of high returns.
• Guaranteed high returns with little risk are a major red flag for investment scams.
• Always research the person and company offering an investment before sending any money.

You’re scrolling through social media when a message arrives with an investment opportunity. Maybe the person contacting you appears successful, their profile looks legitimate and they have pictures or videos showing how much money they’ve supposedly made investing in cryptocurrency.

Then comes the promise that can be difficult to ignore: Invest a few hundred dollars, and you could double or triple your money in just a few days.

If a cryptocurrency investment opportunity comes to you through social media, approach it with caution. Scammers use platforms such as TikTok to reach potential targets with promises of quick money and impressive returns.

Be cautious of unexpected investment offers

The scam may begin with a direct message from someone asking whether you’re interested in investing. The person may claim to represent a legitimate company and eventually ask you to move the conversation away from social media to another messaging app.