Is a Telegram group promising daily percentage returns on a pooled trading fund a scam?
Yes. Pooled trading funds promising consistent daily returns on Telegram are unregulated investment fraud or Ponzi schemes.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Telegram pooled investment groups invite members to contribute funds that are 'managed' by a skilled trader or automated system, with daily percentage profits shared. Initial returns may be genuine, paid from newer investors' deposits rather than real trading activity — the defining feature of a Ponzi scheme. As the group grows, withdrawal requests are delayed, restricted, or met with demands for taxes or fees. The 'fund manager' eventually disappears. Running a pooled investment fund in most countries requires authorisation from the financial regulator. Any fund operating exclusively through Telegram without regulatory oversight is conducting illegal financial services activity.
Common red flags
- Consistent daily or weekly percentage returns regardless of market conditions
- Fund operates exclusively through Telegram — no regulated platform
- Withdrawal difficulties or additional fees after profits accumulate
- Recruiter earns a commission for bringing in new investors
What to do now
- Do not contribute funds and exit the group
- If you have funds 'invested', do not pay additional fees to withdraw them
- Report to your national financial regulator
- Warn others in the group who may not have identified the fraud
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Ponzi scheme and genuine investing?
Genuine investments carry risk and returns vary with markets. A Ponzi scheme pays fake consistent returns using new investors' money and collapses when new investment slows.