Investment Scam Statistics

Investment scams promise extraordinary returns with little or no risk through fake trading platforms, fraudulent brokerage accounts, Ponzi schemes, or advance-fee fraud. They are the single highest-loss fraud category tracked by both the FTC and the FBI IC3, and losses have grown sharply in recent years as criminals combine fake romantic relationships with fabricated investment apps.

Investment fraud is significantly under-reported because victims often do not realise they have been defrauded until they attempt to withdraw funds — at which point they may be told to pay further fees or taxes. Some victims continue to invest additional funds hoping to recover earlier losses. Researchers and regulators consistently estimate that only a small minority of investment fraud victims file formal complaints.