Investment scams are becoming more sophisticated, and they can affect people at any stage of life. Scammers often present themselves as legitimate professionals, such as financial advisers or investment managers, and may even impersonate well-known organisations. They use convincing stories, professional-looking documents and realistic online dashboards to create the impression that your money is growing.

In some cases, they’ll even allow small withdrawals early on to build trust. But when larger amounts are requested, delays can occur, often accompanied by requests for additional fees or “taxes”. Eventually, access to funds may be blocked altogether.

According to ScamWatch, Australians lost almost $175 million to investment scams in 2025 alone.

What to look out for

There are a few common signs that something may not be right:

• Pressure to act quickly
  You may be told the opportunity is limited or exclusive, leaving little time to think or seek advice.
• Promises of high or guaranteed returns
  All investments carry some level of risk. If it sounds too certain, it’s worth taking a closer look.
• Requests for secrecy
  You may be discouraged from discussing the opportunity with family, friends or a professional adviser.
• Unusual payment methods
  Requests for payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, cash or international transfers can be a warning sign.

How to protect yourself

A few simple steps can help you stay one step ahead:

• Pause and check
  Take the time to research any opportunity and seek independent advice, especially if it’s unfamiliar.
• Verify who you’re dealing with
  Check that the individual or business is registered with the appropriate regulators. Be cautious of unexpected contact via phone, email, social media or messaging apps.
• Use trusted resources
  Look up the business on ASIC’s Moneysmart investor alert list or the IOSCO Investor Alerts Portal, and be cautious of newly created websites.

A simple rule to remember -If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. If something doesn’t feel right and you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, contact us as soon as possible. Acting quickly can make a difference.

Staying informed and taking a moment to pause before making decisions are some of the most effective ways to protect yourself.