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Cybersecurity

Investing in a new era: staying safe from modern scams

Investment scams are nothing new except they have evolved with technology, but the goal is unchanged: manufacture hype, urgency and social proof to short-circuit due diligence. Today, fake investment opportunities increasingly rely on pig-butchering schemes, AI-generated content that impersonates credible voices to lend false legitimacy, fake websites and investment portals, and crypto channels that enable fast, hard-to-reverse transfers.

The mechanics of the scam

Scammers increasingly find and cultivate targets on social media—through direct messages, viral posts and deceptive job or investment ads—then continue the conversation on encrypted chats to create a sense of exclusivity.

Pig‑butchering schemes build trust over weeks via dating apps, texts or social platforms before steering victims to fake investment portals where early “profits” are fabricated to encourage larger deposits. In one high‑profile case,  the U.S. Department of Justice seized $15 billion in cryptocurrency tied to a pig‑butchering investment scheme in Cambodia1, underscoring the scale and global reach of this fraud. 

AI‑generated content and deepfakes now impersonate well‑known executives, influencers or even friends, lending false credibility for investing in stocks, private deals or crypto. Many schemes push victims to move funds through hard‑to‑reverse channels—especially crypto wallets—or to sham custodians, all while pressuring them to act quickly and keep the details “confidential”.

Pause, verify, invest: your anti‑scam checklist

  • Beware of high or “guaranteed” returns: Offers promising guaranteed or exceptionally high returns with little risk are classic red flags. If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
  • Take a pause: Pressure to act quickly—limited spots, expiring terms or “last chance” pitches—are designed to short-circuit your diligence. Take the time you need to verify. Discuss investments with your J.P. Morgan team.
  • Reject unsolicited contact: Be cautious of unexpected calls, texts or social media messages pushing investments. Treat unsolicited outreach as suspicious until independently verified.
  • Verify authorisation: Confirm that the firm and individuals are registered with the relevant national financial authorities. Independently check registrations and licenses via official channels.
  • Check the URL and branding: Inspect website addresses for misspellings, odd subdomains or unfamiliar domains. Cloned sites often mimic logos and layouts but slip up on URLs and contact details.
  • Control where your money goes: Avoid transferring funds to unknown third parties, personal accounts, crypto wallets or unverifiable “escrows.” Confirm payment instructions through the trusted channels you already use.
  • Stay informed about current investment trends, market conditions and potential risks. Awareness of market developments can help you make more informed investment decisions.
  • Immediately report fraud. The sooner we know, the faster we can respond to assist you.

We can help

If you believe you have been targeted by a fraud scheme, please contact your J.P. Morgan team.

  • https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/chairman-prince-group-indicted-operating-cambodian-forced-labor-scam-compounds-engaged

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Any views, strategies or products discussed in this content may not be appropriate for all individuals and are subject to risks. Investors may get back less than they invested, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Asset allocation/diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Nothing in this content should be relied upon in isolation for the purpose of making an investment decision. You are urged to consider carefully whether the services, products, asset classes (e.g. equities, fixed income, alternative investments, commodities, etc.) or strategies discussed are suitable to your needs. You must also consider the objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated with an investment service, product or strategy prior to making an investment decision. For this and more complete information, including discussion of your goals/situation, contact your J.P. Morgan team.

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Although investment scams aren’t new, technology and social platforms have made them more convincing and widespread, so staying cautious and verifying opportunities before investing is essential.
Published Jun 24, 2026

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