Investment scams

Investment scams involve tricking you into putting your money into a fake investment.

About investment scams

Investment scammers may ring, text or email you - it may even be an offer from someone you trust. They will ask you to invest money in different business opportunities.

The main types of investment scams are when:

• the investment offer is made up and does not exist
• the investment offer exists, but the money you give the scammer goes elsewhere
• the scammers falsely claim they are from a well-known investment company.

About investment scammers

Investment scammers are usually organised crime groups. They often target the retirement savings of middle-aged and older Australians.

The scammers will contact you and claim they are investment brokers. They might contact you regularly to maintain contact and gain your trust.

The scammers will trick you by using:

• professional looking websites and investment platforms
• your own personal accounts with login access
• regular reports of a strong return on investment
• media releases
• professional-looking documents delivered via courier
• deep-fake AI generated videos of celebrity endorsements.

For more examples of the latest investment scams including Quantum AI, visit Moneysmart.

Who is being targeted by investment scams?

Anyone with savings to invest is at risk, especially men over 50 who have invested before.

The fraudsters get their contact details from publicly available investor registries. They might also buy contact lists from survey and seminar participation.

Advice to protect yourself against investment scams

Scammers are good at convincing you to invest your money into schemes that are too good to be true. If you are unsure about any phone calls, emails or messages, talk it over with someone you trust.

Make sure that you:

• always seek independent financial advice before making an investment
• alert family and friends to this fraud, especially anyone who may have savings to invest
• hang up on unsolicited telephone calls offering overseas investments
• check any company you are discussing investments with has a valid licence at Check before you invest - Moneysmart.gov.au(opens in a new window).

If you have been affected by an investment scam

If you have been tricked into investing money into a bogus scheme, take immediate action.

You should:

• stop sending any more money
• block all contact with the scammer
• call your bank to report the scam and block any further transactions
• alert family and friends to this fraud, especially anyone who may have savings to invest.

For more advice and support, visit Moneysmart(opens in a new window).

Report investment scams

If you have been a victim of an investment scam, you should report it to police:

• at ReportCyber
• at your local police station - please fill out and print the Fraud Report Form:

In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000)(opens in a new window).

To help disrupt and follow scam trends, warn others about new scams, and receive advice and support, report your experience to Scamwatch.

To find out more about reporting cybercrime visit Report online abuse, cybercrimes, fraud and scams.

Support services for victims of investment scams

If you have been affected by an investment scam, help is available.

• Scamwatch
  The National Anti-Scam Centre has set up Scamwatch to support awareness and reporting of scams. Visit for more information, advice and to report different scams.
• Moneysmart
  Get information, tips and advice on safe investment options and receive support if a scam is causing you problems with debt.
• IDCARE
  Help with advice on scams that involve stealing your identity. This free Australian and New Zealand service can help you limit the damage and recover from the scam. Call 1800 595 160.
• Consumer Affairs Victoria(opens in a new window)
  Advice and information services to support consumers to exercise their rights.