Scammers are increasingly using WhatsApp and social media to lure internet users into fake investment discussion groups. Their promise? Exclusive financial advice and quick profits.
The reality? A well-crafted scam to steal your money or personal data.
How these fake WhatsApp groups trap you
It often starts on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. You come across an enticing advertisement: a WhatsApp channel that shares ‘exclusive’ market analysis or highly profitable ‘investment opportunities’. These advertisements sometimes use the logo of a well-known bank or media outlet, but this is identity theft.
Once you join the WhatsApp group:
- “Experts” posing as economists or CEOs post messages and financial charts to appear credible.
- You are then invited to participate in lotteries, buy certain stocks or download a trading app.
- These manipulations are used to steal your personal data or push you to invest on fake platforms.
How to avoid this type of scam
- Never join an unknown WhatsApp group that offers investment advice. No serious expert will contact you through this channel.
- Do not click on advertisements that promise easy money.
- Do not download applications if you are unsure of their origin.
- Always check whether the company is authorised to offer financial products and whether it is on the FSMA blacklist.
Have you been a victim? Here's what you need to do
- Cut off all contact immediately.
Do not transfer any more money, do not share any more personal information and leave the group.
2. Notify your bank.
If you have made a payment, contact them immediately to try to block the transaction.
3. Report the fraud.
File a complaint with the police.
Report the fraud via ConsumerConnect or Safeonweb.
4. Keep all evidence.
Save screenshots, messages, advertisements and account statements. These will be useful to the authorities.
5. Be wary of ‘recovery rooms’.
These fake services promise to recover your lost funds in exchange for payment.
They are actually new scams.
More information on investment fraud: https://safeonweb.be/en/campagne-2025
