Is this trading account real?

The warning signs

Think of the app, website or person you have in mind. Tap every sign that fits. One is enough to stop and check.

• The screen shows profits, but I can't take my money out.

  The FTC says that in these scams, you won't be able to withdraw your money at all, or only if you pay high fees. FTC, read 2026-10-26

• They say I must pay a fee or a tax before I can withdraw.

  The FBI says victims who try to withdraw are told they need to pay a fee or taxes, and they cannot get their money back even if they pay. FBI (IC3), read 2026-10-26

• A new online friend or love interest is coaching me how to invest.

  The FBI says criminals coach victims through the investment process, show them fake profits, and push them to invest more. It says do not invest on the advice of someone you meet only online. FBI (IC3), read 2026-10-26

• It began with a "wrong number" text or a message out of the blue.

  The SEC says scammers may send a text pretending to be an old friend or saying they reached you by accident, or add you to a group chat you did not join. SEC (Investor.gov), read 2026-10-26

• They sent me the app or link. I did not find it myself.

  The FBI says do not download or use suspicious-looking apps for investing unless you can check that the app is real, and watch for web addresses that copy real financial firms with a small misspelling. FBI (IC3), read 2026-10-26

  Being in a well-known app store does not make an app, or what happens in it, real. FINRA, read 2026-10-26

• They let me take out a little at first, so it feels safe.

  FINRA says fraudsters might let you withdraw part of your "profits" to win your trust and make the investment look real. FINRA, read 2026-10-26

• They want deposits in crypto, at a bitcoin ATM, or by wire.

  The SEC says scammers may tell you to wire cash or buy crypto, such as bitcoin, at a bitcoin ATM to make deposits. SEC (Investor.gov), read 2026-10-26

  The FTC says only scammers demand payment in cryptocurrency. FTC, read 2026-10-26

• A group chat is full of people saying they made huge profits.

  FINRA says others in a group chat who claim huge profits might be in on the fraud, and photos or videos can be altered or made by AI. FINRA, read 2026-10-26

• They promise profits or big returns.

  The FTC says only scammers will guarantee profits or big returns. FTC, read 2026-10-26

• They "loaned" me money to trade, and I must pay it back before I can withdraw.

  FINRA says fraudsters might pretend to loan you money for trading, then require the "loan" be repaid before any profits or principal can be withdrawn. FINRA, read 2026-10-26

Report it, and get a person on the phone

Use these links and numbers, typed or tapped from here, not ones the other person gave you. There is no form on this page.

1. If you are in danger right now, call 911.
2. Money already moved? Our scam check page lists who to call today, starting with your bank or credit union, each with its source.
3. Report it to the FBI at ic3.gov. IC3 is the central hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. File a report even if you are not sure yours counts. FBI (IC3), read 2026-10-26
4. Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC also says to report it to the crypto company you used to send the money. FTC, read 2026-10-26
5. Talk it through: AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline, 877-908-3360. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. eastern time. AARP says if you have been affected by a scam, you are not alone. AARP, read 2026-10-26
6. If this has left you feeling hopeless, call or text 988. The 988 Lifeline is for everyone, any time, day or night. 988 Lifeline, read 2026-10-26

When the money is safe

Where every line comes from

Each page below was read on 2026-10-26. If a page changes, its own words win.

• FBI (IC3): The FBI Warns of a Spike in Cryptocurrency Investment Schemes (March 14, 2023), read 2026-10-26
• FBI (IC3): Cryptocurrency Investment Schemes (Oct. 3, 2022), read 2026-10-26
• FBI: Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), read 2026-10-26
• FTC: What To Know About Cryptocurrency and Scams, read 2026-10-26
• SEC (Investor.gov): Relationship Investment Scams, read 2026-10-26
• FINRA: Investor Alert: Relationship Investment Scams, read 2026-10-26
• AARP: Fraud Watch Network Helpline, read 2026-10-26
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, read 2026-10-26