Scam library · Investment & crypto · Email & phishing · Texts
AI trading bot investment scam
'Our AI trading bot made 3% a day for our members. Start with just $250.' The platform shows your balance growing fast, so you invest more.
Then you try to withdraw and are told to pay a fee, a tax or a 'minimum balance' first. The platform is fake, and the profits were numbers on a screen.
These platforms can look polished, with dashboards, live charts and friendly support chat. That polish costs scammers very little and proves nothing about whether your money is really being invested.
What the message looks like
From: Sponsored post: 'QuantumEdge AI'
Our AI trading algorithm earns members 2-4% daily, guaranteed. Start with $250.
As seen on national news. Limited spots this week.
How this scam works
Scammers use the excitement around artificial intelligence to make their pitch sound modern and credible. They advertise on social media, sometimes with deepfake videos of celebrities or business leaders who supposedly endorse the platform.
After you sign up, an 'account manager' calls you, often from overseas, and pushes you to deposit more, sometimes asking you to install remote access software to 'help' set up your account.
The FBI reported that investment fraud was the costliest crime type in its 2025 Internet Crime Report, with cryptocurrency investment schemes driving most of the losses.
Real investment firms and advisers in the U.S. must be registered, and you can check them on the SEC's and FINRA's free lookup tools. No legitimate firm can promise steady daily returns, AI or not. If a platform won't let you withdraw without paying more first, stop sending money right away.
Red flags
- Guaranteed returns, especially daily or weekly percentages.
- Celebrity endorsements in ads or videos.
- An 'account manager' pushing you to deposit more.
- Fees or taxes demanded before you can withdraw.
- Requests to install remote access apps.
How to tell it’s fake
- Check whether the firm is registered with the SEC or FINRA using their free lookup tools.
- Search the platform name with words like 'scam' or 'withdrawal'.
- Try a small withdrawal early. Scams make it hard or impossible.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Don't deposit more. Don't install remote access software.
If you paid
- Contact your bank or exchange immediately, and report it to ic3.gov and ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you gave remote access or ID documents, get your computer checked, change passwords and visit IdentityTheft.gov.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard runs in Chrome and Edge on your computer and checks investment sites and ads as you browse. It spots fake trading platforms and lookalike exchange sites, and warns before you deposit or give remote access. If an investment seems legit, get a scam expert's opinion before sending money.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Can AI trading bots really guarantee profits?
- No. No legitimate investment can guarantee returns.
- Why can't I withdraw my money?
- Fake platforms invent fees to get more money. The balance shown usually isn't real.
- How do I check an investment firm?
- Use the SEC's and FINRA's free lookup tools, and check with your state securities regulator.
- Is it too late to report?
- No. Report to ic3.gov and the FTC even if time has passed.
- What if a friend recommended the platform?
- Friends can be fooled too, especially when early withdrawals worked. Check the firm's registration yourself before investing.