Money. Our tips for avoiding investment scams

"The ideal solution for getting rich quickly," the promise of a bank account with a boosted rate of 8%, guaranteed tax-free investment... investment scams are on the rise and claiming more and more victims.

In January 2025, a joint operation by the National Gendarmerie and Europol led to the arrest of seven people in different countries who were offering false investments in renewable energies.

Damage: 130 million euros.

Artificial intelligence (AI) now offers scammers particularly sophisticated tools that are also easy to use.

The Financial Markets Authority (AMF) and the Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (APCR) are constantly warning about fake advertisements sent by email or SMS, websites imitating those of Boursorama or Barclays, and phone calls from numbers belonging to real bank advisors and using an AI-generated voice.

Social media, private messaging, and even dating sites are exploited by fraudsters. Some scams are so elaborate that victims actually make money initially before seeing their investment suddenly disappear.

Regardless of how you are contacted or lured, be wary of the yield displayed. The rule is simple, reminds the AMF: "The more profitable an investment is, the greater the risk of capital loss."

In other words: there is no such thing as a return that is both high and safe. Also, beware of atypical or "insider-only" investments that promise the earth: cryptocurrencies, green investments, rare earths, etc.

Generally speaking, it's not recommended to invest in a product without understanding how it works. And if you're promised trading training in a few hours, don't follow through.

Be wary of website or email addresses, which may differ by a single letter from the actual addresses. Also, be wary of calls from financial or banking advisors.

Check their name and company name. Call your bank if necessary or consult the AMF's white and black lists.

The first lists the authorized service providers in France, the second those who are the subject of a warning.

By going to the REGAFI directory , you can check whether the company is indeed registered as an investment services provider.

As for financial investment advisors, they must be registered with ORIAS . Finally, if you have the slightest doubt, take the AMF test: "Am I the victim of a scam?"