How do I spot a investment phone scam?

High-pressure, time-limited pitch. Insistence on wire transfer or check by mail. Claims of "inside" information or "pre-IPO" access. No SEC or FINRA registration.

What should I do if I receive this scam?

Check the firm and the rep at brokercheck.finra.org and adviserinfo.sec.gov before sending a dime. Hang up on anyone who pressures you to decide quickly. Report at sec.gov/tcr or your state securities regulator.

Scam alert

Investment Phone Scam

Active scam. This is one of the most-reported phone frauds in the US. If you've received a call like this, search the number on GhostCallers and add your report.

Cold-call investment fraud predates crypto and still costs Americans billions a year. The standard pitch is a "limited time" opportunity in stocks, gold, oil-and-gas, or precious metals. Real registered advisors do not cold-call.

Warning signs

High-pressure, time-limited pitch.
Insistence on wire transfer or check by mail.
Claims of "inside" information or "pre-IPO" access.
No SEC or FINRA registration.

Real-world scripts

"We have an exclusive pre-IPO opportunity — but we need a decision today."
"Our gold investment program guarantees 18% returns. Limited spots remain."

If you receive this call

Check the firm and the rep at brokercheck.finra.org and adviserinfo.sec.gov before sending a dime.
Hang up on anyone who pressures you to decide quickly.
Report at sec.gov/tcr or your state securities regulator.

Already had a call like this?

Search the number on GhostCallers and add your experience — it might be the warning that protects the next person.

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Investment Phone Scam

Warning signs

Real-world scripts

If you receive this call

Already had a call like this?

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