Investment Fraud Remains the Costliest Online Crime: How to Protect Your Savings
You’ve worked hard for your savings. Don’t let an investment pitch rush you into risking them.
The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report shows investment fraud remains the costliest category of cyber-enabled crime by reported losses. Here’s how to spot the warning signs and where to turn for help.
What the FBI’s 2025 report shows
Investment fraud caused approximately $8.6 billion in reported losses in 2025—nearly 49% of scam-related losses within the more than $17.7 billion reported for cyber-enabled fraud. These figures come from complaints submitted to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), so it doesn’t even show a complete count of every crime or loss. Learn more in the 2025 IC3 Annual Report and the FBI’s report announcement.
Cryptocurrency-related complaints can overlap with investment fraud and other crime types, so those losses shouldn’t be added together. The takeaway is this: check the opportunity itself, not just how you’re asked to pay.
How an investment scam can unfold
A scam may start with a social media message, online ad, unexpected text, or investment group chat. Someone earns your trust, then offers an “exclusive” opportunity. A polished website or app may show impressive gains, but numbers on a screen don’t prove an investment is real. The FBI’s cryptocurrency investment fraud guidance explains how criminals use fake investments to keep people sending money.
The pitch may align to your goals like building a financial cushion, covering a major expense, or saving for retirement. While those goals make sense, pressure to act before you can check the details doesn’t.
Five warning signs to take seriously
- Big returns with little or no risk. Promises of fast, guaranteed profits are a red flag. Real investing involves risk.
- Pressure to act now. Countdowns, “limited spots,” and repeated payment requests can keep you from checking the details.
- Requests for secrecy. If someone tells you not to discuss an investment with family, your financial institution, or an independent professional, that’s a problem.
- An unexpected online connection. A friendly message or active group chat doesn’t prove someone is qualified or an investment is legitimate.
- Proof only the promoter provides. Testimonials, screenshots, and polished websites don’t replace independent research.
Pause, verify, and talk it through
Before sending money, research the company and person using sources you find yourself. Don’t rely on the links or phone numbers they provide. Check applicable licenses and registrations. The Federal Trade Commission explains how to check investment sellers independently. A convincing app or positive search result isn’t enough.
Talk it through with someone you trust or an independently verified financial professional. Never share your banking password, PIN, or one-time security codes with someone offering an investment. If a request involves your PenAir account, call the number on your card or visit our official website. NEVER use the contact information in the message.
Already sent money? Act quickly.
- Stop sending money. Don’t make another payment because someone promises it will fix the problem.
- Contact your financial institutions right away. Explain what happened and ask how to protect your accounts and address the payment. Recovery isn’t guaranteed.
- Save the evidence. Keep messages, website addresses, usernames, receipts, transaction details, and contact dates.
- Report it. Use the FBI’s IC3 complaint form, even if you’re not sure the incident qualifies.
- Watch for follow-up There may be unexpected offers to recover your money for a fee. The IC3 website warns that criminals impersonate the center. IC3 will never contact you directly for information or money.
Protect the progress you’ve made
Your savings deserve a pause, not a deadline. Take time to verify an offer and ask questions. Visit PenAir’s Account Security page for more tips. If you suspect a scam involving your PenAir account, contact us right away through a trusted channel. There’s no shame in asking for help.