Cryptocurrency Investment Email Scam — "Guaranteed Returns" Warning
An email promises incredible returns on cryptocurrency investments — sometimes claiming you've already earned money in an account set up for you. There is no such thing as guaranteed returns in cryptocurrency. These scam emails target people who may be unfamiliar with how crypto actually works.
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How This Scam Works
Critical Risk — Investment Fraud
There is no such thing as guaranteed returns in cryptocurrency or any other investment. Any email promising guaranteed crypto profits is a scam.
You receive an email claiming you can earn extraordinary returns through cryptocurrency investment — sometimes 10%, 50%, or even 100% returns per month. Some versions claim you already have an account with money in it and you just need to sign in to withdraw your funds. Others feature endorsements from fake celebrities or fabricated news articles.
The email links to a professional-looking investment platform where you're encouraged to deposit money. The platform may show fake rising balances to convince you to invest more. When you try to withdraw your funds, you're told to pay "taxes," "processing fees," or "verification charges" first. No withdrawal ever comes.
The FBI's IC3 reported that investment fraud was the costliest cybercrime category in 2023, with losses exceeding $4.57 billion — a 38% increase from the previous year. Cryptocurrency-related investment scams accounted for the majority of these losses.
Red Flags
- Promises guaranteed or unusually high returns on crypto investment
- Claims you already have money in an account you didn't create
- Uses fake celebrity endorsements or fabricated news articles
- The investment platform is not registered with financial regulators
- Requires additional payments to 'unlock' withdrawals
Any legitimate investment carries risk, and no one can guarantee returns. Be especially wary of unsolicited email investment opportunities — legitimate investment firms do not recruit clients through mass emails.
What You Should Do
What To Do
- Do not click any links or send any money
- Check if the investment firm is registered with the SEC (sec.gov/check-your-investment-professional) or FINRA (finra.org/brokercheck)
- Do not pay 'fees' to unlock supposed earnings — the money does not exist
- Talk to a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions
- Report the scam to the FTC and SEC
How to Verify Legitimately
Before investing with any company, verify they are registered with the appropriate financial regulator. In the US, check the SEC at sec.gov or FINRA BrokerCheck at finra.org/brokercheck. In the UK, check the FCA register at register.fca.org.uk. If the company is not registered, it is operating illegally or is a scam.
Sources
- FBI IC3 — 2023 Internet Crime Report (Investment fraud losses: $4.57 billion)
- SEC — Digital Asset and "Crypto" Investment Scams Investor Alert