How do I check if an investment opportunity is legitimate?
Investment scams often show these warning signs:
Pressure Tactics:
Urgent deadlines ("Limited time offer")
Claims of exclusive opportunities
Pressure to invest quickly
Threats about losing money or opportunities
Unrealistic Returns:
Promises of high returns with no risk
Guaranteed profits
Consistent returns regardless of market conditions
Claims of insider information
Payment Red Flags:
Requests to use specific payment platforms
Can't withdraw money through normal banks
Need to pay fees to access your returns
Must make additional deposits to withdraw funds
Communication Patterns:
Move chats to WhatsApp/Telegram quickly
Overseas numbers contacting you
Unsolicited investment advice
Claims to be from well-known companies but using unofficial contact methods
Website/ Platform Issues:
Websites that copy legitimate companies
Platforms you can't find much information about
Trading platforms that always show profits
Can't withdraw money without meeting new conditions
Before proceeding with any investment opportunity, please:
Check if the company is licensed via MAS Financial Institutions Directory (https://eservices.mas.gov.sg/fid)
Be cautious of deals that come from strangers, especially on social media or messaging apps
Never share your banking or personal details with unverified sources
Check suspicious websites, messages or phone numbers using the ScamShield app
If you've invested money and:
They're making it difficult to withdraw
They're insisting on using specific platforms
They're threatening you'll lose everything
These are classic signs of an investment scam.
If you believe you've fallen for an investment scam, please:
Stop any further transactions immediately
File a police report immediately
Report to MAS
Contact your bank if you've made any transfers
Report the suspicious website link/ phone number/ message on the ScamShield app
Please refer to the following police advisories on investment-related scams:
Investment scams impersonating notable public figures (Updated 20 April 2025 @ 10:35 AM)
Scams involving the impersonation of cryptocurrency platforms (Updated 03 July 2025 @ 8:55 PM)