Investment and cryptocurrency scams

How an investment scam unfolds

The contact comes through an advertisement, social media or a phone call.

• At first, small "profits" may be shown so that you invest more.
• You are pressured to invest quickly or to add more money.
• The platform may ask you to install a remote access app or hand over credentials.
• Withdrawing money from the platform is difficult or requires unexpected extra fees.

How to recognise an investment scam

• Guaranteed or unrealistically high returns are promised without risk.
• The ad uses a public figure as bait, sometimes with the help of a deepfake.
• The contact came from an unknown party or through an advertisement.
• You are hurried and pressured into a decision.

How to protect yourself

A few checks are usually enough to expose the scam.

• Be sceptical of all promised guaranteed returns.
• Check the investment service’s licence and the Financial Supervisory Authority’s warning list.
• Do not install remote access apps at the request of strangers.
• Do not invest money you are not prepared to lose, and seek advice from a trusted source.

What to do if you suspect or fall victim to a scam

• Contact your bank immediately if you gave out your payment or bank details or lost money. Acting quickly may stop the payment.
• File a police report at poliisi.fi if you have lost money.
• Report suspicious messages, calls or websites to the National Cyber Security Centre Finland.
• Victim Support Finland helps and advises victims at 116 006.