Money you'll never get · stamped SCAM

The stock "professor" WhatsApp groupSCAM

A real scam people fell for this year, next to the real thing. The numbers mark the three things to check: hover or tap one to see what it tells you.

Safe
✆WhatsApp×
https://web.whatsapp.com/
Raj Mehtaonline
Hi Raj, can we meet to go over my RRSP before the deadline?9:41
Of course Linda. Thursday at 2 at the Main Street branch works. Bring last year's statement and we'll look at your portfolio together.9:42
Perfect, see you then9:42
Type a message
Scam
✆WhatsApp×
https://web.whatsapp.com/
+1 (437) 555-0168online
Hello! I'm Emily, assistant to Professor Daniel Hart. He shares free stock picks every day in our WhatsApp group.9:41
Our members made 30% last week. Only 20 spots left, would you like the link to join?9:42
Type a message

Always check the stranger.

A stranger invites you to a free stock club run by a "professor", with members "up 30% last week". The group is the scam: soon you're told to deposit on their trading app.

Always checkThe real oneThe scam
1Where it livesCheck firstIs it the real company's or person's own address or number?

Your own advisor at your bank, confirming a meeting you booked.

A number you don't know, out of the blue.

2What it asks you to doDoes it want a password, a payment, a call, or a tap?

It asks you to bring last year's statement to a meeting.

It wants you to join a WhatsApp group for "free stock picks".

3How hard it pushesIs there a deadline, a threat, or a surprise charge?

No promise, no hurry.

"Up 30% last week", "only 20 spots left".

RememberStrangers offering free stock tips or a "professor's" group are always a scam. Real advisors don't recruit on WhatsApp.

Would you have spotted it?

10 pairs like this one, three minutes, a score to share. Then find out who in the family is the easy mark.

Take the testNext scam: The buyer for your timeshare →