The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) is warning of a sharp rise in investment fraud orchestrated through messaging applications like WhatsApp and Telegram. Criminals are increasingly using these platforms to contact potential investors in private groups and push fraudulent financial transactions.
AI-Generated Content Drives Messenger Investment Fraud
According to FMA findings, perpetrators rely on advanced technology to fake legitimate business operations. Criminals use artificial intelligence to generate realistic images, videos, and cloned voices designed to build trust with targeted victims. These fraudulent pitches typically promise unusually high or completely risk-free returns. To stop targets from questioning the offers critically, scammers apply intense time pressure.
Rising Financial Losses and Official Statistics
The scale of the threat is reflected in the agency’s annual figures. In 2025, the FMA recorded 843 reports of investment fraud. Total documented financial losses stemming from these criminal activities reached 20 million euros, highlighting the financial risks tied to unregulated offers on social media and messaging channels.
Warning Signs and Red Flags Identified by Regulators
To protect consumers, the financial watchdog published a list of specific warning signs. A primary indicator of potential fraud is communication that takes place exclusively through messaging apps without verifiable official contact channels or a physical business location. Requests to install remote-access software on private devices also signal high risk. The FMA also warns against sharing sensitive account or portfolio login credentials with unknown contacts inside these messaging groups.
Recommended Actions for Potential Victims
Consumers who suspect fraud or believe they have fallen victim to a scam should act immediately. The FMA advises contacting their primary bank without delay to halt any ongoing transactions. Individuals should also notify local police authorities and report the fraudulent profiles directly to the messaging service operators to prevent further distribution of scam content.
Related reading
- Cornell students face civil lawsuit over alleged fraternity house assault
- Ubisoft Rebrands Creative House 2 as Massive Entertainment
- US lawmaker John Moolenaar warns Marco Rubio on South Korea-China ties (archyde.com)
- Beijing warns of retaliation if Europe imposes curbs on Chinese businesses (newsylist.com)