Group Text Investment Pitch Scam

Scammers send a flashy investment pitch to a big iMessage or SMS group with people you don’t know. The message promises fast “retirement” gains, includes a short web link, and sometimes says to reply “YES” so they can “reopen” the link. The goal is to get you to click, talk to them privately, and eventually send money to a fake “investment” or trading account (often tied to crypto or forex). Once you deposit, your money becomes very hard to get back.

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Primary example

How this scam works

  1. 1

    Step 1: You receive a group text from a stranger with big promises like “engineer your retirement” and a short link to click.

  2. 2

    Step 2: If you click, you may land on a slick-looking page or be pushed to chat apps where a “coach” or “advisor” will guide you.

  3. 3

    Step 3: If you reply “YES,” they mark your number as active, message you more often, and try to move you into a private conversation.

  4. 4

    Step 4: You’re urged to deposit money into a new account or buy crypto to fund their “strategy,” with promises of steady profits.

  5. 5

    Step 5: When you try to withdraw, they add new fees, stall, or disappear. Your money is at serious risk.

✓ Do this

  • Leave the group text, delete the message, and block the sender.
  • Report the text as junk/spam with your phone carrier or messaging app.
  • If you’re curious about any offer, look it up yourself from scratch—search the company name plus “reviews” and “scam.”
  • Speak to a trusted family member or your bank/financial advisor before sending money to any offer that found you by text.

✗ Avoid this

  • Do not click short links from strangers.
  • Do not reply “YES” or anything—this confirms your number is active.
  • Do not share personal or banking details, and do not send crypto or wire money based on a text message.
  • Do not install apps or give remote access to your phone or computer.

Quick tip: Verify independently

Don’t call numbers or click links in unexpected messages. Go directly to the company’s official site or app and contact support from there.

See common red flags