Skip to main content

Investor Education

Two people sit at a table working together with a laptop, smartphone, notebook, and pens. One person gestures toward the notebook while the other holds a phone. A brightly colored blue and orange abstract background appears behind them.

Investor Education

Avoid Investment Scams and Fraud

Investment fraud is on the rise. That’s why it’s more important than ever to learn how to spot the signs of a scam. There is no investment that is “risk-free”. If you feel rushed or pressured into making a decision, take a step back and utilize the tools below to protect yourself — and your money.

Know the warning signs of a scam

  Verify your    investment partner   with BrokerCheck   

Slow down before investing

Question an investment

Common scams and fraud to avoid

Romance

These scams are becoming harder to spot with the rise of AI. Characterized by a romantic relationship, the scammer may request money for a new or exciting “opportunity.”

Cryptocurrency

These scams thrive on the lack of information and urgency. No legitimate business will demand a cryptocurrency investment before providing more information.

Influencer

These scams utilize financial influencers (finfluencers) and engaging videos to promise big returns. Investigate claims with a critical eye before investing.

Affinity

These scams can be hard to spot right away. Scammers build trust within a community before pushing “opportunities” on individuals in the group.
An abstract digital illustration showing a person wearing a hooded sweatshirt, with the face completely obscured in shadow. A warning icon with an exclamation mark appears over the face inside a rectangular frame, suggesting a security alert. The background is dark blue, and large orange glitch-like blocks overlap the image, creating a fragmented, cyber‑security themed effect.
An abstract digital illustration showing a person wearing a hooded sweatshirt, with the face completely obscured in shadow. A warning icon with an exclamation mark appears over the face inside a rectangular frame, suggesting a security alert. The background is dark blue, and large orange glitch-like blocks overlap the image, creating a fragmented, cyber‑security themed effect.

Report Investment Fraud

With MiCLEAR, you can submit a report if you have suspicions that someone is attempting to scam you currently, or has scammed you previously.

Learn More

Protect your money — no matter your age

Adults and families

Students and educators

Retirement Ready

More Resources

Learn how to grow, and protect your money with the resources below.

  • Videos

    Videos

  • Military Patches containing US Air Force, US Navy, US Army and US Marines

    Military

  • Fraud Picture

    Fraud Prevention Center

  • Two pens stacked on top of a notebook and multiple documents next to a laptop

    Securities Education Grant Application

The information provided on this website is not comprehensive, is not offered as legal or investment advice, and is not a substitute for competent legal or financial counsel. The Securities Division provides this information to give you an overview of the topics discussed. You should not rely on the accuracy of this information but should carefully review all applicable statutes and regulations with the assistance of legal counsel.

Contact Us:

Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau (CS&CL)
Securities and Audit Division
Address:  PO Box 30018, Lansing, MI 48909
Overnight Mail (FedEx/UPS): 2407 N. Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: (517) 335-5237
Fax:  (517) 763-0039
Email: LARA-CSCL-Securities-Audit@michigan.gov