What it looks like
"Our platform guarantees 2% daily returns with zero risk. Start with just $500 and our analyst will guide you step by step. Join our VIP group today: [link]"
An example. Real ones change their wording, amounts and names all the time.
How it works
It usually starts with a person, not an ad: a friendly 'wrong number' text, a dating match, or a new friend on social media. After a while they mention that they do well trading crypto, and offer to show you how. They send a link to a platform or app that looks professional, with charts, a support chat and your name on the account.
You buy crypto through a real exchange and send it to their platform. The balance on the screen climbs quickly. Some people are allowed one small withdrawal, which builds trust. Then they are encouraged to add more, sometimes from retirement savings or a loan against the house. When they try to cash out, the platform asks for a tax, an unlock fee or a 'verification deposit'.
The numbers on the screen were never real. The money went to the scammers the moment it was sent. This fools smart people because the app looks real, the friend is patient, and the early profit seems to prove it works. The FTC says only scammers guarantee profits or big returns.
Signs it is fake
- A promise of guaranteed profits or big returns with no risk. Only scammers guarantee profits.
- The tip came from someone you met online, a dating match, or a 'wrong number' text
- An app or website you have never heard of, and they help you set up the account
- You cannot withdraw money unless you first pay a tax, fee or deposit
- Pressure to put in more before a 'special window' closes
What to do
- Do not invest because of someone you met online or by text.
- Search the company or app name with words like 'review', 'scam' or 'complaint'.
- Look up any broker or firm on finra.org before you invest, and talk it over with someone you trust.
If you already clicked, called or paid
- Stop sending money. No fee will unlock your account.
- Contact the crypto exchange you used to buy the crypto, and your bank, right away.
- Report it at ic3.gov and reportfraud.ftc.gov. Ignore anyone who offers to recover your crypto for a fee. That is another scam.
Being fooled is not your fault. These messages are made by professionals to look real. Acting quickly is what matters. See what to do if you paid a scammer.
Not sure about a message?
Forward it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093, or send a screenshot. He tells you plainly what looks wrong. He never asks for passwords or codes, and he never texts first. How it works.
Worried about a parent? With the Family plan, you get a heads up when a likely scam reaches them.
More common scams
- Gift card scam
- Zelle and payment app scam
- Bitcoin ATM scam
- Gold bar courier scam
- See all common scams
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
Text Uncle