The Austrian Financial Market Authority has issued consumer guidance on rising investment fraud through messenger services such as WhatsApp and Telegram. Fraudsters increasingly use chat groups, social media and artificial intelligence generated images, videos and voices to promote apparently credible investments. The authority received 843 investment fraud reports involving losses of EUR 20 million in 2025. Consumers should verify providers and regulatory warnings, invest only in products they understand and treat unusually high or supposedly risk free returns, time pressure and messenger only communication as warning signs. Requests to install remote access software or disclose personal access credentials should also raise concern. Suspected victims should immediately contact their bank, report the matter to police and flag fraudulent profiles to the relevant platform.
Austrian Financial Market Authority warns of rising investment fraud through messenger groups
The Austrian Financial Market Authority has warned of growing investment fraud through messenger groups, citing 843 reports and EUR 20 million in losses in 2025. Consumers should verify providers and reject requests for remote access or credentials, while suspected victims should promptly contact their bank, police and the relevant platform.