The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority’s quarterly overview of investment fraud highlights continued high scam activity on social media and increasing use of claims about artificial intelligence (AI) to attract investors. Warnings covered 19 new operators suspected of investment fraud during the third quarter, bringing the total to 197 in the first nine months of 2026.
Social media remained the main channel for reaching victims. Fraudsters used professional advertisements and websites, fabricated news articles and references to prominent Swedes to make investment offers appear credible. Claims that AI could generate high returns were another recurring tactic. A common approach involved collecting contact details through online forms, followed by persistent phone calls. Social media chat groups also circulated false stock tips to encourage purchases and drive up prices before fraudsters sold their own holdings.
Consumers are advised to check firms against the authority’s company register and warning list, avoid investment decisions under pressure and question promises of high returns or investments without risk. Those already defrauded should not pay anyone claiming they can recover money lost in an earlier investment.