The Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission issued Investor Alert No. 5 warning of a continued rise in increasingly sophisticated investment scams and urging the public to remain vigilant when approached with online or unsolicited investment opportunities. The alert highlights common red flags, including fake social media profiles, unrealistic return promises such as “Earn $30,150 on a $2,000 investment in 2 hours”, and moving conversations from ads or posts to WhatsApp or Telegram where impersonators pose as “investment representatives”. It also flags pressure tactics such as urgent deposit requests, fabricated investment platforms showing exaggerated balances, withdrawal delays coupled with excessive “release” fees that can exceed TTD 1,000, and demands for sensitive personal data. Other noted tactics include impersonation of registered firms or regulators using logos and fake licences, AI-generated images or videos of public officials, requests to use third-party money transfer services or to route funds onward (raising money laundering risk), staged testimonials, persistent harassment, and sudden cessation of contact when refunds are requested. TTSEC advises investors to verify whether an entity, individual, or promoter is registered with the regulator before investing, conduct independent due diligence, and report suspicious activity. It warns that investing with an entity not registered under the Securities Act Chapter 83:02 can result in losing the entire investment.

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