How to Spot Investment Training Scams on Social Media

If you have spent any time on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube lately, you have probably seen them — people showing off luxury cars, private jets, and beachfront villas, all while claiming they made their fortune by "learning to trade." They want to teach you how to do the same. For a fee, of course.

I want to talk about this because it matters — not just as a financial professional, but as someone who has watched good, hardworking people get hurt by these schemes.

The FTC Just Shut Down a $90 Million Scheme

In August 2026, the Federal Trade Commission took action against a company called International Markets Live (IML), also known as IM Mastery Academy and IYOVIA. The FTC alleged that IML used social media to recruit people into a large investment training scheme, promising that their "educators" could teach anyone to trade profitably in the financial markets.

The result? The company is now out of business, its leaders are banned from selling trading training services, and they are required to turn over assets valued at over $90 million.

That is a big number. But behind that number are real people — many of them young — who paid real money chasing a dream that was never going to happen.

Why These Scams Work So Well

Social media is the perfect environment for this kind of fraud. Here is why:

The lifestyle is aspirational. When you see someone your age driving a Ferrari and talking about how they "cracked the code" on trading, it is hard not to wonder if they are onto something real.

The pitch sounds educational. These are not people saying "give me your money." They are saying "let me teach you a skill." That framing makes it feel legitimate — like paying for a college course or a professional certification.

The community feels supportive. Many of these schemes build tight-knit online communities where members encourage each other and share "wins." That social proof is powerful.

The entry cost seems reasonable. A monthly subscription for trading education does not sound like a scam. It sounds like an investment in yourself.

But here is the truth the FTC keeps reminding us of: trading is risky, there are no guaranteed returns, and you can lose a lot of money fast. Anyone who tells you otherwise is not being honest with you.

Red Flags to Watch For

Whether you are scrolling through social media or a friend sends you a link to a "trading course," here are the warning signs I want you to know:

Guaranteed returns. No one — not Warren Buffett, not any hedge fund manager, not any social media influencer — can guarantee you will make money trading. The markets do not work that way. If someone guarantees profits, walk away.

Credentials that do not check out. The FTC noted that IML's "educators" often had no legitimate credentials. Before you pay anyone to teach you about investing or trading, verify their background. Are they registered with FINRA or the SEC? Do they have a verifiable track record?

Pressure to recruit others. Many of these schemes have a multi-level marketing component. If part of the pitch involves earning money by bringing in other members, that is a major red flag.

Vague explanations of how it actually works. If you ask "how exactly do you make money trading?" and the answer is a lot of lifestyle talk and testimonials but no clear strategy, that is a problem.

Urgency and exclusivity. "This offer is only available for 24 hours" or "we are only accepting 10 new members" — these are pressure tactics designed to stop you from thinking clearly.

What the FTC Says You Should Do

The FTC's guidance is straightforward, and I think it is worth repeating:

1. Research the company, its officials, and its promoters. Search their names online along with words like "review," "scam," or "fraud." Go past the first page of results — the top results may be paid ads or content the company controls.

2. Check with your state attorney general for any complaints filed against the company.

3. Take your time. Legitimate opportunities do not disappear overnight. If someone is rushing you, that is a reason to slow down, not speed up.

4. Talk to someone you trust. Get a second opinion from a person who has your best interests at heart — not someone who is also in the program and stands to benefit from your enrollment.

5. Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you have been targeted or victimized, reporting it helps protect others.

A Word From Someone Who Has Been in This Industry for 34 Years

I have been a licensed mortgage professional since 1992. In that time, I have seen a lot of financial trends come and go, and I have watched a lot of people make decisions based on fear of missing out rather than sound financial thinking.

The promise of easy money is as old as money itself. What changes is the delivery mechanism — and right now, social media is the most effective delivery mechanism ever invented for this kind of pitch.

I am not saying everyone who talks about trading online is a scammer. But I am saying: be skeptical, do your homework, and never let someone else's highlight reel make you feel like you are missing out on something you need to chase.

Your financial future is too important for that.

If you have questions about your mortgage, your home equity, or how to make smart financial decisions in today's market, I am always happy to talk. That is what I am here for.