SEC Warns of Impersonation Scams on Social Media

SEC Investor Alerts & Bulletins

Published September 30th, 2025

Detected March 23rd, 2026

Summary

The SEC's Office of Investor Education and Assistance has issued a warning about fraudsters impersonating the SEC on social media and text messages to perpetrate scams, including stock tips and advance fee fraud. The alert provides examples of such impersonations and advises investors on how to verify SEC communications and report suspicious activity.

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What changed

The SEC has issued an investor alert warning about a rise in fraudsters impersonating the SEC, its officials, or employees on social media and via text messages. These impersonators aim to lure investors into scams such as stock tip schemes and advance fee fraud, and may also use obtained personal information for identity theft or financial asset misappropriation. The alert includes examples of fraudulent social media posts and text messages, and emphasizes that the SEC does not officially recommend investment groups.

Regulated entities and investors should be aware of these impersonation tactics. The SEC advises verifying communications by checking for verified social media accounts, contacting the SEC directly via phone or email if unsure, and submitting investor complaints or reports to the SEC's Office of Inspector General if money has been lost in such schemes. The alert also directs individuals to resources on common scams and impersonation schemes.

What to do next

Verify all communications purporting to be from the SEC through official channels.
Report any instances of SEC impersonation or suspected fraud to the SEC's Investor Complaint Form or Office of Inspector General.
Educate investors about common social media and text message-based investment scams.

Source document (simplified)

Sept. 30, 2025 The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Assistance (OIEA) warns that fraudsters may impersonate the SEC -- or SEC officials or employees -- on social media or in text messages to solicit you for scams. These scams include stock tips , advance fee fraud , and pretending to help you get your money back. Fraudsters may also use personal information they obtain to steal your identity or misappropriate your financial assets.

SEC impersonators may make posts or send messages that include the SEC’s seal, a link to the SEC’s actual website, or the name or photo of an actual SEC official. Here are two real-life examples:

This is a social media post with false information including a profile that impersonates SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce:
This is an unsolicited text message that falsely claims to be from the SEC (be aware that the SEC does not recommend groups officially or unofficially!):

When engaging with the SEC on social media, use our verified accounts – a list is available at https://www.sec.gov/opa/socialmedia.

If you are unsure whether information posted on social media or a communication you receive is affiliated with the SEC, call us at (800) 732-0330 or email us at Help@SEC.gov.

If you receive a communication that falsely appears to be from the SEC, submit an Investor Complaint Form to the SEC.

If you have lost money in a scheme involving SEC impersonation, submit a complaint at www.sec.gov/oig to the SEC’s Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) or call the OIG’s toll-free hotline at (833) SEC-OIG1 (732-6441).

To learn more about fraudsters who impersonate government agencies or employees, or legitimate investment professionals, visit our Impersonation Schemes webpage.

If you learn of investing opportunities from social media, be on the lookout for fraud. Report possible securities fraud to the SEC.

Additional Resources

Common Scams | Investor.gov

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) | Fraudsters Target US Stock Investors through Investment Clubs Accessed on Social Media and Messaging Applications

Ask a question or report a problem concerning your investments, your investment account or a financial professional.

Visit Investor.gov, the SEC’s website for individual investors.

SEC OIG Impersonation Scam Alert

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This Investor Alert represents the views of the staff of the Office of Investor Education and Assistance. It is not a rule, regulation, or statement of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”). The Commission has neither approved nor disapproved its content. This Alert, like all staff statements, has no legal force or effect: it does not alter or amend applicable law, and it creates no new or additional obligations for any person.