Investment scams continue to burgeon, posing a pervasive threat to financial markets globally. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in 2022 alone, there were over 215,000 reports of fraud with reported losses exceeding $4.2 billion, making investment scams one of the leading contributors to financial victimization. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this trend, with fraudsters exploiting the economic uncertainty and heightened financial anxiety of individuals. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has noted a surge in pandemic-related investment scams, ranging from fraudulent offerings of pandemic-related treatments to sham investments promising extraordinary returns during times of market volatility. Modern investment scams mostly thrive through the proliferation of cryptocurrency platforms, where criminals exploit the decentralized and pseudonymous nature of digital currencies to perpetrate fraudulent initial coin offerings (ICOs) or fake investment opportunities. Furthermore, affinity fraud leverages interpersonal relationships and shared affiliations to gain trust, making it imperative for investors to scrutinize opportunities even within their trusted circles. Recognizing the red flags associated with investment scams is paramount in safeguarding against financial exploitation. High-pressure tactics, promises of guaranteed returns, and lack of transparency regarding the investment strategy are indicative of potential fraud. Moreover, investors should exercise due diligence by verifying the credentials of investment professionals, scrutinizing documentation, and avoiding opportunities that appear too good to be true.