The Cyber Police of Ukraine urges citizens to be vigilant about investment projects that promise super profits through the use of the latest technologies. Law enforcement officers warned that fraudsters are increasingly disguising classic financial pyramids as trendy IT areas: from algorithmic trading based on artificial intelligence to earning money in metaverses.
This is stated in a new clarification from the department. Law enforcement officers emphasize that despite the modern appearance, the mechanics of such schemes have remained unchanged for decades — payments to the first depositors are made exclusively by attracting new participants.
Today, criminals are actively using complex terminology to confuse potential investors. Among the most popular «covers» for pyramid schemes, law enforcement officers distinguish AI startups, where a supposedly «secret algorithm» predicts market fluctuations, cryptocurrency projects with promises of passive income, Green-energy initiatives, and GameFi projects, where real earnings are promised for game actions. Schemes that imitate e-commerce models, for example, offers to rent warehouses of global marketplaces or investments in educational platforms, have also become widespread.
The main signs of fraud remain a mandatory entry fee, a lack of a transparent business model, and aggressive declaration of profits without real economic activity. When the inflow of new funds decreases, the operation of the scheme instantly ceases, and most participants lose their savings.
Cyberpolice recommends always checking information in official sources and avoiding making financial decisions under pressure. If signs of an investment scam are detected, victims should immediately submit an electronic appeal on the law enforcement agency’s website.