Linkedin has increasingly become a social network suseptible for sophisticated financial scams, with fake “AI trading” adverts now being promoted to users across the site.
A recent promoted post from an account called Dogo Space Lim highlights the issue clearly. The advert features a fabricated quote attributed to Elon Musk, claiming that an “AI Trader” delivers “real profits” and encouraging users to join “thousands already earning.” The advert directs users to a Linkedin post that links to an external website and urges people to register, using language that is commonly associated with investment fraud.
AI trading scams typically follow a familiar pattern. They often impersonate public figures, promise guaranteed or unrealistic returns, and promote automated trading systems that supposedly remove risk or effort. Cryptocurrency is frequently used as the hook, because crypto payments are harder to trace and far more difficult for victims to recover once funds have been transferred.
We have recently reported on how Facebook and Instagram owner Meta is profiting from fake ads that perpetuate scams. Now, Linkedin is proving an attractive platform for these scamers because it carries an air of professionalism and legitimacy. Sponsored posts appear alongside genuine financial services advertising, business content, and recognised brands.
Linkedin users may assume that if an advert is “promoted,” it has been properly vetted, when in reality much of the ad approval process is automated and scams can remain live until they are reported. However, Linkedin has acted quickly in that case and removed the fake advert and account within a few minutes.
That’s much fast than the 1,024 days it took Facebook to remove an advert we reported as scam.
There are several clear warning signs investors should look out for. Any advert promising “real profits,” “guaranteed returns,” or claiming that a trading bot “actually works” should be treated with suspicion. Fake celebrity endorsements, pressure to act quickly, vague company information, and offshore crypto-only platforms are all major red flags.
Legitimate investment firms in the UK must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and they are not allowed to advertise guaranteed profits. Anyone unsure about a provider should check the FCA Register before parting with money, and avoid engaging with adverts that direct them away from regulated platforms.
If you come across a suspicious trading advert on LinkedIn, the safest course of action is to avoid clicking the link, report the advert directly through the platform, and warn others who may be vulnerable. If funds have already been lost, victims should contact their bank immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud.
For more information on financial scams you can read our report on social media scam statistics.
Richard is the founder of the Good Money Guide (formerly Good Broker Guide), one of the original investment comparison sites established in 2015. With a career spanning two decades as a broker, he brings extensive expertise and knowledge to the financial landscape.
Having worked as a broker at Investors Intelligence and a multi-asset derivatives broker at MF Global (Man Financial), Richard has acquired substantial experience in the industry. His career began as a private client stockbroker at Walker Crips and Phillip Securities (now King and Shaxson), following internships on the NYMEX oil trading floor in New York and London IPE in 2001 and 2000.
Richard’s contributions and expertise have been recognized by respected publications such as The Sunday Times, BusinessInsider, Yahoo Finance, BusinessNews.org.uk, Master Investor, Wealth Briefing, iNews, and The FT, among many others.
Under Richard’s leadership, the Good Money Guide has evolved into a valuable destination for comprehensive information and expert guidance, specialising in trading, investment, and currency exchange. His commitment to delivering high-quality insights has solidified the Good Money Guide’s standing as a well-respected resource for both customers and industry colleagues.
To contact Richard, please see his Invesdaq profile.
