Attorney General Jeff Jackson warned North Carolinians on Apr. 17 about the rise of online investment scams using social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
The warning comes as scammers increasingly use fake advertisements, deepfake videos, and impersonate well-known figures to deceive individuals into fraudulent investments. These schemes can lead to significant financial losses for victims across North Carolina.
Jackson said, “Scammers are using familiar faces and new technology to build trust and steal your money. No legitimate investment should require you to act immediately. Take your time, do your research, and don’t let anyone pressure you into making a big financial decision.”
According to the official website, the North Carolina State Executive Attorney General acts as a state government entity authorized to handle legal and regulatory matters on behalf of North Carolina. The office provides services including legal representation, criminal prosecution support, and consumer protection statewide.
Two common types of scams highlighted by Jackson are “pump and dump” schemes—where people are pressured in group chats to buy stocks or cryptocurrency based on fake endorsements—and confidence scams that lure victims with promises of easy profits through professional-looking but fraudulent websites or apps. Scammers may allow small withdrawals at first before demanding extra fees for access to funds that never materialize.
Jackson urged caution when encountering investment opportunities promoted through social media ads, especially those involving cryptocurrency transactions which are difficult to trace or reverse once sent. He also called on Meta—the parent company of Facebook and Instagram—to strengthen its review practices for advertisements appearing on its platforms.
Jeff Jackson heads the North Carolina State Executive Attorney General as attorney general according to the official website. The office extends its services across the entire state according to the official website and exercises authority representing state agencies in court while prosecuting criminal appeals according to the official website.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by these types of scams is encouraged by Jackson’s office to report it directly through the North Carolina Secretary of State’s complaint portal at https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/securities/file_a_complaint.
