MADRID, Feb. 11, 2026 — The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) announced the start of a worldwide initiative to raise awareness about relationship investment scams and the harm they can cause to investors, according to a media release dated Feb. 11.
IOSCO said the campaign runs from Feb. 11 to Feb. 14, 2026 and encourages the public to learn how to recognize relationship investment scams and share the information to warn others.
Relationship investment scams
IOSCO said the scams are known by various names, including romance scams, crypto investment scams, financial grooming scams, and “pig butchering” scams.
The release said the schemes typically involve a prolonged effort in which fraudsters contact victims through wrong-number texts, dating apps, and social media, and build trust over time through friendship, romance, or offers to help with financial goals.
Investor warnings and protection steps
IOSCO said perpetrators may direct individuals to legitimate-looking—but fake—investment websites or apps, and that victims can lose their funds once they have invested.
The release included a list of red flags and protective steps for investors, including warnings about unsolicited investment approaches, moving conversations off platforms into encrypted messaging apps, and repeated requests for money.
