Indianapolis, Indiana – As technology rapidly evolves, so do the methods used by scammers to deceive unsuspecting investors. Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales is urging Hoosiers to remain alert and cautious as new investment threats loom large in 2025. A recent report by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) has identified a wave of emerging scams that exploit digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and personal emotions to lure victims into fraudulent schemes.
According to the NASAA survey, scams are becoming more complex and harder to detect, largely due to the use of modern technology. In particular, social media platforms and video-sharing sites have become major vehicles for scam operations. Fraudsters are increasingly using platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and Telegram to target individuals. They also rely on visual content shared through YouTube, Vimeo, TikTok, and Instagram Reels to make their schemes appear legitimate and appealing.
One of the most alarming developments for 2025 is the use of artificial intelligence. Scammers are now deploying AI tools to create convincing fake videos, graphics, and messages that mimic real people and official sources. These deepfakes can impersonate celebrities, public officials, or financial experts in an effort to gain the trust of potential victims.
“Our office is seeing an increasing number of complaints tied to scams that leverage new technology, particularly AI. We encourage all Hoosiers to be vigilant and to recognize common red flags that could indicate a fraudulent scheme. Our team carefully reviews all registrants’ qualifications and conducts background checks. Be sure to investigate the credentials of anyone offering investments, especially those promoting opportunities online or via social media,” said Diego Morales, Indiana Secretary of State.
The dangers do not stop at AI and social media. The NASAA report also reveals a troubling rise in romance and affinity scams—fraudulent schemes that prey on emotions. In these cases, scammers build a fake relationship with someone, often through online dating platforms or shared interest groups, then manipulate them into making a large financial investment. Once the money is transferred, the scammer disappears without a trace.
What makes these scams especially harmful is how convincing they appear. They often use professional-looking content, promises of quick returns, and pressure tactics to make victims act fast. Many of these fraudulent “investment opportunities” are promoted by unlicensed individuals who are not registered with any government or regulatory body. That makes it harder for authorities to track them down once the scam is complete.
To help protect investors, the Indiana Securities Division is urging people to take simple but essential precautions before making any financial commitments. One of the most important steps is to verify the registration of both the investment product and the person offering it. This can be done by contacting the Indiana Securities Division directly.
“Before you give your money to anyone—especially someone you’ve only met online—make sure you understand who they are, what they’re offering, and whether they’re registered with the state,” Morales advised.
The Secretary of State’s Office encourages all Indiana residents to slow down and think critically before committing to any offer that seems unusually good or comes with high pressure to “act now.” In addition, anyone approached by an unregistered person claiming to offer investment opportunities should report the interaction to the state.
Diego Morales emphasized that vigilance and education are the best defenses. He encouraged the public to familiarize themselves with the common signs of fraud and to share that knowledge with family and friends, particularly elderly individuals who are often more vulnerable to these types of scams.
Investors who feel uncertain or suspicious about an offer are encouraged to call the Indiana Securities Division at 317-232-6681 for guidance or to file a complaint. Additionally, NASAA offers helpful online resources to educate the public on how to recognize and avoid fraud.
As scams become more sophisticated, the need for public awareness has never been greater. With support from state agencies and organizations like NASAA, Hoosiers can stay one step ahead of fraudsters by staying informed, asking questions, and verifying every detail before investing their hard-earned money.
