Crypto Scams and Social Media Schemes Top 2025 Threats: How Firms Can Stay Ahead of NASAA’s Investor Alerts

In its latest report, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) has flagged cryptocurrency scams and social media investment schemes as top threats to investors in 2025, according to InvestmentNews.

While these trends put investors at risk, they also shine a spotlight on investment advisers and broker-dealers—as regulators increase scrutiny on how firms supervise client communications, marketing, and crypto-related activities.

What Does This Mean for Broker-Dealers and Advisers?

It means regulators are watching how firms manage risk and protect investors. If your firm isn't monitoring these emerging risks—including employee communications, crypto recommendations, and marketing content—you could find yourself in the regulator’s crosshairs, facing fines, enforcement actions, or worse.

Key Threats Identified by NASAA:

• Crypto scams disguised as legitimate investments, often promoted on social media.

• Pump-and-dump or misleading investment schemes, gaining traction through influencers or unauthorized representatives.

• Unlicensed individuals offering financial advice or products.

• Misleading marketing communications that don't meet SEC and FINRA standards for fair and balanced disclosure.

The Compliance Gaps Most Firms Overlook

Many firms underestimate the need for ongoing surveillance of social media and electronic communications, especially when it comes to:

• Crypto-related conversations between reps and clients.

• Marketing materials or social media posts by employees—especially those tied to investment products.

• Off-channel communications (WhatsApp, Signal, WeChat) that fall outside of firm-approved platforms.

Failure to monitor these areas is no longer an option. Regulators expect firms to have proactive policies and real-time oversight tools to detect and prevent these risks.

GiGCXOs Solutions to Stay Ahead of 2025’s Biggest Investor Threats

At GiGCXOs, we help firms protect themselves and their clients with a full suite of compliance solutions designed to address NASAA’s top concerns:

1. CommSafe360™ – Social Media & Communications Monitoring

Monitor and archive social media, chat, text, and email communications to ensure employees and representatives are not unknowingly violating securities laws or promoting scams.

2. AICompliance360™ – AI-Powered Advertising and Marketing Review

AI-driven review of all crypto-related and investment marketing materials, ensuring compliance with FINRA Rule 2210 and SEC marketing rules—before regulators see it.

3. FiduciaryGuard360™ – Crypto Product Diligence and Supervisory Systems

We help broker-dealers and RIAs implement robust review and supervisory frameworks for any crypto-related recommendations or products to ensure alignment with fiduciary duties and Reg BI.

4. CyberGuard360™ – Identity and Fraud Prevention

Protect client data and prevent fraudulent account openings tied to crypto and social media scams—aligned with Reg S-P and S-ID obligations.

5. OBA & Personal Trading Monitoring

Stay on top of outside business activities (OBAs), including employees moonlighting as crypto advisors or promoting unregistered offerings.

Prevent Fines, Protect Clients, and Stay Ahead of the Game

The message from NASAA is clear: crypto scams and social media schemes are evolving, and firms that don’t adapt will be left exposed.

Don’t wait for a regulator to knock on your door—proactively safeguard your firm today.

👉 Contact GiGCXOs now to learn how we help firms like yours navigate these evolving threats, avoid fines, and protect investors.

Schedule a Free Compliance Consultation

Let me know if you want this revised to target specific audiences (e.g., crypto-focused firms, small RIAs, etc.) or a shorter version for LinkedIn!