Trust and Scam Safety
Spot the Scam: Insurance and Investment Red Flags
Red flags for insurance and investment scams, sorted by how common they are and how much people lose, plus where to check a seller's license in Hawaii.
The sheet in words
Up is lose the most (big checks, big damage); down is lose less (still costly). Left is less common (but nasty); right is very common (you will see these).
Recruit Friends to Earn
You pay in, earn from recruits
Promised High Returns
Investment scams: $7.9B lost (FTC)
Unlicensed Sellers
Check cca.hawaii.gov/ins first
Crypto Deposit Apps
Fake gains, blocked withdrawals
Fake IRS or Gov Calls
Imposters: $3.5B lost (FTC)
Replace Your Policy
A pushed switch can reset fees
Pay Today or Lose It
Pressure is the tell. Slow down.
People reported losing $15.9 billion to fraud in 2025 (FTC). Slow down and verify.
Sourced figures checked October 2026.
Sources
Loss totals reported to the FTC Consumer Sentinel Network, 2025. Placements are general guidance. Check any seller at the Hawaii Insurance Division, cca.hawaii.gov/ins. Education only, not investment, tax or legal advice. Sony Ho, Licensed Life Insurance Agent, NPN 18171750 · wealthprohi.com/check
Next step
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