NSBA PARTNER - Bitdefender | How to Spot Fake Investment Ads Targeting Your Small Business

Investment scams cost Americans more than $5.7 billion last year, and an increasing share of these attacks are now targeting small-business owners through highly convincing online ads - here’s what entrepreneurs should know from NSBA's partner Bitdefender about how these schemes work, and how to tell real opportunities from fraudulent ones.

JAN. 15, 2026 | Investment scams cost Americans more than $5.7 billion in 2024, according to the FTC and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. While many people still picture “get-rich-quick” schemes aimed at individuals, a growing share of these scams now targets entrepreneurs and small business owners. The pitch often appears as a legitimate ad on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, or Google, promising business funding, growth programs, or investment opportunities.

For very small businesses, these ads can look credible. Scammers borrow the branding of real banks, reference federal agencies, or use professional-looking videos to present their offers as government-backed or institution-approved. Once clicked, the ads lead to cloned websites or connect victims with “investment advisors” who walk them through fake opportunities. Losses often hit not just personal savings, but also the working capital small firms rely on.

Why small business owners are being targeted

Even small businesses often keep more money in their accounts than consumers, which makes them attractive targets. Owners also work under constant time pressure and may rely on quick signals—reviews, logos, or professional design—when making decisions.

Scammers exploit this by using language common in legitimate funding programs, such as “growth capital” or “small business investment,” and by impersonating well-known institutions. Many entrepreneurs also blend their personal and professional lives online, which makes them especially easy to reach through social media advertising.

How fake business investment ads work

A typical scam begins with a polished ad promising guaranteed returns, special programs for small businesses, or access to new investment tools. Clicking leads to a website that closely resembles a trusted institution, sometimes using nearly identical URLs. 

Within hours, owners receive calls from “specialists” who sound knowledgeable and encourage transferring an initial amount. Fake dashboards then show fabricated profits to entice larger deposits. When victims try to withdraw, communication stops and the website disappears.

The latest twist is the use of AI. Scammers now create synthetic videos, voices, and testimonials that mimic well-known investors or financial experts. Some ads even impersonate U.S. banks using AI-generated “representatives,” making fraudulent offers harder to detect.

How to recognize and protect your business from fake investments

Despite their sophistication, fake investment ads often show clear warning signs. Real institutions use verified accounts, official domains, clear risk disclosures, and never guarantee profits. Fraudulent ads rely on urgency, vague terminology, look-alike URLs, unverified pages, and unsolicited phone calls. 

Any investment opportunity that pressures immediate action or directs you to a non-.gov website while claiming government backing should raise concern.

As online scams continue to evolve, small business owners remain an appealing target. Staying alert to new schemes, taking time to verify any funding or investment opportunity, and using  Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security, which helps block malicious sites and fraudulent ads before they reach you or your team, can significantly reduce the risk.

NSBA has partnered with Bitdefender to bring small businesses a dedicated solution built for teams without in-house IT. Check it, here.