Spotting Scams, Pump-and-Dumps & Impersonators
Red flags for scams, coordinated pump-and-dump schemes, and fake accounts on Stocktwits — and what to do when you see them.
Community Guidelines
On this page
Most of the Stocktwits community is here to learn and share ideas. But like any public platform, bad actors show up. Knowing the warning signs helps protect you and everyone else.
Red flags
Guaranteed returns. Promises like “10x by Friday” or “risk-free profits” are never legitimate.
Invitations off-platform. Messages urging you to join a Discord, WhatsApp, or Telegram group for “exclusive” picks. Off-platform recruitment isn't allowed on Stocktwits.
Requests for money, crypto, or credentials. No one should ask for your password, account codes, wallet seed phrase, or a payment to “unlock” gains.
Sudden, coordinated hype. Many new or low-activity accounts suddenly posting the same bullish message about a thinly traded ticker can signal a pump-and-dump.
Lookalike accounts. Usernames that closely mimic a well-known creator, company, or Stocktwits staff — often with a slight misspelling.
Unverified “insider” rumors. Claims of secret news or buyouts with no credible source.
Check the crowd data: a spike in Message Volume with a low Participation Ratio can mean a small group of accounts is driving the noise.
What to do
Don't engage and don't click unfamiliar links.
Report it from the ••• menu. See How to Report a Post or User.
Block the account so it can't reach you again.
Lost money to a scam? Contact your bank or broker right away, and consider reporting it to the SEC at sec.gov/tcr or the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Let Stocktwits Support know about the account involved.