Beware: WhatsApp Group Impersonating Adams Financial Concepts Is Running a Dangerous Investment Scam
Online investment scams continue to evolve—and this time, they’re using WhatsApp and Facebook to deceive unsuspecting investors by impersonating legitimate financial firms. The latest warning comes directly from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), which has issued an alert about a fraudulent group falsely claiming to represent Adams Financial Concepts, LLC and one of its executives.
The Setup: A Facebook Ad That Leads to WhatsApp
The scam begins with a Facebook ad promoting an exclusive investment group. Users who click the ad are redirected to WhatsApp, where they’re invited to join a group titled “US Stock Investment Group 121.” On the surface, the group seems credible—participants receive what appears to be expert advice, investment strategies, and direct contact with “financial professionals.”
The fraudsters behind this scam don’t just stop at fake advice. They go further by impersonating real people. In this case, someone in the group claimed to be Albert Souza, the actual Vice President of Adams Financial Concepts, LLC, using the WhatsApp number +1-202-270-8204. Another person, identifying themselves as Jessica Brown, claimed to be Souza’s assistant and communicated via +1-314-267-5182.
The Scam: Pump and Dump in Disguise
After establishing trust, the impersonators introduced what they called the “VIP Value Investment Trading Strategy.” Members were advised on when to buy and sell specific stocks, giving the illusion of insider information or expert insight.
One such recommendation was China Liberal Education Holdings Limited (Ticker: CLEU), with an urgent push to buy at $7.78 per share. The scammers claimed that if investors followed their lead and held the stock for six trading days, they could expect returns ranging from 160% to 380%.
This is a classic pump and dump tactic. Scammers create artificial demand for a low-volume stock, driving up the price as group members buy in. Then, the scammers sell their shares at the inflated prices, leaving victims with devalued stock when the price inevitably crashes.
The Warning from Regulators
According to the Washington State DFI, Adams Financial Concepts, LLC and Albert Souza are not affiliated in any way with this WhatsApp group. The legitimate firm has no connection to the fraudulent activity and has become a victim of identity misuse.
The Department has officially flagged the group as potentially fraudulent and encourages investors to remain vigilant. Impersonation scams like this are rising in frequency, especially on platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook.
Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
- Unsolicited Investment Offers: Any investment offer that comes through WhatsApp, Telegram, or direct social media messages should be treated with extreme caution.
- Unverified Advisors: Always verify the credentials and contact information of financial professionals through official channels.
- Guaranteed Returns: Promises of high or guaranteed returns (especially in the 100%+ range) are a common hallmark of scams.
- Pressure Tactics: Urging users to act fast or risk missing out is a psychological trick to prevent due diligence.
- Anonymous Group Admins: If you can’t independently verify the identities of the group leaders, don’t trust their advice.
Victim Support and Recovery Options
If you were misled into buying stock or lost money as part of this scheme, you’re not alone—and there are steps you can take to respond. The most important first move is to stop all communication with the scammers and document every detail: chat logs, screenshots, transaction receipts, and anything else related to the interaction.
Next, report the fraud to your local financial regulatory authority. If your brokerage account was involved, contact them immediately to flag any suspicious activity.
Finally, victims have the option to work with specialized fraud recovery support teams, such as us, who assist those affected by online financial scams. Forteclaim offers guidance on how to respond, document your case, and—where possible—explore fund recovery channels. While there are no guaranteed outcomes, having the right support can make a real difference in your next steps.
How to Protect Yourself in the Future
- Only invest through verified, regulated firms.
- Never share financial information in public or semi-public groups.
- Use platforms that offer investor protection and customer support.
- Check warnings issued by financial regulators before following any “expert” advice online.
- Be skeptical of sudden promotions of obscure stocks.
Final Thoughts
This scam involving LONTL.H5.com is just one example of a broader trend: scammers exploiting trusted names to gain credibility and steal funds. Even legitimate firms like Adams Financial Concepts can be used as fronts without their knowledge.
If something feels off—even slightly—it’s worth investigating before acting. The best protection is education, awareness, and verification. And if you’ve already been caught up in this or a similar scheme, don’t hesitate to take action.
For those who need a second opinion or support after falling victim, Forteclaim offers help with guidance, reporting, and navigating next steps. Staying informed is your best defense in an increasingly deceptive digital landscape.