Unmasking Deception: Linguistic Cues Patterns Identification in Promotional Materials of Illegal Investment Scams

Abstract

Misleading phraseology about illegal investment scams in promotional materials hinders financial sector regulation and investor protection. Understanding these tendencies and creating effective investor awareness measures are crucial. Using official-looking documents and websites that convey elitism and professionalism, illegal investment schemes make their huge profits seem more real. This study sought to understand how deceptive platforms lure potential investors. This was done by revealing deception strategies. Atlas.ti software was used to identify patterns of linguistic cues of deception presented in the promotional materials of illegal investment scams in this qualitative analysis. Eight themes emerged that illuminated intricate strategies used to create the illusion of authenticity and appeal in promotional materials. Beguiling Realism, Affective Ambivalence Techniques, Story Reconstructability, Unverified Spatial and Temporal Information, Dubious Clarity, Cognitive Operation, and Perceptual Information emerged from the analysis. This study impacted the government, public education, and economy to reveal the strategies utilised and prevent illegal investment schemes. The results show that the promotional materials create a false sense of credibility and legitimacy, the illusion that the scheme is profitable and credible, the illusion of personal connections and trust, and the impression of scarcity, which increases their exclusivity and demand to attract investors.