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Investment scams
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Contact us right away if you’ve been targeted by an investment scams.
Tips to beat investment scams
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Fraudsters advertise fake investments.
They pretend to be someone involved in finance, like a real company or adviser.
If you reply for more information, they’ll try to win your trust.
How do they win your trust?
Fraudsters copy real company or adviser names.
They can sound professional and know a lot about investing.
Some even use paperwork and fake technology, like an app that lets you track your investment.
A fake investment can promise returns that you won’t find elsewhere.
Often, fraudsters will make it seem like your money is growing. This is to encourage you to invest more.
How do they get in touch?
Fraudsters use social media and other places online, like fake websites or platforms.
They can email or text an offer out of the blue.
Sometimes, someone you know may recommend a fake investment by accident.
If you invest, fraudsters will usually stay in touch with updates and support.
This could be over the phone, by email, text or on social media.
If you become suspicious, or try to withdraw your money, fraudsters will end all contact.
How do they get your money?
Normally, if they build a relationship with you as a client, you’ll happily send them money to invest.
Payments are usually by bank transfer.
Fraudsters may set up a fake investment account for you, which they control.
If you try to withdraw money, they might ask you to pay a fee. This is part of the scam to steal more of your money.
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Never rush into an investment.
Be suspicious of any unexpected offer or if someone pushes you to invest right away.
Always take your time to investigate every single detail.
Check a company or adviser is real
Use the Financial Services Register or the Firm Checker on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website.
They list all approved firms and individuals and what they’re allowed to offer.
Get contact details you can trust
Only use contact details from the Financial Services Register to contact an adviser or company.
Fraudsters will include their contact details on a phone call, paperwork or messages.
Do your research and get advice
Find out if an investment is real with the ScamSmart Investment Checker on the FCA website.
Talk with an independent financial adviser.
And ask your family and friends or colleagues what they think.
Protect your investment
Always make sure an investment or investment account is in your name.
Fraudsters may try to open an account for you, or they could ask you to share the password.
Check if an investment is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) or Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) on the FCA website.
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