Investment scams

Find out about the tricks fraudsters use to steal money through advertising fake investments.

Too good to be true

It’s not easy to make money when it comes to investing. Finding a genuine deal that’s right for you takes time and effort.

Scammers often take advantage of popular social media platforms like Facebook and search engines like Google to advertise fake investments. These offers can be dangerous because they often promise huge returns that aren’t genuine.

And as the saying goes, if it seems too good to be true then it probably is.

Don’t hand over your money

The long game

By treating you like a client of a genuine company and pretending to be an advisor, fraudsters can win your trust. Then they take your money over a long period of time.

Common investment scams offer things such as precious gems like diamonds, gold, wine, land abroad, energy and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

Not so easy money

Deals you see online or on social media can be tempting. Fraudsters promise quick returns with things like cryptocurrency. But, it could be a quick way to lose money – not make money. The FSCS Investment protection checker can help you see how safe your investment is.

Remember, if you invest in cryptocurrency, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme can’t protect your money. 

 

‘Expert investors’ aren’t always what they seem

Be careful with money transfers. Scammers may pose as investment experts, enticing you into cryptocurrency schemes with promises of quick, high returns. They often pressure you to send money to a so-called secure account, then disappear with your funds. Always stay vigilant and avoid sending money to anyone you don’t know or trust.

Protect your personal information. Fraudsters may claim they can help you set up profitable investments, using legitimate platforms to appear credible. They might ask for your login details or create accounts using your information without consent. Once they gain access, they can steal your funds. Always be cautious and never share your personal details with anyone you don’t fully trust.

Ask yourself these questions before investing

Is it a confusing deal?

A fraudster may try to confuse you or get flustered if you ask too many questions. Every investment is worth time and consideration.

You can check whether an investment, company or adviser is registered on the FCA Financial Services Register.

Is it an unexpected offer?

If you receive a phone call, email, or text regarding an investment, it could be from a scammer.

They might post ads on Google or social media to collect your details, then call you back, appearing to be genuine.

The more a fraudster knows about you, the easier it is for them to convince you that their offer is real.

Seen it on social media?

By creating fake profiles or hacking accounts, fraudsters can post investment deals or strike up a conversation with you, but they’re not real. And the success stories and comments you might see are all part of the scam.

Learn more about social media scams

Do you feel rushed?

Scammers will turn up the pressure and could ask you to send money to accounts on genuine apps and websites that they control and can access.

Never make payments by bank transfer. It’s like handing over cash and you usually won’t get your money back.

Learn more about advance fee scams

Do you know who you’re talking to?

Fraudsters can appear like trustworthy experts. They copy genuine names and paperwork of existing companies or advisers – and can use apps and other tech so you can follow your fake investment.

Feeling unsure? Use a website checker like the one on Get Safe Online.

Learn about other scams and how to protect yourself

Learn about the latest scams

Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to try to steal your details and money. Discover which scams are common right now.

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Have you been targeted by fraudsters

Contact us right away if you think you’ve been scammed. We can then guide you on what to do next.

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Stay scam safe

Learn how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud

Stay scam safe

Learn how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud