What is investment fraud?

Investment fraud comes in many forms, but is typically when someone poses as an investment service provider, Financial Advisor or fund manager to convince you to transfer large sums of money into a company or service that doesn’t actually exist.

They can create convincing-looking websites and adverts, and send you emails, texts and automated voice messages offering investments that sound too good to be true. They often are.

Before you transfer any money:

  • Always check the FCA's ScamSmart webpage for advice on being a ScamSmart investor
  • Always check the FCA register to see if the investor is regulated and what they are regulated to do
  • Always confirm the company exists by checking Companies House
  • Always call the company on the number on their FCA register listing to confirm the correct payment details.

Genuine financial services will never:

  • Cold call you
  • Put pressure on you to invest
  • Ask you to transfer immediately to lock in a deal or take advantage of a time-limited offer or special discount

As a general rule, if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. Beware of promises of high returns and guaranteed returns with no risk.

>More fraud advice

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