Investment Scams

Investment scams are often sophisticated and difficult to spot. Here’s a quick guide on how you can avoid falling victim to investment scams.

1. Reject unexpected offers
   Scammers usually cold call, but contact can also come by email, post, word of mouth or at a seminar. If you have been offered an investment out of the blue, chances are it’s a high-risk investment or a scam.
2. Check the FCA Warning List
   Use the FCA Warning List to check the risks of a potential investment – you can also search to see if the firm is known to be operating without FCA authorisation.
3. Get impartial advice
   Get impartial advice before investing – do not use an advisor from the firm that contacted you.

If you are suspicious, report it
You can report a firm or scam to the Financial Conduct Authority on 0800 111 6768 or through www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart

If you have lost money in a scam, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk

Be ScamSmart and visit www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart