Investment scams are designed to feel credible. They may use polished websites, fake celebrity endorsements, social-media adverts and persistent personal contact.
Warning signs
- Unexpected contact or an advert promising unusually high or steady returns
- Pressure to invest before an opportunity closes
- Requests to install remote-access software
- Payments to personal, overseas or changing bank accounts
- A demand for tax, insurance or release fees before withdrawing money
- Advice to mislead your bank about the purpose of a payment
Before investing
- Stop contact and take time to research independently.
- Check the firm and contact details using the FCA Register.
- Check the FCA Warning List.
- Consider regulated financial advice before committing money.
- Do not rely on testimonials, displayed balances or screenshots as proof.
If you invested
Contact your bank immediately. Do not pay a further fee to withdraw or recover the money. Recovery approaches after a loss may be another scam.