| Investment scams are on the rise. Scams can be sophisticated, but if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Spot the warning signs:
🔴 Is it unexpected? Scammers often call out of the blue. They may also try and contact you via email, text, post, social media, or even in person.
🔴 Do you feel pressured to act quickly? Scammers might offer you a bonus or discount if you invest quickly, or they may say the opportunity is only available for a short time.
🔴 Does the offer sound too good to be true? Fraudsters often promise tempting rewards, such as high returns on an investment.
🔴 Is the offer exclusively for you? Scammers might claim that you’ve been specially chosen for an investment opportunity, and it should be kept a secret.
🔴 Are they trying to flatter you? Scammers often try to build a friendship with you to put you at ease.
🔴 Are you feeling worried or excited? Fraudsters may try to influence your emotions to get you to act.
🔴 Are they speaking with authority? Scammers might claim that they’re authorised and often appear knowledgeable about financial products.
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, or you’re unsure if a contact is genuine, follow the steps below to protect yourself.
Find out how to Be a ScamSmart investor from the Financial Conduct Authority |
