*UK Finance
Though the contact methods used by fraudsters may vary, their tactics remain the same. Be vigilant when making investment decisions and look out for these six warning signs. Watch the video below to find out more.
They might offer you a bonus or discount if you invest before a set date or say the opportunity is only available for a short period.
They might tell you other people are interested or have already invested. They may also share fake reviews.
They might promise tempting returns that sound too good to be true.
Sometimes fraudsters have convincing websites and literature. They might speak with authority on investment products or claim to be regulated.
Building a friendship with you to lull you into a false sense of security.
During the heightened investment activity period from January to March, individuals should exercise extra caution as scammers exploit the increased interest by launching fake promotions, impersonating legitimate entities, and employing high-pressure tactics.
Scammers usually cold call, but contact can also come by email, post, word of mouth or at a seminar. If you’ve been offered an investment out of the blue, chances are it’s a high-risk investment or a scam.
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 our authorisation. To check visit www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart
Get impartial advice before investing. Don’t use an adviser from the firm that contacted you.
Click here to visit the FCA website for more information about this campaign, and to access the wealth of resources and information on how to spot and report a scam.