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Investment scams
Be wise. Don’t fall prey to too-good-to-be-true, high-pressure, deadline-driven offers.
What is an investment scam?
An investment scam is a fake - but extremely appealing and highly convincing - investment opportunity. Fraudsters will impersonate real people from genuine financial services firms over the phone, email, online and post. Known as 'clone firms' they’ll do all they can to get you to invest - fast.
Fidelity will never cold call you offering investment opportunities.
Spotting and avoiding investment scams
If you think an offer is suspect, stop for a second. Run through this check list. And never give up your bank details or make payments.
Unexpected contact
Any cold calling by phone, email, online or post should be treated as highly suspicious. Don’t forget, you can always hang up.
Unrealistic returns
The promise of high returns from alternative or unregulated investments should raise alarms.
Flattery and time pressures
If it’s an invitation-only opportunity or you need to act quickly. They may even ask you to keep quiet about it too. Be very wary and don’t make hasty decisions.
Professional
Fraudsters will use glossy brochures, websites, fake reviews, or trained callers with scripts - … anything they can to appear convincing.
On the list
Fraudsters share lists of previous scam victims to commit recovery fraud. They contact people on these lists, to recover lost monies, or sell their worthless investments - and charge an advance fee.
Common investment scams
These include anything from carbon credits and fine wines, to storage, land and gold and jewels, as well as investments in shares, bonds, cryptocurrency, foreign exchange and binary options.
Other threats to watch out for
Fraudsters are highly committed to their cause. By knowing what they’re up to, you can play them at their own game.
Suspicious emails, texts and phone calls
Learn how to spot a fraudulent email, text or phone call, so you’re not reeled in.
Pension fraud
All that glitters isn’t gold. Discover how to dig deeper and protect your pension with our tips.
Financial abuse
Find out more about criminal influence, to ensure you’re in control of your financial purse strings.
Identity theft
Look beyond the disguise. Impersonation can be the first step to someone stealing your assets.
Deepfakes
Don’t believe everything you see or hear! Understand the tell-tale signs that could help you identify a deepfake.