Search Menu Please donate You are here: Home Information and advice Money & legal Scams and fraud Investment scams and fraud Investment scams and fraud Even experienced investors can fall victim to scammers. Find out what to look out for and how to avoid being scammed. How do I spot investment scams? How can I avoid investment scams? What do I do if I think I’ve been scammed? How do I spot investment scams? Investment scams are usually difficult to spot because they're designed to look like genuine investments. The scammers may have a professional looking website and documents. However, there are some tell-tale signs that suggest an investment opportunity is likely to be a scam or risky: Companies contact you unexpectedly about an investment opportunity via cold calls, emails or follow up calls after sending out a promotional brochure. They pressure you with a time-limited offer, e.g. offer a bonus or discount if you invest before a set date. They downplay the risks to your money, e.g. they talk about how you will own the actual assets they may sell if the investment doesn’t work as expected, or use legal jargon to mislead you. They promise you tempting returns that sound too good to be true, e.g. offer much better interest rates than those offered elsewhere. They call you repeatedly and keep you on the phone a long time. They say they’re only making the offer available to you or even ask you not to tell anyone else about the opportunity. How can I avoid investment scams? Reject cold calls. If you’re called about an investment opportunity, the safest thing to do is just hang up. Check an investment opportunity using the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Warning List online tool. Check that the investment company is on the FCA Financial Services Register. Don’t feel pressurised or rushed into making a decision. Always seek advice before investing, ideally from an Independent Financial Adviser who is authorised by the FCA. The Money Advice Service website has useful information on choosing a financial adviser. Check the FCA's list of unauthorised firms and individuals. Be careful of companies that are based overseas as they may not be regulated. If you’re not sure whether a scheme or investment offer is a scam, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 for advice. What do I do if I think I’ve been scammed? If you’ve been scammed you should always report it. Don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed. Report what has happened to the police. You should also report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or use their online reporting tool. They also have a 24-hour web chat service. Visit our section on Support for scam victims for a list of organisations who provide support and advice to scam victims. Further information Pension scams Action Fraud FCA ScamSmart Met Police: Advice about fraud Money Advice Service: Saving and investing Money Advice Service: A beginner's guide to scams For more information call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602. We’re open 8am to 7pm, every day of the year. Share this page Share on Facebook Tweet Print Last updated: Apr 20 2021 Become part of our story Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Sign up today Email address About Age UK What we do Work for us Age International Media / Press Latest news Who we are Services Age UK Advice Line Befriending services Charity shops In your area Popular pages Benefits Calculator TV licence concessions Pension Credit Making a will Latest The difference your support makes Fix care for good Save free TV for older people Support links Linking policy Terms and conditions Privacy policy Publications Cookies Safeguarding About us Sitemap Contact us Modern slavery statement Age UK, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. Registered charity number 1128267. Company number 6825798. © Age UK Group and/or its National Partners (Age NI, Age Scotland and Age Cymru) 2021. All Rights Reserved