If you get contacted about an investment opportunity that seems too good to be true, then it probably is, and it might be a scam. You might be promised that you’ll make money on ‘unique investments’ like wine, diamonds, or cryptocurrency. We would never recommend any investments of this type as they may turn out to be worthless.
Stay alert to protect yourself
Fraudsters often appear professional and persuasive, but there are key warning signs to watch out for:
- Uninvited investment offers – If someone contacts you unexpectedly with a “too-good-to-be-true” investment opportunity, be cautious. Promises of high returns with little risk are a red flag.
- Pressure tactics – Scammers often push for quick action, discouraging you from taking time to think or seek advice. A legitimate financial firm will never rush you into making a decision.
- Unusual payment requests – You may be asked to transfer money to an unrelated account before sending it on to an investment. This is a common tactic used to disguise fraudulent transactions.
- Requests to install software – Fraudsters may ask you to download software or grant them remote access to your device. This can give them control over your personal information and financial accounts.
How to stay safe
- Seek a second opinion – Before making any financial commitments, speak with a trusted financial advisor. A professional can help you to assess whether an opportunity is legitimate.
- Verify the source – If someone approaches you about an investment, take a step back. Check if the company is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) by visiting their website where you’ll find a list of registered firms. Also, look up reviews online to see if others have reported concerns.
- Pay attention to warnings – When using your banking app to make a payment, look out for any security alerts or warnings that appear. These are there to protect you.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and take the time to investigate.
Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
What to do
If you think you've uncovered a scam, been targeted by a scam or fallen victim to fraudsters, the best thing to do is act quickly and contact us.
You can also report the company to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk if you think you've been scammed.