Investment fraud is one of the most financially devastating crimes in the UK. Unlike many scams the victims are often financially literate people who believe they are making a smart decision. The fraudsters are sophisticated, professional and use personal data to make their pitches incredibly convincing.
Investment fraudsters do not cold call randomly. They purchase personal data from data broker websites — including your approximate income, investment history and financial interests — and use this to target people most likely to have money to invest.
They then approach via cold calls, social media adverts, emails or even through fake financial news websites designed to look legitimate.
High pressure sales calls from fake brokers selling worthless or non-existent shares, bonds or other investments. They promise high returns and create urgency — the deal is only available today.
Fraudsters offer to help you access your pension early or transfer it to a better scheme. This can result in massive tax penalties and loss of your entire pension. Always verify pension advice with the FCA.
Scammers copy the details of FCA-authorised firms and create fake websites. You think you are investing with a legitimate company but your money goes straight to criminals.
Promises of high returns from property investments in the UK or abroad. The properties often do not exist or are massively overvalued.
Fake adverts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok using celebrity images or fake success stories to promote investment schemes. Always verify independently before investing.
1. FCA Register — Every UK financial firm must be registered. Check register.fca.org.uk before investing with anyone.
2. FCA ScamSmart — Visit fca.org.uk/scamsmart to check the FCA warning list and report suspicious firms.
3. Never be rushed — Legitimate investments do not disappear overnight. Any pressure to decide immediately is a red flag.
4. Independent advice — Always seek independent financial advice before making significant investments.
5. Too good to be true — If the returns sound too good to be true they always are.
Investment fraudsters use personal data from data broker websites to identify and approach people with money to invest. By removing your personal data from these sites you make yourself a significantly harder target.
Silent Erase automatically sends removal requests to 500+ data broker sites under your UK GDPR rights — making it much harder for fraudsters to find and target you.
1. Stop immediately — Do not send any more money under any circumstances.
2. Report to Report Fraud — Call 0300 123 2040 or visit reportfraud.police.uk.
3. Report to the FCA — Visit fca.org.uk/scamsmart to report the firm.
4. Contact your bank — If you transferred money contact your bank immediately.
5. Beware recovery scams — Do not pay anyone claiming they can recover your lost investment.
Remove your personal data from the sites fraudsters use to find their victims
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