Skip to content
Please donate

Investment scams

Even experienced investors can fall victim to scammers. No matter how much experience and confidence you have with investments and finances, you could still be at risk.


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?

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. Unfortunately, scams can be very sophisticated and people of all ages can and do fall victim to them. 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.

Age NI Advice Service

Every year our Advice Service deals with thousands of calls from older people in need. Call us today to make sure that you are receiving all the help and support available to you.

Call freephone 0808 808 7575
Monday - Friday 9am – 5pm 

 

Last updated: May 05 2020

Become part of our story

Sign up today

Back to top