Monday 12 February 2018

Online Investment Fraud - Keeping Yourself Safe

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If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. 

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is warning the public about the increased threat of online investment fraud, particularly those offering investments in binary options, contracts for difference, forex and cryptocurrencies. These fraudsters are targeting the public online and via social media, so while potential scam victims have historically been the over 55's, the FCA's latest ScamSmart campaign found that those aged under 25 were six times more likely to trust an investment offer they received via social media. This shift in methodology by fraudsters comes as people have become more sceptical of cold calls and more people are online than ever before.

The websites and profiles that are used appear highly professional and can feature fake customer reviews, logos and statements. Prices on these types of fraudulent media are often fixed, tie people in with extreme pay-out clauses or do not place trades at all - once money has been handed over the fraudsters disappear leaving the investor with nothing.

Some of the warning signs that an investment opportunity may be a scam include:

  • The promise of  'quick wins', guaranteed or high returns.
  • Downplaying the risks associated with investing.
  • Applying pressure to make a decision quickly, e.g. short availability periods.
  • The offer of additional bonuses or discounts.

The FCA encourage the public to check its dedicated website www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart when considering any investment opportunity, and at the very least:

  1. Reject unsolicited investment offers whether made online, via social media or over the phone.
  2. Check the FCA Register to see if the firm or individual you are dealing with is authorised and check the FCA Warning List of firms to avoid.
  3. Get impartial advice before investing.

Getting impartial advice before making any investment decisions is invaluable, and most financial advisers will be happy to discuss your investment needs at an initial meeting at no cost to the client. Personal recommendations from friends and family is a good way of finding an adviser, you can also find more information about finding a suitable adviser through the Money Advice Service. Ensuring that the individual or firm is authorised by the FCA also affords access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if things go wrong.

The FCA have very good instructions on their website regarding the use of the FCA Register and Warning list, in particular you need to ensure that you:

  • Always access the Register from their website, rather than through links in emails or on the website of a firm offering you an investment. 
  • Check if the firm’s ‘firm reference number’ (FRN) and contact details are the same as on their Register.
  • If there are no contact details on the Register or if the firm claims they’re out of date, call the FCA Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768.

If you suspect an investment scam the best thing you can do is hang up on any unsolicited cold-caller, delete the email or ignore the advert. You should also report it to the FCA at www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart or call them directly on 0800 111 6768, this will allow any potential scams to be investigated and added to the warning list. They will also be able to advise you on what to do next if you believe you have already been the victim of an investment scam, by speaking to your bank or investment provider (if you are transferring an investment, i.e. a pension) it may be possible to stop a transaction going through.