Guaranteed or unusually high returns
Be cautious of claims that returns are safe, guaranteed, unusually high or available only for a short time.
What to doInvestment and crypto scam guidance
Investment and cryptocurrency scams: warning signs to check before you pay
Fake investment and crypto offers often promise high returns, low risk or urgent access to a limited opportunity. Before sending money or moving crypto, pause and check the warning signs.
UK-focused guidance Plain English No investment hype Fraud-prevention focus
Quick answer
Be very cautious if an investment or crypto offer promises guaranteed returns, asks you to act quickly, pressures you to move money, or tells you to keep the opportunity private. Do not send money until you have checked the firm, the contact route, the website, the payment method and whether the offer makes sense.
- Do not rush because of a deadline or limited offer.
- Do not trust screenshots of profits or testimonials on their own.
- Do not move money or crypto because someone online tells you to.
- Check the firm and website independently before paying.
- Be wary of recovery offers if you have already lost money.
Common investment scam warning signs
Investment scams often combine trust, urgency and the fear of missing out.
Pressure to act quickly
Scammers often push people to pay before they have time to check properly or speak to someone independent.
Check safelyMoney moved to unfamiliar accounts
Be wary if you are asked to send money to a personal account, crypto wallet or unusual payment route.
Pause firstChecks to do before sending money
Do these checks away from the person or advert promoting the offer.
Check the firm independently
Search for the firm yourself. Do not rely only on links, phone numbers or documents sent by the person promoting the investment.
Look for cloned websites
Scammers may copy real firms, logos and documents. A professional-looking website does not prove the offer is genuine.
Question pressure and secrecy
Be cautious if you are told not to speak to your bank, family, friends or another adviser before paying.
Be careful with crypto transfers
Crypto transfers can be difficult or impossible to reverse. Treat pressure to move crypto as a serious warning sign.
What to do next
Choose the steps that match where you are in the situation.
1
If you have not paid yet
Pause. Do not send money, transfer crypto or share more documents until you have checked the offer independently.
2
If you are being pressured
Step away from the conversation. Pressure, secrecy and urgency are warning signs, especially where money or crypto is involved.
3
If you already sent money
Contact your bank or payment provider promptly using a trusted route. Keep evidence of the payment and all messages.
4
If you moved crypto
Contact the platform or exchange through its official route. Keep wallet addresses, transaction IDs and screenshots.
5
If you shared ID or documents
Keep a record of what was shared and watch for identity misuse. Secure related accounts and passwords.
6
Watch for recovery scams
Be cautious of anyone claiming they can recover your investment or crypto for an upfront fee.
Important: Cleverways is educational fraud-prevention guidance, not financial or investment advice. Do not make investment decisions based on this page.
If something else happened
These guides may help if the investment or crypto scam involved payment, account access or suspicious contact.
I sent money
Contact your bank or payment provider quickly and keep evidence of the transfer.
Read the money guidanceMy account may be hacked
Secure your email, exchange, social media and payment accounts.
Read the account guidanceA bank called me
If someone called about moving money, pause and contact your bank through a trusted route.
Read the bank call guidanceInvestment and crypto scam FAQs
What are common signs of an investment scam?
Warning signs include guaranteed returns, pressure to act quickly, secrecy, unusual payment routes, copied branding and claims that the opportunity is low risk.
Are crypto scams hard to recover from?
Crypto transfers can be difficult or impossible to reverse. If you have moved crypto, contact the platform or exchange through its official route and keep transaction details.
What if I already invested?
Do not send more money. Contact your bank, payment provider or platform, keep evidence and be careful of recovery offers.
Should I trust someone who says they can recover my money?
Be very cautious. Recovery scams often target people who have already lost money and may ask for upfront fees.
Want printable scam-safety checklists at home?
The UK Scam Safety Toolkit gives you practical checklists and action sheets to keep at home, including steps for suspicious messages, bank calls, online shopping scams and family conversations.
Keep the 10-second scam check nearby
The safest step is often a pause. Download the free Cleverways guide and keep a simple check nearby for suspicious messages, calls, emails and payment requests.
Last reviewed: May 2026. Cleverways provides practical educational guidance and signposts trusted UK routes.