Guaranteed returns
Be wary of claims that profits are guaranteed, risk-free or unusually high.
What to doInvestment scam guidance
Investment and cryptocurrency scams: red flags to check
Fake investment offers often use urgency, slick websites and promises of high returns. Before sending money, slow down, check the firm and avoid pressure to act quickly.
UK-focused guidance Plain English FCA checks No hype or panic
Do these first
If an investment offer feels urgent, guaranteed or too good to be true, pause before sending money.
- Do not send more money while you are unsure.
- Check the firm using the FCA Register and Warning List.
- Do not trust screenshots, fake dashboards or celebrity adverts.
- Do not send crypto, gift cards or payments to personal accounts.
- If you already paid, contact your bank or payment provider quickly.
Common warning signs
Investment scams often look professional. The danger is usually in the pressure, the promise and the payment method.
Pressure to act fast
Scammers may say the offer closes today or that you will miss a special price.
Pause firstCrypto or unusual payments
Requests for crypto, gift cards, overseas transfers or personal accounts are major warning signs.
Check safelyWhat a real investment opportunity should not do
One warning sign is enough to stop and check independently.
Promise risk-free profit
All real investments carry risk. Guaranteed high returns are a strong warning sign.
Push you away from checks
Scammers may discourage FCA checks, outside advice or speaking to your bank.
Use fake dashboards
A website showing rising profits does not prove your money is real or withdrawable.
Ask for more money to withdraw
Extra fees, tax payments or release charges are common recovery and withdrawal traps.
Step-by-step guidance
Work through these before sending money or responding to further pressure.
1
Stop and check the firm
Use the FCA Register and FCA Warning List. Do not rely on links sent by the person promoting the offer.
2
Check the website and contact details
Look for cloned names, copied logos, unusual domains, mobile-only contact and pressure to use messaging apps.
3
Do not trust the dashboard
Fake platforms can show made-up profits. The real test is whether you can withdraw without more fees or excuses.
4
Contact your bank if you paid
Use your banking app, card or official website. Tell them you may have paid into an investment scam.
5
Keep the evidence
Save adverts, screenshots, website links, names, email addresses, phone numbers, wallet addresses and payment receipts.
6
Watch for recovery scams
Be careful if someone claims they can recover your money for an upfront fee. Scammers often target people again.
If something else happened
These guides may help if the investment scam involved another problem.
I sent money
Contact your bank or payment provider quickly and ask what can be done.
Read the money guidanceMy account was hacked
Secure your email, banking and investment accounts.
Read the account guidanceI clicked a link
Close the page, check what you entered and secure any account involved.
Read the link guidanceWant 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 and payment requests.