How to avoid investment scams

Spot the warning signs:

• Unexpected contact – Traditionally scammers cold-  call but contact can also come from online sources e.g. email or social media, post, word of mouth or even in person at a seminar or exhibition.
• Time pressure – They might offer you a bonus or discount if you invest before a set date or say the opportunity is only available for a short period.
• Social proof – They may share fake reviews and claim other clients have invested or want in on the deal.
• Unrealistic returns – Fraudsters often promise tempting returns that sound too good to be true, such as much better interest rates than elsewhere.
• False authority - Using literature and websites that are hard to distinguish from the real thing, claiming to be regulated, speaking with authority on investment products.
• Flattery – Building a friendship with you to lull you into a false sense of security.

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