Over £27 million reported lost to crypto and forex investment scams

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Action Fraud are warning the public to be wary of investment scams carried out via bogus online trading platforms. This warning comes as cryptoassests (crypto) and forex investment scams reports more than tripled last year to over 1,800. Fraudsters promise high returns from investments in crypto and forex, with victims losing over £27 million in total in 2018/19.

How do the scams work?

Fraudsters often use social media to promote their ‘get rich quick’ online trading platforms. Posts often use fake celebrity endorsements and images of luxury items like expensive watches and cars. These then link to professional-looking websites where consumers are persuaded to invest.

Investors will often be led to believe that their first investment has successfully made a profit. The fraudster will then contact the victim to invest more money or introduce friends and family with the false promise of greater profits. However, eventually the returns stop, the customer account is closed and the scammer disappears with no further contact.  

Action Fraud reports show that on average, victims were each scammed out of £14,600 from forex and crypto scams in 2018/19.

Raising awareness

As part of the FCA’s ScamSmart campaign the FCA will be running advertising to raise awareness of online trading scams. Running on social media, the ScamSmart adverts aim to make consumers more sceptical of ‘get rich quick’ trading scams promoted online.

Supported by the City of London Police, the FCA’s ScamSmart campaign encourages those considering an investment to check its dedicated website for tips on how to avoid investment fraud, www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart.

Stay safe when scrolling:

• Don’t assume it’s real – professional-looking websites, adverts or social media posts don’t always mean that an investment opportunity is genuine. Criminals can use the names of well-known brands or individuals to make their scams appear legitimate. 
• Stay in control – avoid uninvited investment offers whether made on social media or over the phone. If you’re thinking about making an investment, thoroughly research the company first and consider getting independent advice. 
• Make the right checks – Firms providing regulated financial services must be authorised by the FCA. You can check whether they are authorised on the FCA’s Register. Use the contact details on the Register, not the details the firm gives you, to avoid ‘clones’.

Every report matters – If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud.

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/over-27-million-reported-lost-to-crypto-and-forex-investment-scams