What is an investment scam?

Investment Scams

What is an investment scam?

Investment scams are fake but extremely appealing, highly convincing and tempting investment opportunities. Fraudsters will impersonate real people from genuine financial services firms over the phone, email, online or post. These types of approaches are often referred to as 'cloned firms', with the fraudsters doing as much as they can to get you to invest, fast.

The coronavirus outbreak has affected all kinds of people in many ways and this vulnerability has also led to an increase in scams. Unscrupulous people then try to take advantage of the situation and convince you to part with money or investments.

Link Fund Solutions or any of its subsidiaries will never cold call you offering investment opportunities.

If you think an offer is suspicious, stop for one minute and run through the below references. Never provide banking, investment information, personal details or make a payment:

Unexpected Contact

Any cold calling by phone, email or online should be treated as highly suspicious.

Unrealistic returns

The promise of high returns from alternative or unregulated investment should raise your suspicion.

Professional

Fraudsters will use fake brochures, fake news, fake websites and transcripts and can appear convincing. Check on the FCA Register to see if the firm is registered and the contact details are the same.

Time pressure and complimentary

The offer may be invitation only, you need to act quick and some fraudsters will use pressure to make you feel this opportunity cannot be missed.

Previous scams

Fraudsters share lists of previous victims to commit recovery fraud. They contact people on these lists with the promise of the recovery of lost cryptocurrency.

Types of scams

Scams range from investments in shares, gold, wines, carbon credits, binary options and even money or investments. They then charge a fee.

If you have received an suspicious email or telephone call from someone posing as a representative from Link Fund Solutions or any of its subsidiaries, please contact us on: 0345 922 0044 or email us on: investorservices@linkgroup.co.uk. You should also contact your bank immediately if you have given your banking details or made any payments. Below are some important contacts to help you:

National Reporting Centre, Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/                          

The FCA’s ScamSmart:  https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart

A national campaign offering help: https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/

Please stop, think and review......

For further help and advice, please follow: https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/fca-scamsmart-warning-clone-firm-investment-scams