Investment scam warning: older investors more at risk of fraud
Fraudsters are frequently targeting their investment scams at older people with savings. Here's how to stay safe.
People aged over 55 are at heightened risk of investment fraud, the Financial Conduct Authority is warning.
Low savings rates are driving more investors to seek higher returns, leading them to investment schemes they may not fully understand.
Over 65s with more than £10,000 in savings are three and a half times more likely to fall victim to investment fraud than anyone else. Scammers are heavily targeting these people, with 40% reporting they were received far more unsolicited investment calls.
Phone calls are a common tactic used by investment fraudsters who promise people huge returns but then just disappear with your cash.
“You don’t need to be gullible to lose money to a scam or fraud,” said Mark Steward, director of enforcement at the FCA.
“Fraudsters target financially sophisticated people too, who often don’t like to ask what might sound like silly or basic questions. If you are contacted out of the blue about an investment opportunity that sounds too good to be true then it probably is. We would urge you to be sceptical.”
Check your credit report for signs of fraud
Low rates lead to high risk
As mentioned earlier, miserly rates on traditional savings accounts have encouraged more people to consider riskier alternatives for their cash.
In fact, four in 10 people have moved money out of savings into investments. Of these people, 26% have invested in unregulated investment products and a further 23% said they were considering doing the same thing.
Over a quarter of people who have been a victim of investment fraud had bought an unregulated product like wine, diamonds and land through an unauthorised firm.
When questioned, 13% of people were unaware that unregulated products bought through an unauthorised firm are not protected by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Prepare for the call
The huge jump in cold callers targeting older people with savings means that, if you are over 55, you should prepare yourself in case you receive such a call.
The first thing to do is use your common sense. Fraudsters will call to tell you all about an amazing investment deal that is going to make you a fortune. Ask yourself why they are telling you about it.
“I have been targeted by unsolicited calls from scammers and would advise that if you ever receive a call offering you the investment of a lifetime, just put the phone down,” said Nick Hewer, TV presenter and former Apprentice star who is supporting the FCA’s ScamSmart campaign.
“Go by the rule that if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. If the investment was that good, everyone would be investing.”
Investment fraudsters can be really sophisticated and back up their knowledgeable sales pitch with credible-looking websites, testimonials and sales materials. This can make it really difficult to spot a scam.
“Be sceptical. Be suspicious. Ask questions. Do your own checks before investing; check the FCA ScamSmart website, the FCA warning list and the FCA register to see if those that are asking for your money are the real deal,” said Steward.
Before you invest in a scheme that has contacted you out of the blue, seek independent financial advice.
If you do fall victim to a scam, report it so the FCA can warn others. Research from the authority found that 60% of people that have experienced investment fraud haven’t reported it, but it can be greatly beneficial.
For more top tips on fraud prevention, read our guide on how to avoid scams and rip-offs
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