Fraudsters are getting clever, they can be articulate and appear financially knowledgeable, perfecting a sales pitch to grab your attention and set up credible websites, so you wouldn’t even suspect they are not the real deal.
How many of us have had a phone call to tell us:
• About a new investment opportunity that you just cannot miss out on?
• About an amazing bonus or discount if you can invest before a certain date?
• About tempting returns that sound too good to be true?
The harsh lesson many have found is that if it sounds too good to be true then that’s exactly what it is.
In order to combat this type of investment fraud the FCA has recently set up the SmartScam website which encourages consumers to reject cold calls about “investment opportunities”.
The website also directs people to the FCA’s warning list, which flags firm such as those operating clone sites and those that are unauthorised to operate in the UK. The regulator also helps explain the potential pitfalls of investment opportunities and recommends that anyone considering any investment should obtain impartial advice from an independent financial adviser.
At Choice Financial Solutions we are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and provide advice and recommendations to our clients based on their individual circumstances, we never cold call and would never promise what can ultimately not be delivered.