🚨 FRAUD ALERT: Rise in Investment Scam Calls 🚨

Residents of Kent are urged to stay vigilant following a significant increase in scam calls offering fraudulent investment opportunities!

Investment scams are sophisticated and convincing, targeting individuals with pressure tactics and promises of high returns.

Criminals are increasingly using cold calls, fake websites, and impersonation tactics to deceive victims in to investing large amounts of money.

🔍 How to spot an Investment scam 🔍

Be cautious if you encounter any of the following:

· Unsolicited contact: Cold calls, emails, or social media messages offering investment opportunities.

· Pressure tactics: Limited-time offers or time sensitive bonuses for making a large deposit

· Too good to be true: Promises of high, guaranteed returns with little or no risk.

· Secrecy requests: You are asked not to tell anyone else.

· Unregulated products: Investments in crypto or foreign exchange not covered by UK protections.

· Fake credentials: Professional-looking fraudulent websites or documents that lack verifiable details.

· Repeated calls: Persistent contact and long conversations to wear you down and convince you to invest.

· Requests for unusual payments: You are asked to pay deposits via gift cards, or direct to personal accounts.

How to protect yourself from Investment fraud:

· Hang up on suspicious calls and don’t engage with unsolicited contact

· Check legitimacy via the Financial Conduct Authority ScamSmart Investment Checker.

· Report scams to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

· Talk to someone before investing—never rush into making a big financial decision!

📞 Do you need help and support?

If you think you’ve been targeted in an investment scam or you have lost money to an investment scam do not be embarrassed—report it. Support is available through:

· Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040

· Victim Support: 08 08 16 89 111

Stay safe!

Message Sent By
Emily Jenner
(Kent Police, Prevent And Protect Fraud Officer, Prevent And Protect Fraud Team)

https://www.mycommunityvoicekent.co.uk/Alerts/A/318831