Fraud prevention.

This page discusses fraud prevention and how to protect yourself against investment scams.

To protect yourself from fraud – be proactive.

Fraudsters used highly sophisticated methods to entice people to part with their hard earned money and will go to extreme lengths to portray a legitimate investment opportunity. For example, they will create fake identities (sometimes steeling your identity), form fake companies and go as far as staging meetings in reputable banks with corrupt employees.

Go back to basics – do your homework

Unless you’re investing in a highly reputable investment platform that can demonstrate legitimacy and results (e.g. they’re listed on a stock exchange) it makes sense to verify the opportunity before you invest. Investments that are not secured often entice investors with high rates of return. Such opportunities may well be true, but more often than not they’re fake.

How to tell if an investment is fake

If you are considering an investment we advise extreme caution when it involves wine, shares, property, land, currency, carbon credits or pensions. Such schemes are often unregulated and absolutely worthless. Sentry Intelligence work with government departments to identify whether investment opportunities are real (or not) so we can advise our clients accordingly.

Steps to protect yourself from fraud

To protect yourself against fraud, think logically. Never transfer money, even if in response to a request from a friend – talk to your friend to verify their request.

Fraudsters frequently target people before they make contact. They will build up a personal profile of you, your family and your financial status before making contact to make their enquiry seem official and legitimate.

If you’ve invested in the past they will know the name of your broker, what you invested in, how much you invested and what returns you received. They may say they’re calling from your broker when they call – check that they are by calling your broker.

Research the opportunity

If you are approached by a broker or financial institution you can check their validity on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website. If they are not registered with the FCA it doesn’t mean that the opportunity is fake but we advise caution and suggest that you take steps to explore their legitimacy. Some high yielding investment platforms and opportunities are credible but it’s common sense to obtain peace-of-mind before you progress further.

Proactive fraud prevention

We can beat today’s fraudsters who continually work harder and smarter to beat the system by increasing our intelligence. If you suspect an instance of fraud you can help us to develop our understanding by sharing your experience with government intelligence agencies. Any information you provide will help us to develop valuable insights and profiles of suspects and ultimately help us to bring those responsible to justice. You can share your experience using the form below.

More ways to protect yourself from fraud

Further ways to protect yourself from fraud and cyber crime

Anti-Viris Software

Make sure that your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and that all Apps are updated across your devices. Also, check that your browser is set to the highest level of security.

Email Passwords

Use a password that is different from your other passwords. Make it complicated and change it regularly.

Your Personal Information

Never disclose your personal information such as your name, address, date of birth and in particular, never give out bank details or security codes. If an unsolicited caller says he/she is from an organisation, thank them for their call and you call them back.

Phishing Emails

Many scams start with an illegitimate email. Remember that banks and financial institutions will never as you to click on a link to confirm your bank details. Never trust such emails, even if they do look genuine. You can always call your bank using a telephone noted on an official statement, or from their website.

Bank Statements

Always check your bank statements to see if there are any withdrawals you do not recognise. If your bank account has been compromised scammers will sometimes withdraw small but regular amounts.

Protect Your Identity

Use facilities such as ProtectMyID. They will continually monitor your Experian credit report and will notify you of any suspicious activity that could be fraudulent.

Online Shopping

If you shop online, register to Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code whenever you are given the option. This involves you registering a unique password with your card company which adds an additional layer of security to your online transactions.

Shred Paperwork

Always shred unused receipts that contain your credit card details and always shred your bank statements and utility bills. Fraudsters don’t require much information to clone your identity.

Too Good To Be True

Be wary of every opportunity you are offered. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Fraud Recovery Fraud

If you have been subjected to fraud be very mindful of fraudulent companies acting as solicitors, lawyers or law enforcement officers providing services to recover your money.

Are you a victim of fraud?

If you have been subjected to fraud please contact our UK Team by calling the number below.

+44(0)1423 313005

Contact our fraud prevention team

Whether you are considering an investment or have been subjected to investment fraud we can help. Please send us a message using the form below so we can establish the most appropriate next steps for you to take.

Any preliminary investigations that we undertake will not be charged.

Alternatively call

+44(0)1423 313 005

Click here to access our secure form

Call our UK fraud investigations team +44(0)1423 313 005

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