Welcome to Hoxton Wealth, the new home of Hoxton Capital

Financial PlanningMarch 11, 2025

How to Avoid Falling Victim to Investment Scams

Hoxton BlogHow to Avoid Falling Victim to Investment Scams

  • Financial Planning

At Hoxton Wealth, we are committed to helping you secure your financial future. 

But as more people look for ways to grow their wealth, investment scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Just recently, the City of London Police issued a warning about fraudulent investment schemes that target investors who reside globally. 

Investment Fraud: What You Need to Know

A recently uncovered fraudulent scheme has been luring investors with fake opportunities, promising high returns with little risk. As with most investment fraud, these scams often appear incredibly convincing, preying on the hopes of those searching for fast, high-reward financial opportunities. But beware: If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Investment scams can be hard to spot, but knowing the warning signs can make all the difference. Here are the key red flags to watch for:

  • 1Promises of High Returns

    Scammers often boast about unrealistically high returns. Legitimate investments come with risk, and if the return sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

  • 2Pressure to Act Quickly

    Scammers will try to rush you into making decisions without giving you time to think. A legitimate opportunity allows you to take your time and make informed choices

  • 3Unlicensed or Unregulated Firms

    Always check if the investment firm is licensed and regulated. Before committing to an investment, ensure they’re registered with official regulatory bodies like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK or Secruities and Exchange Commision (SEC) in the US.

  • 4Unverifiable Claims

    Be wary of companies or individuals making grand promises without clear, verifiable evidence to back up their claims.

Why Do People Fall Victim to Scams?

Scammers often prey on people's desire for financial security and quick wealth. The promises of high returns with minimal effort or risk can be hard to resist. Understanding this psychology can help you recognise when something isn't quite right.

What to Do If You’ve Been Affected

If you suspect that you’ve fallen victim to investment fraud, it’s crucial to take immediate action: 

  1. Report the Incident: Contact your local authorities to report the scam. 
  1. Verify with Regulators: Use the regulators website to check if the investment is legitimate. 
  1. Seek Independent Advice: Always consult with a licensed financial adviser before making major investment decisions.  Ensure the adviser has a fiduciary obligation to you. 

How to Protect Yourself from Investment Scams

At Hoxton Wealth, we emphasize the importance of educated, informed investment choices. Here are a few steps to help you protect yourself:

  • Do Your Due Diligence: Research thoroughly any investment opportunity, especially if it promises unusually high returns. Make sure the firm is regulated and has a reputable track record. 
  • Seek Professional Guidance: If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed financial adviser who can guide you through your options. 

Avoiding Scams: Why Long-Term, Steady Investments Are Your Best Protection

Investment scams are becoming more sophisticated, but with the right knowledge, you can protect yourself. Always be cautious of high-return promises, pressure tactics, and unregulated firms. At the core of successful investing is a principle: staying invested for the long term in safe, steady investments. Chasing trends and quick wins can often lead to risky ventures and worse, fraud. 

By focusing on long-term growth with well-researched, stable investments, you can build wealth securely. If you’re looking for a safe, reliable investment strategy, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward building a secure financial future. 

How Can We Help You?

If you would like to speak to one of our advisers, please get in touch today.

“I have been dealing with Hoxton for just over 1 year now, and am happy to praise the patience, support and guidance provided by Ravi Gill and David Moss. I am very pleased with the decision to ultimately move to Hoxton in late 2023..”

Antony Stevens

17, March

“I've been working with Hoxton Wealth for a couple of year and I've found both Mike Yuille and Strawberry Palacio to be highly capable individuals that I've grown to respect and trust..”

Neale Travers

15, March

“ Robert Bronsdon was fully up to speed on matters, took all the time to explain everything and gave me candid honest advice that is unambiguously in my best interest (and not his own)..”

Bram Driesen

12, March

“I have been extremely lucky to have Robert Moore as an advisor. He has been ever-present, supportive and accurate in his advice. I cannot imaging finding a better advisor anywhere...”

C. Mackenzie

11, March

About Author

Hoxton Wealth

March 11, 2025

Contact Hoxton Wealth

Contact us today to discover how Hoxton Wealth can help you achieve your financial goals. Together, we can build a brighter financial future.