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.

“The company was recommended to me, i first called the company and received a call back later the same day, from start to completing the pension transfer i had numerous video link calls with them and they really made the whole process easy and very understandable, nothing was an issue and the whole team where very knowledgeable and experienced, nothing was a problem for them, truly recommend there services, great work from all there team.”

P Wood

22, April

“Since December 2024 I have been working with Hoxton’s, primarily with Ellie Gracie on 3 investment vehicles. I opted out of the first as I considered it too risky, the second one has been set up in March and we are currently trying to close on another in the next few days. Ellie has been great. She is always ready to listen to my concerns and is prompt with her email responses. I would say that we work well as a team and I certainly listen to her advice. Long may it continue!!”

R Permanand

21, April

“good product knowledge, easy to contact.”

M Shaw

21, April

“Our advisor, Avi Shah is patient, knowledgeable and personable. He took time to get to know us and didn’t rush us into an agreement . He is proactive and available to chat when needed and has provided us excellent advice in our assets.”

C Field

25, 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.