The findings also highlighted the risk of investing in ‘opportunities’ with limited time frames. Scammers often use this tactic as a way to pressure victims into an ill-advised decision, so consumers should assess all investment opportunities carefully by visiting the FCA Warning List to check if the investment firm is unauthorised.

Another alarming discovery was that 22% of respondents said they hadn’t checked or didn’t know if their investment was protected by Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This means that investors could be making investments without any chance of compensation if something were to happen to their provider.

Additional findings from the study include:
11% of Britons who have made a financial investment said they do it because their friends are investing, with 26% finding it ‘fun’
14% chose investments because they were promoted by a celebrity or influencer on social media
Those aged 18-24 who have made a financial investment were more likely to invest while watching TV/Netflix (13%), at the pub (11%) or coming back from a night out (7%) compared to those over 25

The FSCS cannot provide protection against being scammed. Investors need to take time in doing research and be vigilant when it comes to fraudsters, as they will always find new ways to target people.

Perform relevant checks before investing
Familiarise yourself with the warning signs of a scam. These include, but are not limited to, unexpected or unsolicited contact, pressure to make a decision within a set time window and unrealistic returns
Check the FCA Warning List to determine if the firm you’re dealing with is authorised by the FCA
Verify the person you’re dealing with is who they say they are through the FCA Register
Confirm that your investment is eligible for FSCS protection using the new Investment Protection Checker