Insurance/Investment/Cryptocurrency Fraud #FraudFree2026

Good afternoon,

This week, I’ve noticed several news reports alerting consumers to:

We receive high numbers of reports of these types of fraud, particularly investment fraud involving cryptocurrencies.  Regular readers will know that it is illegal for famous people to advertise/recommend investment products e.g.: celebrities, politicians etc – so that’s a big red flag to watch out for.

On a positive note, the good news is that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have launched a new tool to help consumers check if financial services firms are authorised and have permission to sell products and services (including insurance and investment products): https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/fca-firm-checker?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23486572029&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1K_tiM_MlAMVS5FQBh3PdB6oEAAYASAAEgJkvfD_BwE

The FCA state, “you should be prepared to lose all the money you invest in crypto.  But if you do invest, it’s important to do your own thorough research.” For more information from the FCA about Crypto Investment Fraud including lists of authorised providers please see: https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams  

Please do share this important update with friends and family and encourage them to sign up for their own Hampshire Alert: https://www.hampshirealert.co.uk/ link to the 

Hampshire Alerts is not a crime reporting portal – please do not report crime here.

If you realise you’ve been defrauded and wish to report a fraud that has already happened, please report it to Report Fraud either by phone 0300 123 2040 or online at: https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ 

However, if a fraud or other crime is in progress, and/or you are in fear for yourself or someone else, and/or there is evidence in situ that could be damaged/destroyed, please phone 999 immediately. 

Otherwise, report non-fraud crime online, or find out about other ways to report a crime at: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

If you would like to report a crime anonymously, please contact: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or phone 0800 555 111

If you've been affected by a crime please contact Victim Care Hub for free, confidential, support:  https://www.hampshireiowvictimcare.co.uk/  or phone 0808 178 1641

If you’ve received a phishing email please report it to your email provider and/or forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk 

If you’ve received unwanted phone calls or texts from people you think are trying to scam you, but you haven’t engaged with them, please forward the text/phone number to 7726 or your phone provider.

Thank you – Fraud Safeguarding Team