Investment Fraud Warning

Investment Fraud Warning

Investment fraud remains a significant concern across the North East of Scotland, accounting for substantial financial losses. Fraudsters frequently target individuals through unsolicited phone calls, emails or convincing social media advertisements promoting high-yield opportunities such as cryptocurrencies, property schemes or gold. These criminals often use sophisticated tactics, including fake celebrity endorsements and cloned websites, to build false trust and pressure victims into making rushed financial decisions. 

Police Scotland urges the public to adopt the ‘Take Five to Stop Fraud advice to protect themselves: 

Stop Take a moment to pause and think before parting with your money or personal information. Never let a supposed urgency rush your judgment. 

Challenge Ask yourself if the offer could be fake. Be deeply suspicious of guaranteed high returns with little or no risk or exclusive deals. Always verify if a firm is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) using official contact details - not those provided by the caller. 

Protect Contact your bank immediately if you suspect you have fallen victim to a scam and report the incident to Police Scotland by calling 101. 

Staying informed and sceptical of unsolicited financial offers is your best defence against predatory investment schemes.

This messaging system is not for reporting crime as responses are not monitored 24/7.  If you have time-critical information regarding the content of the above message, or if you wish to report any other non-urgent matter, please call 101.  In an emergency, call 999.

Police Scotland's North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division's Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.