FCA warns of widespread investment fraud targeting over-55s

Many opt for unregulated investments without advice

Carmen Reichman
clock • 3 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned of scammers targeting older investors, enticing them through 'high returns' to invest in unregulated products such as wine, diamonds and land.

The regulator has warned the over-55s are being increasingly targeted for unregulated investments, with those over the age of 65, and with savings of £10,000 or more, three and a half times as likely to fall victim to investment fraud as the wider population. It had spoken to 2,301 UK residents aged 55 and over in February and March when it found a sharp rise in unsolicited investment calls, which, it warned, was the most common tactic used by investment fraudsters. The FCA's study, released as part of its ScamSmart campaign, showed the current low interest rate environment was one of...

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