Fraudsters use persuasive, high pressure tactics to scam investors. They may offer to sell you shares that turn out to be fake of worthless, or to buy your shares at a high price if you pay an upfront fee. Either way, the promised profits won't materialise and you'll probably lose your money. Here's how to avoid investment scams.

Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Be ScamSmart!

Debt fraud

BT does not issue debt directly to retail investors, and none of BT’s debt is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Further, the target market for BT’s debt under MiFID II is not retail investors, and any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending BT’s debt should therefore not offer, sell or otherwise make available BT’s debt to retail investors.

How to avoid share fraud

Investment scams are designed to look like genuine investments. Find out more on how to protect yourself from scams. 

Spot the warning signs

Have you been:

  • contacted out of the blue;
  • promised tempting returns & told the investment is safe;
  • called repeatedly, or
  • told the offer is only available for a limited time?

If so, you might have been contacted by fraudsters.

Avoid Investment Fraud

  1. Reject cold calls
  2. Check the FCA Firm Checker
  3. Get impartial advice
Financial Conduct Authority - Firm checker Financial Conduct Authority - Firm checker

Before you seal the deal,
check it’s real

Report a scam

Financial Conduct Authority

If you suspect that you have been approached by fraudsters please tell the FCA using the reporting form or call the FCA Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768.

Action Fraud

If you have lost money to investment fraud, you should report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online.

Find out more at www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart

Take simple precautions to protect personal and financial information- for tips on how to protect yourself and find out the latest information go to bt.com/scams

Individual shareholders

Shareholder administration

Share dealing

ShareGift

BT Group EasyShare

FAQs