Overview
- The City of London Police reported nationwide figures showing £879.8 million stolen through investment scams in 2025, with reports up 31% on 2024.
- Victims lost an average of £25,612 per case, often drawn from pension pots or long-term savings, and people over 60 were the most likely to come forward.
- Officers warn that criminals use bogus trading platforms, fake bond offers, cryptocurrency pitches, cloned websites, and AI‑manipulated videos to look legitimate.
- Police also flag the role of “finfluencers,” whose flashy posts can make risky trading seem normal and leave inexperienced followers open to scams.
- For protection, police urge checks on the Financial Conduct Authority’s firm checker, independent financial advice before sending money, and reports to the national service Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.