The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on Wednesday warned investors about the tactics of investment fraudsters, particularly those who play on older investors’ habits in order to carry out their scams.
Fraudsters are employing “increasingly advanced psychological tactics” to persuade victims to participate in their schemes, the FCA says in a news release. These tactics include offering time-limited deals, in order to prey on investors who believe that they need to act quickly to get a good deal.
New research, which was carried out online between Jan. 27 and Feb. 6, finds that half of older investors (aged 55 and up) believe they must act quickly, the FCA says.
The FCA research also finds that only 42% of older investors believe that they know how to spot potential investment fraud. As well, fraudsters also try to capitalize on the fact that one third of older investors are reluctant to discuss their investment decisions with others, which enables fraudsters to encourage victims to keep their arrangements secret, the FCA notes.
Fraudsters may try to exploit older investors propensity to invest alongside others, the FCA says. Its research found that 45% agree that investments “are more attractive if you know of others who have made similar investments.”
“Be alert to the warning signs like being contacted out of the blue, promises of low risk and/or guaranteed above market returns, special deals just for you, time pressure and, very often, flattery,” says Mark Steward, director of enforcement at the FCA, in a statement. “Be vigilant. Don’t let them push you into making a decision and parting with your money. Question their claims.”
The FCA’s warning comes as Canadian regulators also kick off Fraud Prevention Month in Canada. Among other things, the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) will host two town halls during the month to help people learn more about frauds and scams that commonly target investors, and New Brunswick’s Financial and Consumer Services Commission (FCNB) aims to raise fraud awareness by holding a contest through an online trivia game.