Beware of share or debt fraud

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.

Have you been

• contacted out of the blue
• promised tempting returns and 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.

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.

1. Reject unsolicited calls or correspondence

If you've received unsolicited calls or correspondence about an investment opportunity, chances are it's a high risk investment or a scam. You should treat the call with extreme caution. The safest thing to do is to hang up.

2. Check the FCA Warning List

The FCA Warning List is a list of forms and individuals we know are operating without our authorisation.

3. Get impartial advice

Think about getting impartial financial advice before you hand over any money. Seek advice from someone unconnected to the firm that has approached you.