Investment Scams

Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other. So how can we help?

Investment scams can be hard to spot, so before investing, take a moment and let Sell Securely do the background check for you.

Sign up here, give us their details and we will contact them and check their details for you.

What is an investment scam and how can we help?

Investment scams involve promises of big payouts, quick money or guaranteed returns. Always be suspicious of any investment opportunities that promise a high return with little or no risk – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is – and is highly likely to be a scam.

We do not check the investment you are about to invest in, but we can validate the person is who they say they are and the bank details are correct. Generally, scammers use fictitious names and once your money is in their account, it’s gone!

Before you invest, you should ask yourself if you are willing to lose some or all of the money you have invested and know that if you go ahead, you are investing with little or no protections behind you.

Service coming July 2023. Sign up now for updates. 

 

We do not provide any investment advice.

How to spot an investment scam

Sounds too good to be true? It probably is! Learn more about investment scams.

They sound like the real deal

A scammer claiming to be a stock broker or portfolio manager calls, emails or contacts you on social media and offers financial or investment advice. They may even claim to be from an investment firm or company you have heard of, as scammers sometimes impersonate these businesses to seem legitimate.

Be aware ‘investment opportunities’ that promise a high return with little risk

The scammer will claim that their offering is low-risk and will provide quick, high returns or encourage you to invest in overseas companies. The scammer's offer will sound legitimate, and they may have professional-looking websites and resources to back up their claims. They will be persistent and may continue to contact you until you agree to invest.

red-flag investments

The scammer may claim that they do not need an Australian Financial Services licence or that they are approved by an actual government regulator or affiliated with a genuine company. The investments offered in these cold calls are usually share, mortgage, or real estate high-return schemes, options trading or foreign currency trading. The scammer usually operates overseas and will not have an Australian Financial Services Licence.

So, what can you do?

How can you protect yourself and your money from investment scammers. 

Get Professional Help

Before investing, always seek independent legal or financial advice from a financial advisor registered with ASIC. If it's, a cryptocurrency investment, always speak with a qualified legal adviser first. Even if you think you are investing in a well-known company, ask your financial or legal adviser to look at any materials they provide before investing any money. Scammers often impersonate real companies and have convincing sales materials and websites.

Check their details

Sign up here, give us their details and we will contact them and check their details for you. We can validate the person is who they say they are and the bank details are correct. Generally, scammers use fictitious names and once your money is in their account, it's gone!

Reject the scammer

Do not give your details or financial information to anyone contacting you over the phone, via email or message offering investment opportunities or financial guidance, especially if you have never met them – hang up or delete the email or message. Don't feel pressured to do anything. Do not send money to someone you have only met online or transfer money or digital currencies into an investment opportunity suggested by someone you've only met online.

been scammed. Here's What to do:

If you have recently lost money or given out your personal information to a scammer, there are steps you can take straight away to help protect you from any further losses. 

Contact your bank or financial Institution

You should contact your financial institution immediately if you’ve sent money or shared your bank account details with a scammer. They may be able to stop the transaction and/or close your account.

Report the scam to authorities

It’s best to report your scam to the Australian Cyber Security Centre. Reports may be referred to the police for possible investigation.

Seek Support

It can be very stressful and emotionally draining, so please seek help. You can talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust. Contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160. IDCARE is a free, government-funded service that supports victims of identity crime.

Get Securely's help today.

Let us validate the investment potential. Make sure the person is who they say they are and the bank details are correct with Securely.