Scammers are almost always trying to steal your money. And they’re getting better at fooling even the most careful people into sharing their private information. 

We take a look at investment scams and how you can avoid them.

Investment scams

What's the scam?

Investment scams usually involve someone unexpectedly calling and inviting you to invest quickly in a scheme with very attractive returns and low risk.

They often add pressure by making it a ‘limited time offer’ so that you are tempted into a quick decision.

They also use authentic looking paperwork.

How does it work?

Scammers often use adverts on Google and social media offering guaranteed and risk-free returns from investment bonds.

Fake websites, email addresses and telephone numbers are used to convince victims into investing.

Investors seeking to take advantage of higher interest rates are targeted by scammers.

How do I protect myself?

Always take the time to make proper checks before investing your money.

Be aware, LGIM does not sell investment bonds to members of the public.  You can visit our official website to confirm genuine contact information and product offerings.

Never share your financial or personal information with someone you are unsure about.

Spotting threats

Robocalls

A robocall is a call that delivers pre-recorded messages through auto-dialing software. 

What to do if I receive a robocall?

  • Never speak. Hang up immediately
  • Never say the word 'yes'
  • Don't follow the instructions or press any numbers.

Blocking a robocall

  • Landlines: Talk to your phone provider for details
  • Mobile phones: Both IOS (Apple) & Android allow you to block calls.
Old woman talking on mobile phone
Man staring at laptop

Misleading domain names

Scammers register domain names that look official but are fake. They do this by:

  • misspelling a letter in the web address
  • or by creating a fake website, that sounds like it's official but isn’t

Unless it is a web domain you recognise and know to be safe, don’t open it. Better still, search online for the correct website. 

If our web address isn’t:

Then it’s not us. Make sure you check the spelling of all web links very carefully.

Phishing, vishing and smishing

Find out the different ways scammers try to steal your personal information, passwords and banking details.

Letter icon

Phishing

Is that email from us? Is that our website?

Find out about phishing
Vishing phone icon

Vishing

Is it Legal & General who is phoning you? Is it really us who left you a voicemail?

Find out about vishing
scams phone icon

Smishing

Is that phone text from us?

Find out about smishing

Report a scam

Something phishy going on?

If you’ve seen, read or heard anything from Legal & General that you think may be fake or a scam, you can report it to the FCA or Contact us

Woman working with laptop

More help & support

Child wearing a bicycle helmet

Be ready, be wary

Find out how to protect yourself from scammers.

Get yourself protected