Advice on financial investment schemes

On 25th November 2025, Rip Off Britain reported on financial investment schemes advertised on social media. The Financial Conduct Authority has been cracking down on fraudulent “finfluencers” – unqualified individuals online providing financial advice. Fraud lawyer Arun Chauhan and tech expert David McLelland gave their advice on what to do before engaging in a financial scheme or with a “finfluencer”.

• Stand back and look at the investment. Do you understand it? What are they selling? Can you get behind the person who sent it?
• Check the FCA Register as well as the FCA’s ‘warning list’ on the FCA website to check whether they are on there.
• Look for language selling a ‘hype’ or ‘act now’ which may make you think you're going to miss out on the opportunity.
• Do not rely on an account being verified on social media.