Client security

Client security

Scams and other frauds

Investment fraud occurs when someone obtains your assets by a deception of some kind. Fraudsters can be articulate and appear financially knowledgeable. They may have credible websites, testimonials and marketing materials.

We have in place robust infrastructure and procedures to combat scams and other frauds, but we encourage you to remain vigilant and patient at all times.

If you have any concerns that a scam or other fraud is taking place, contact us immediately on +44 (0)20 7658 4004 (ask for the Financial Crime Team) or email 

 before you take any action.

Common financial scams

If an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Scammers will usually call you out of the blue, but contact can also be by email, text message, post, word of mouth or at a seminar or exhibition.

The most common financial scams targeting the public include:

Investment fraudsters will use a variety of techniques including:

  • downplaying the risks, or using jargon
  • promising extremely high returns
  • calling you repeatedly and staying on the ‘phone for a long time
  • saying that the offer is only available to you or is highly confidential

How to avoid scams – key steps

  • Treat all unexpected calls, emails and text messages with caution.
  • Don’t be pressured into acting quickly.
  • Never give out your bank account or credit card details unless you are certain who you are dealing with.
  • Only deal with a PRA or FCA-authorised firm: check the Register to see if the firm is registered.
  • Double-check the URL and contact details of a firm in case it’s a ‘clone firm’.
  • Check the FCA Warning List for unauthorised firms and people or investments to avoid.
  • Check your account and statements regularly.
  • The PRA and FCA will not contact you directly. If you are in any doubt about the authenticity of contact from the PRA or FCA, contact the FCA’s Consumer Helpline.

If you have been scammed

  • Report it: you can report the firm or scam to the FCA by contacting their Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768 or using their reporting form. For products FCA doesn’t regulate or if you’ve lost money in a scam, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their website.
  • Try to stop any transactions: contact the relevant financial services firm e.g. your bank or investment manager, notify them of the scam and see if they can stop any transaction or freeze your account.
  • Be wary of future scams: fraudsters are likely to target you again or sell your details to other criminals e.g. an offer to get your money back or to buy back the investment after you pay a fee. 

Further information

For more information, please see:

Contact us

Past performance is not a guide to future performance and may not be repeated. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amounts originally invested. All investments involve risks including the risk of possible loss of principal.

This content is issued by Schroders Family Office Service. Schroders Family Office Service and Cazenove Capital are trading names of Schroder & Co. Limited, who together with connected companies provide the services described.

Schroder & Co. Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered office is at 1 London Wall Place, London, EC2Y 5AU. Registered Number 2280926 England.

The value of an investment and the income from it may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amount originally invested.