21/05/2026
Post shared by Kent Police via the My Community Voice newsletter.
Kent County Council and Kent Trading Standards have recently warned residents to be on high alert following a spike in investment scams being promoted through
Facebook adverts, with one Kent resident losing tens of thousands of pounds.
One scam advert appeared highly convincing and encouraged the victim to make an initial small investment. Over time, the individual was persuaded to invest
increasing amounts of money, believing they would receive substantial financial
returns.
In reality, the funds were converted into cryptocurrency by the scammers, and no
returns were ever provided.
We are urging residents to remain cautious of investment opportunities promoted
on social media platforms and to remember that legitimate investment firms will
never pressure or rush individuals into making financial decisions.
Protect Yourself From Investment Scams
Residents are advised to follow these simple steps before making any investment:
• Stop – Do not rush into financial decisions
• Check – Use the Financial Services Register to verify any investment company
• Ignore – Unexpected or unsolicited investment opportunities
• Never share – Bank details, PINs, or one-time passcodes
• Talk – Speak to a trusted friend, family member or a qualified adviser before investing
If you have been a victim of any type of scam, then contact your Bank
immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and reporting to Report Fraud via their website: https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/reporting-a-fraud/ or call 0300 123 2040.
Find out more by visiting our website: https://www.kent.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/and also from the Home Office by using their website, Stop! Think Fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/
Featured image has been created by Microsoft Co-Pilot.
Kent Police
