This post was originally published on fca.org.uk
What we do to reduce harm
We seek to disrupt potential scams by unregulated firms. We look across a wide range of websites, promotions, firms and reports to spot where consumers may be at risk. We also work with police and law enforcement in the UK and overseas to help disrupt harm.
So far this year, we have issued more than 1,200 warnings.
But scams can be complex, fast-moving and hard to stop, especially when run from overseas or designed to avoid our rules. If you invest through an unauthorised firm, you are unlikely to get your money back. If you are unsure, do not invest.
Protecting people from harm takes everyone working together, including banks, payment providers, regulators, government and law enforcement.
But you can help protect yourself too by staying alert, checking who you’re dealing with and taking time to think before investing.