How do I protect myself from investor fraud? ============================================ Financial services institutions provide safeguards against this financial crime. The FCA itself imposes protective monitoring procedures on banks and professional services firms to manage investment fraud risk, with these industries being especially at risk of receiving/facilitating the proceeds of these crimes. The obligations of these institutions include identifying potential customers, monitoring account activity, reporting suspicious activity to the National Crime Agency, and having robust policies in place to prevent these activities. ### Seek professional advice Always seek professional advice before making any significant financial decision. Individuals must never feel rushed, or pressured, into making investment decisions. ### Use the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) Register Use the FCA register to double check whether an investment organisation is regulated by the FCA. If it is, then you will be covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service if things go wrong. What to do if you become a victim of Investment Fraud ------------------------------------------------------ ### Check for identity theft It is imperative to check that your identity has not been stolen as a result of investment fraud. This can be done quickly and easily online by checking one's credit rating. It is also advisable to carry out these checks every few months through a reputable service provider online. ### Seek legal advice You may be able to enforce civil as well as criminal actions against the fraudster(s). As such, it is advisable that you seek professional legal advice to explore the options you might have here. ### Take care not to be targeted again Criminals may try to re-establish contact, claiming their ability to recover lost money. This is a secondary scam: hang up on any callers and do not reply or follow any links in texts or emails. About Us -------- Ayesha VardagFounder & President "ROLLS ROYCE SERVICE FROM START TO FINISH" Vardags offer a unique approach to the law, specially tailored to the needs of HNW individuals. Our lawyers come from the very best universities and receive the very best training - they are determined, diligent, and dedicated to getting the best outcome... [read more](https://vardags.com/about-us) [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact) What our clients say -------------------- Thanks to Emma and the team for the outstanding handling of my case. Throughout the months of my ongoing case I was kept informed and updated at all times never left wondering what was happening or where I stood. From meeting... Emma I felt instantly that my case was in good (understatement) hands, she has a friendly personal approach as well as so much expertise in the handling of family law cases. I feel so grateful to have had Emma and her team handle my case and for the outcome! Thank you! Emily Calvin I hope you don't need it, but if you do, I would highly recommend Vardags. Xiao Ma Vardags takes care to match the client to the solicitor. Within 2 months, Vardags got me everything I needed. I would not have the future I now have in front of me if it wasn't for Vardags. N Beresford-Tomlin I found myself in a position that I quite simply never dreamt I would be in in a million years. I went to Vardags, initially for advice. All my options were laid out in a very professional yet personal way. We decided to go down... a particular route and as my situation changed , so did the route that Vardags recommended. I had never felt so vulnerable in all my life and so it was very comforting to feel supported at all times. Anya Atkins Throughout my time using Vardags I felt that I have always been in the best possible hands. I enjoyed an excellent level of service and received accurate and precise legal advice. The lawyers are hugely talented, sensitive and... focused on getting the very best results. Their no-nonsense and direct approach is most valuable when time and costs are of the essence. I highly recommend them over and above any other law firm I have ever dealt with. Thank you Vardags. Valerie Knowledgeable, respectful and empathetic service and team. Michelle Ravden