Over £19 million lost to investment fraud in Sussex last year

Victims of investment fraud in Sussex lost over £19 million pounds to scammers in 2025. Across the UK losses were over £879 million.

According to Report Fraud, 34,673 people across the UK reported investment fraud last year, 31% more than 2024, with victims losing on average over £25,000 each.

Investment fraud remains one of the highest by volume reported in Sussex with around 662 of the UK-wide reports were from Sussex-based victims losing a total of £19,170,220.

Police Constable Bernadette Lawrie the force’s Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer said: “We see a range of different kinds of scams being reported from fraudulent bond schemes and trading platforms to bogus cryptocurrency opportunities.

“These scams can be advertised on social media sometimes even using AI-manipulated videos, deepfakes seeming to feature celebrities or other prominent public-figures and cloned websites to create a more convincing ruse to entice victims.

“Offenders use highly convincing, high‑pressure tactics to create urgency and false trust.”

This use of AI and digital tools by scammers isn’t exclusive to investment fraud and follows a trend of technology use across a range of different fraud types to increase the manipulation and grooming of victims.

However, even in the most common scams sophisticated manipulation can take place.

Fraudsters will cold-call their victims pretending that they are working for an investment company – they may even use the name of a reputable investment company.

They will aim to build trust and ‘validate’ their authenticity by sharing details of previous investments you have made, shares you hold and even information about your personal circumstances.

Scammers will aim to form friendly relationships, building trust to convince you to part with your money.

Some will even claim they can recover money lost from investments on your behalf for a ‘one-off’ fee.

PC Lawrie continued: “Financial scams can take a number of forms however, the impact of these crimes on victims can be equally damaging.

“With some victims experiencing such high individual losses, financial scams such as investment fraud causes devastating and lasting emotional and financial harm.”

Spot the warning signs of investment fraud

Stay alert to red flags that could signal a scam:

• You were contacted out of the blue via phone, email, or social media
• You are being rushed or pressured into making a payment or it’s a time-limited offer
• The returns promised are unusually high or 'guaranteed'
• You can't find the company on the FCA Register or there's no regulation
• The information is vague, or the company uses fake reviews or celebrity endorsements.

Always make safety checks before you invest

There are several preventative actions that should be taken before making any investments:

• Seek independent financial advice before investing
• Check with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)scam smart to see if a company is registered
• Verify the company's identity, location, and regulatory status
• Sign up for Report Fraud alerts to keep up to date with existing and new trends
• Understand what you are investing in (token, platform, mechanism, etc.)
• Is a celebrity really endorsing a particular product? Look at their official website to check.
• Use a secure platform with two-factor authentication and a good reputation.

PC Lawrie said: “We really urge people to pause and seek independent advice before considering investing.

“Sussex Police continues to work tirelessly to help victims recover and prevent these crimes including re-targeting.

“If you have been a victim of investment fraud, report it to us, we’re here to help.”

Victims who are vulnerable or elderly should report to Sussex Police by calling 101. 

Otherwise, reports should be made to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.