At Excel Currencies, we assist expats, immigrants, families abroad, and businesses with secure international money transfers every day — often for property purchases, retirement funding, or supporting loved ones overseas. These life-changing moments can make you a target for investment fraud, where scammers promise high returns on fake schemes, especially in volatile areas like cryptocurrency, forex, or unregulated platforms.
Investment fraud losses surged in the first half of the year
Fraud losses in the first half of the year
Accounting for 38% of authorised push payment (APP) fraud losses
Overall fraud losses in H1 2025 (up 3% year-on-year)
Barclays data showing investment scams representing of total claim values for the year.
Crypto-related schemes and "pig butchering" (long-term romance-to-investment grooming) remain prevalent, often starting on social media.
Expats planning overseas moves or transfers are particularly at risk, as fraudsters exploit cross-border confusion with promises of "exclusive" international opportunities or tax advantages.
Contact UsScammers adapt quickly to awareness campaigns and regulations:
Fake platforms showing "live" trading gains, often tied to unregulated crypto, forex, or AI-driven schemes
Building trust over months (sometimes via romance) before pushing fraudulent investments; losses often in crypto due to irreversibility.
Deepfakes, fake profiles, and targeted ads on platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook promising guaranteed returns.
Promises of low-risk, high-yield investments in property, wine, carbon credits, or shares — often impersonating legitimate firms.
After initial losses, scammers pose as "recovery experts" (even faking FCA involvement) to extract more money.
The FCA reported nearly 5,000 fake FCA impersonation cases in H1 2025, many linked to investment recovery after scams.
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Stay alert — these red flags appear in most 2025 cases:
Cold calls, social media messages, texts, or ads about "exclusive" investments or guaranteed high returns.
Risk-free/high returns, quick profits, or "secret" opportunities (no legitimate investment is guaranteed).
Urgency like "limited spots" or "market closing soon" — combined with emotional manipulation.
Especially international wires or crypto wallets — with excuses like "tax fees" or "platform upgrades."
Showing impressive but fabricated gains; scammers control the interface.
Posing as FCA-regulated firms, celebrities (e.g. Martin Lewis, Elon Musk), or recovery services.
Follow these current recommendations from the FCA, Action Fraud, and UK Finance:
Always check firms on the FCA Register (fca.org.uk/register) or Warning List (fca.org.uk/warnings). Never use links provided — go directly to official sites.
For any investment-related send (especially abroad), verify details verbally with known contacts. Use regulated providers only.
Ignore cold approaches. Legitimate firms don't cold-call for investments.
Use strong passwords, MFA, and be cautious with social media sharing. Reverse image search profile photos.
When transferring for property, retirement, or family, choose FCA-regulated options. Be wary of "overseas investment" schemes promising better returns/tax benefits without proper checks.
If targeted, contact your bank to freeze/stop funds, then report to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040). For FCA impersonation, alert the FCA directly.
Many of our customers transfer large sums for overseas property, pensions, or family support — perfect moments for scammers to strike with fake "investment" opportunities. Falling victim can derail plans, create tax complications, or lead to irreversible crypto losses. Staying protected keeps your money moving safely to where it belongs.
At Excel Currencies
We focus solely on secure currency transfers — never unsolicited investment advice. We use bank-grade security, provide personal service from real humans, and ensure transparency every step.
Investment fraud destroys retirements and dreams, but simple checks prevent most cases. In 2025, with AI and social media amplifying threats, always verify twice. Your savings deserve protection — not promises.
Questions about secure international transfers?
Contact our team today — our team is ready with trustworthy, no-pressure service.
Contact our team today
