🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 44 (from laksa144)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa044.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams","crawl_time":1775684878,"first_indexed_time":1686753959,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"uk,org,fca!www,\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams s443","src_root_hash":"13100877435065474244","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Crypto investment scams | FCA","meta_descriptions":["Find out how crypto investment scams work, how to avoid them and what to do if you’re scammed."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Find out how crypto investment scams work, how to avoid them and what to do if you’re scammed.\nFirst published:\n26\/06\/2018\nLast updated:\n16\/02\/2026\nSee all updates\nHow crypto investment scams work\nHow to protect yourself from scams\nIf you've been scammed\nYou should be prepared to lose all the money you invest in crypto. But if you do decide to invest, it’s important to do your own thorough research. You can read\nmore about crypto\nand\ninvesting in crypto\nfrom InvestSmart.\nHow crypto investment scams work\nCrypto investment scams are on the rise. In fact, reports to us about these scams have more than doubled since 2020, so it’s important to know what to look out for.\nFraudsters tend to advertise on social media, often using images of celebrities to promote the fake investments. But they may also target people searching for investments online, through search engines like Google and Bing.\nThe scam adverts often link to professional-looking websites, where fraudsters may manipulate software to fake prices and investment returns. Once you’ve invested, the scammers may act quickly, closing your account and taking your money. Or they may continue the pretence, to encourage others to invest. You may not even realise you’ve invested in a scam until you try to sell your investment.\n1\nWatch out for the warning signs\nHave you been contacted out of the blue?  \nAre you being pressured to invest quickly?  \nAre you being promised investment returns that sound unrealistic?  \nIf you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, be extremely cautious. Remember, if an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. \n2\nCheck our Financial Services Register\nFirms offering crypto products in the UK must be registered with us or have permission to promote them. Our FS Register will show you which firms are registered, and which firms are operating without permission.  \nSearch for the firm by name, or by using its firm reference number (FRN).  \nIf the firm is registered, check what activities and services it has permission for.\nCheck the firm's contact details and make sure they match the contact details you've been given.\nIf you can’t find a firm on the FS Register, it’s unlikely the firm has permission to offer you crypto products and\nyou should avoid using the firm\n.  \nSearch the FS Register\nBut remember, just because a firm is registered, doesn’t mean you’ll have access to the FSCS or the Financial Ombudsman if something goes wrong. \nCrypto products we regulate\nSome crypto products, such as crypto\nContracts for Difference\n, are regulated by us. This means firms dealing with these products must be authorised. However, it’s important to know that\nthese products shouldn’t be marketed to most consumers\n, so be wary if you’re contacted about investing.\nIf you've been scammed\nIf you’re worried about a potential scam, or you think you may have been contacted by a fraudster, you can report it to us.\nCall us on\n0800 111 6768\nor use our\ncontact form\n to get in touch.\nIf you’ve already invested in a scam, it's important to remember that fraudsters may try to target you again, or sell your details to other criminals.\nThe follow-up scam may be completely different, or it may be related to the previous fraud. It may include an \noffer to get your money back\nor an offer to buy back the investment after you pay a fee.\n16\/02\/2026\n:\nLink changed\nbroken link to Action Fraud removed.\n19\/01\/2026\n:\nEditorial amendment\nto remove ScamSmart references.\n09\/10\/2023\n:\nInformation changed\nUpdates following crypto financial promotions rules and added 'check the FS Register'.\n01\/09\/2023\n:\nEditorial amendment\n14\/06\/2023\n:\nEditorial amendment\nGeneral editorial amends.\n12\/04\/2023\n:\nInformation added\nOn the Unregistered Cryptoasset Businesses list\n20\/03\/2023\n:\nEditorial amendment\npage update as part of website refresh","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#main-content) [Skip to search box](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#edit-search-term)\n\n[![Home](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/themes\/custom\/fca\/images\/logo.png)](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/ \"Home\")\n\nMain menu\n\nMain navigation\n\n- [About us](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/about)\n  ### Contact us\n  Get in touch by phone, via our online form, or by post:\n  \n  Financial Conduct Authority  \n   12 Endeavour Square  \n   London E20 1JN\n  \n  [Contact us](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/contact)\n  \n  #### What we do\n  - 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[Home](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/)\n2. [Consumers](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers)\n3. Crypto investment scams\n\n# Crypto investment scams\nFind out how crypto investment scams work, how to avoid them and what to do if you’re scammed.\n\nFirst published: 26\/06\/2018 Last updated: 16\/02\/2026 [See all updates](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#revisions)\n\n## On this page ![](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/themes\/custom\/fca\/images\/document-customers.svg)\n- [How crypto investment scams work](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#section-how-crypto-investment-scams-work)\n- [How to protect yourself from scams](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#section-how-to-protect-yourself-from-scams)\n- [If you've been scammed](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#section-if-you-ve-been-scammed)\n\nYou should be prepared to lose all the money you invest in crypto. But if you do decide to invest, it’s important to do your own thorough research. You can read [more about crypto](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/investsmart\/crypto-basics \"Crypto: The basics\") and [investing in crypto](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/investsmart\/investing-crypto \"Investing in crypto\") from InvestSmart.\n\n## How crypto investment scams work\nCrypto investment scams are on the rise. In fact, reports to us about these scams have more than doubled since 2020, so it’s important to know what to look out for.\n\nFraudsters tend to advertise on social media, often using images of celebrities to promote the fake investments. But they may also target people searching for investments online, through search engines like Google and Bing.\n\nThe scam adverts often link to professional-looking websites, where fraudsters may manipulate software to fake prices and investment returns. Once you’ve invested, the scammers may act quickly, closing your account and taking your money. Or they may continue the pretence, to encourage others to invest. You may not even realise you’ve invested in a scam until you try to sell your investment.\n\n## How to protect yourself from scams\nMost crypto-related activities aren’t regulated in the UK. This means that if you invest in crypto, you generally won't have access to the [Financial Ombudsman Service](https:\/\/www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk\/) if you want to complain.\n\nYou also won't be protected by the [Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)](https:\/\/www.fscs.org.uk\/) if the firm goes out of business. This means it’s unlikely you’d get your money back.\n\n1. 1\n   ### Watch out for the warning signs\n   - Have you been contacted out of the blue?\n   - Are you being pressured to invest quickly?\n   - Are you being promised investment returns that sound unrealistic?\n   \n   If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, be extremely cautious. Remember, if an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.\n2. 2\n   ### Check our Financial Services Register\n   Firms offering crypto products in the UK must be registered with us or have permission to promote them. Our FS Register will show you which firms are registered, and which firms are operating without permission.\n   \n   - Search for the firm by name, or by using its firm reference number (FRN).\n   - If the firm is registered, check what activities and services it has permission for.\n   - Check the firm's contact details and make sure they match the contact details you've been given.\n   - If you can’t find a firm on the FS Register, it’s unlikely the firm has permission to offer you crypto products and **you should avoid using the firm**.\n   \n   [Search the FS Register](https:\/\/register.fca.org.uk\/s\/)\n   \n   **But remember, just because a firm is registered, doesn’t mean you’ll have access to the FSCS or the Financial Ombudsman if something goes wrong.**\n\n### [Crypto products we regulate](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#expandable1193326)\nSome crypto products, such as crypto [Contracts for Difference](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/financial-terms?name=c#Contracts%20for%20Difference%20\\(CFDs\\)), are regulated by us. This means firms dealing with these products must be authorised. However, it’s important to know that **these products shouldn’t be marketed to most consumers**, so be wary if you’re contacted about investing.\n\n## If you've been scammed\nIf you’re worried about a potential scam, or you think you may have been contacted by a fraudster, you can report it to us.\n\nCall us on **0800 111 6768** or use our [**contact form**](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/contact \"Contact us\") to get in touch.\n\nIf you’ve already invested in a scam, it's important to remember that fraudsters may try to target you again, or sell your details to other criminals.\n\nThe follow-up scam may be completely different, or it may be related to the previous fraud. It may include an [offer to get your money back](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/scamsmart\/recovery-room-scams \"Recovery room scams\") or an offer to buy back the investment after you pay a fee.\n\nPage updates\n\n16\/02\/2026\n\n:\n\n**Link changed** broken link to Action Fraud removed.\n\n19\/01\/2026\n\n:\n\n**Editorial amendment** to remove ScamSmart references.\n\n09\/10\/2023\n\n:\n\n**Information changed** Updates following crypto financial promotions rules and added 'check the FS Register'.\n\n01\/09\/2023\n\n:\n\n**Editorial amendment**\n\n14\/06\/2023\n\n:\n\n**Editorial amendment** General editorial amends.\n\n12\/04\/2023\n\n:\n\n**Information added** On the Unregistered Cryptoasset Businesses list\n\n20\/03\/2023\n\n:\n\n**Editorial amendment** page update as part of website refresh\n\n[Print Page](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams\/printable\/print \"Print Page\")\n\n[Linkedin](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/sharing\/share-offsite?mini=true&url=https%3A\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams&title=Crypto%20investment%20scams&summary=&source=FCA \"Publish this post to LinkedIn\")\n\n[Twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https%3A\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams&text=Crypto%20investment%20scams&summary=&source=FCA \"Share this on Twitter\")\n\nShare page\n\n## On this page ![](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/themes\/custom\/fca\/images\/document-customers.svg)\n- [How crypto investment scams work](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#section-how-crypto-investment-scams-work)\n- [How to protect yourself from scams](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#section-how-to-protect-yourself-from-scams)\n- [If you've been scammed](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#section-if-you-ve-been-scammed)\n\n## [More on crypto](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#relatedContentCollapse)\n[Crypto: The basics](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/investsmart\/crypto-basics)\n\n[Investing in crypto](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/investsmart\/investing-crypto)\n\n[A to Z of financial terms](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/financial-terms)\n\n[Report a scam to us](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/report-scam)\n\n[Protect yourself from scams](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/protect-yourself-scams)\n\n## Report a crime\nIf you've lost money to a scam, [report it to us](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/report-scam \"Report a scam\") and then [contact Report Fraud](https:\/\/www.reportfraud.police.uk\/).\n\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/accessibility)\n- [Complain about us](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/about\/how-we-operate\/complain-about-regulators)\n- [Copyright notice](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/legal)\n- [Corporate responsibility](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/about\/how-we-operate\/corporate-responsibility)\n- [Cymraeg](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/about\/cymraeg)\n- [Freedom of information](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/freedom-information)\n- [Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/about\/how-we-operate\/corporate-responsibility#section-modern-slavery-and-human-trafficking-statement)\n- [Privacy](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/privacy)\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/sitemap)\n- [Translated languages](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/translated-pages)\n\n## Social\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/financial-conduct-authority)\n- [RSS Feed](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/news\/rss.xml)\n- [Twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/thefca)\n\n## Registers and Systems [Registers and Systems](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#footerSystems)\n- [My FCA](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/firms\/my-fca)\n- [Financial Services Register](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/firms\/financial-services-register)\n- [FCA Handbook](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/about\/how-we-regulate\/handbook)\n- [Connect](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/firms\/connect)\n- [RegData](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/firms\/regdata)\n- [Online Invoicing System](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/firms\/fees\/online-invoices)\n\n## Careers [Careers](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#footerCareers)\n- [Careers home](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/careers)\n- [Early careers](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/careers\/early-careers)\n- [Experienced professionals](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/careers\/experienced-professionals)\n\n## Contact [Contact](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#footerContact)\nFCA Head Office\n\n12 Endeavour Square\n\nLondon E20 1JN\n\n[Contact us](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/contact)\n\n[Plain Numbers Working Together Link is external ![](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/themes\/custom\/fca\/images\/plain-numbers-logo.png)](https:\/\/plainnumbers.org.uk\/thefca)\n\nCopyright © 2026 FCA. All rights reserved.\n\n[Back to top](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams)\n\nCompany no. 01920623","attrs_readable_markdown":"Find out how crypto investment scams work, how to avoid them and what to do if you’re scammed.\n\nFirst published: 26\/06\/2018 Last updated: 16\/02\/2026 [See all updates](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#revisions)\n\n##\n- [How crypto investment scams work](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#section-how-crypto-investment-scams-work)\n- [How to protect yourself from scams](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#section-how-to-protect-yourself-from-scams)\n- [If you've been scammed](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#section-if-you-ve-been-scammed)\n\nYou should be prepared to lose all the money you invest in crypto. But if you do decide to invest, it’s important to do your own thorough research. You can read [more about crypto](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/investsmart\/crypto-basics \"Crypto: The basics\") and [investing in crypto](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/investsmart\/investing-crypto \"Investing in crypto\") from InvestSmart.\n\n## How crypto investment scams work\nCrypto investment scams are on the rise. In fact, reports to us about these scams have more than doubled since 2020, so it’s important to know what to look out for.\n\nFraudsters tend to advertise on social media, often using images of celebrities to promote the fake investments. But they may also target people searching for investments online, through search engines like Google and Bing.\n\nThe scam adverts often link to professional-looking websites, where fraudsters may manipulate software to fake prices and investment returns. Once you’ve invested, the scammers may act quickly, closing your account and taking your money. Or they may continue the pretence, to encourage others to invest. You may not even realise you’ve invested in a scam until you try to sell your investment.\n\n1. 1\n   ### Watch out for the warning signs\n   - Have you been contacted out of the blue?\n   - Are you being pressured to invest quickly?\n   - Are you being promised investment returns that sound unrealistic?\n   \n   If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, be extremely cautious. Remember, if an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.\n2. 2\n   ### Check our Financial Services Register\n   Firms offering crypto products in the UK must be registered with us or have permission to promote them. Our FS Register will show you which firms are registered, and which firms are operating without permission.\n   \n   - Search for the firm by name, or by using its firm reference number (FRN).\n   - If the firm is registered, check what activities and services it has permission for.\n   - Check the firm's contact details and make sure they match the contact details you've been given.\n   - If you can’t find a firm on the FS Register, it’s unlikely the firm has permission to offer you crypto products and **you should avoid using the firm**.\n   \n   [Search the FS Register](https:\/\/register.fca.org.uk\/s\/)\n   \n   **But remember, just because a firm is registered, doesn’t mean you’ll have access to the FSCS or the Financial Ombudsman if something goes wrong.**\n\n### [Crypto products we regulate](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/crypto-investment-scams#expandable1193326)\nSome crypto products, such as crypto [Contracts for Difference](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/consumers\/financial-terms?name=c#Contracts%20for%20Difference%20\\(CFDs\\)), are regulated by us. This means firms dealing with these products must be authorised. However, it’s important to know that **these products shouldn’t be marketed to most consumers**, so be wary if you’re contacted about investing.\n\n## If you've been scammed\nIf you’re worried about a potential scam, or you think you may have been contacted by a fraudster, you can report it to us.\n\nCall us on **0800 111 6768** or use our [**contact form**](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/contact \"Contact us\") to get in touch.\n\nIf you’ve already invested in a scam, it's important to remember that fraudsters may try to target you again, or sell your details to other criminals.\n\nThe follow-up scam may be completely different, or it may be related to the previous fraud. It may include an [offer to get your money back](https:\/\/www.fca.org.uk\/scamsmart\/recovery-room-scams \"Recovery room scams\") or an offer to buy back the investment after you pay a fee.\n\n16\/02\/2026 :**Link changed** broken link to Action Fraud removed.\n\n19\/01\/2026 :**Editorial amendment** to remove ScamSmart references.\n\n09\/10\/2023 :**Information changed** Updates following crypto financial promotions rules and added 'check the FS Register'.\n\n01\/09\/2023 :**Editorial amendment**\n\n14\/06\/2023 :**Editorial amendment** General editorial amends.\n\n12\/04\/2023 :**Information added** On the Unregistered Cryptoasset Businesses list\n\n20\/03\/2023 :**Editorial amendment** page update as part of website refresh","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Find out how crypto investment scams work, how to avoid them and what to do if you’re scammed. First published: 26/06/2018 Last updated: 16/02/2026 See all updates How crypto investment scams work How to protect yourself from scams If you've been scammed You should be prepared to lose all the money you invest in crypto. But if you do decide to invest, it’s important to do your own thorough research. You can read more about crypto and investing in crypto from InvestSmart. How crypto investment scams work Crypto investment scams are on the rise. In fact, reports to us about these scams have more than doubled since 2020, so it’s important to know what to look out for. Fraudsters tend to advertise on social media, often using images of celebrities to promote the fake investments. But they may also target people searching for investments online, through search engines like Google and Bing. The scam adverts often link to professional-looking websites, where fraudsters may manipulate software to fake prices and investment returns. Once you’ve invested, the scammers may act quickly, closing your account and taking your money. Or they may continue the pretence, to encourage others to invest. You may not even realise you’ve invested in a scam until you try to sell your investment. 1 Watch out for the warning signs Have you been contacted out of the blue? Are you being pressured to invest quickly? Are you being promised investment returns that sound unrealistic? If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, be extremely cautious. Remember, if an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. 2 Check our Financial Services Register Firms offering crypto products in the UK must be registered with us or have permission to promote them. Our FS Register will show you which firms are registered, and which firms are operating without permission. Search for the firm by name, or by using its firm reference number (FRN).   If the firm is registered, check what activities and services it has permission for. Check the firm's contact details and make sure they match the contact details you've been given. If you can’t find a firm on the FS Register, it’s unlikely the firm has permission to offer you crypto products and you should avoid using the firm .  Search the FS Register But remember, just because a firm is registered, doesn’t mean you’ll have access to the FSCS or the Financial Ombudsman if something goes wrong. Crypto products we regulate Some crypto products, such as crypto Contracts for Difference , are regulated by us. This means firms dealing with these products must be authorised. However, it’s important to know that these products shouldn’t be marketed to most consumers , so be wary if you’re contacted about investing. If you've been scammed If you’re worried about a potential scam, or you think you may have been contacted by a fraudster, you can report it to us. Call us on 0800 111 6768 or use our contact form to get in touch. If you’ve already invested in a scam, it's important to remember that fraudsters may try to target you again, or sell your details to other criminals. The follow-up scam may be completely different, or it may be related to the previous fraud. It may include an offer to get your money back or an offer to buy back the investment after you pay a fee. 16/02/2026 : Link changed broken link to Action Fraud removed. 19/01/2026 : Editorial amendment to remove ScamSmart references. 09/10/2023 : Information changed Updates following crypto financial promotions rules and added 'check the FS Register'. 01/09/2023 : Editorial amendment 14/06/2023 : Editorial amendment General editorial amends. 12/04/2023 : Information added On the Unregistered Cryptoasset Businesses list 20/03/2023 : Editorial amendment page update as part of website refresh
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#main-content) [Skip to search box](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#edit-search-term) [![Home](https://www.fca.org.uk/themes/custom/fca/images/logo.png)](https://www.fca.org.uk/ "Home") Main menu Main navigation - [About us](https://www.fca.org.uk/about) ### Contact us Get in touch by phone, via our online form, or by post: Financial Conduct Authority 12 Endeavour Square London E20 1JN [Contact us](https://www.fca.org.uk/contact) #### What we do - [About the FCA](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/what-we-do/the-fca) - [Enhancing market integrity](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/what-we-do/enhancing-market-integrity) - [Promoting competition](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/what-we-do/promoting-competition) - [Protecting consumers](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/what-we-do/protecting-consumers) #### How we regulate - [Authorisation](https://www.fca.org.uk/authorisation-menu) - [Enforcement](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/how-we-regulate/enforcement) - [Handbook of rules and guidance](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/how-we-regulate/handbook) - [International standards and regulations](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/how-we-regulate/international-standards-regulations) - [Supervision](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/how-we-regulate/supervision) #### How we operate - [Complain about us, the PRA or the Bank of England (the regulators)](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/how-we-operate/complain-about-regulators) - [Corporate responsibility](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/how-we-operate/corporate-responsibility) - [Diversity, equity and inclusion: our progress](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/how-we-operate/diversity-equity-inclusion-progress) - [Environmental sustainability](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/how-we-operate/environmental-sustainability) - [Who we work with](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/how-we-operate/who-work-with) #### Who we are - [Chair](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/who-we-are/chair) - [Chief Executive](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/who-we-are/chief-executive) - [Committees](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/who-we-are/committees) - [Executive committees](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/who-we-are/executive-committees) - [FCA Board](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/who-we-are/fca-board) #### Join us - [Careers home](https://www.fca.org.uk/careers-home) - [Early careers](https://www.fca.org.uk/careers/early-careers) - [Experienced professionals](https://www.fca.org.uk/careers/experienced-professionals) ![Decorative image of skyscrapers with blue filter.](https://www.fca.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/megamenu_warning/public/media/images/strat-landing-page.png.webp?itok=PQejLkLd) Our strategy 2025 to 2030 Our vision and priorities for the next 5 years. 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[Respond to our consultations](https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/search-results?live_c=1) Close menu 1. [Home](https://www.fca.org.uk/) 2. [Consumers](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers) 3. Crypto investment scams # Crypto investment scams Find out how crypto investment scams work, how to avoid them and what to do if you’re scammed. First published: 26/06/2018 Last updated: 16/02/2026 [See all updates](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#revisions) ## On this page ![](https://www.fca.org.uk/themes/custom/fca/images/document-customers.svg) - [How crypto investment scams work](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#section-how-crypto-investment-scams-work) - [How to protect yourself from scams](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#section-how-to-protect-yourself-from-scams) - [If you've been scammed](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#section-if-you-ve-been-scammed) You should be prepared to lose all the money you invest in crypto. But if you do decide to invest, it’s important to do your own thorough research. You can read [more about crypto](https://www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/crypto-basics "Crypto: The basics") and [investing in crypto](https://www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/investing-crypto "Investing in crypto") from InvestSmart. ## How crypto investment scams work Crypto investment scams are on the rise. In fact, reports to us about these scams have more than doubled since 2020, so it’s important to know what to look out for. Fraudsters tend to advertise on social media, often using images of celebrities to promote the fake investments. But they may also target people searching for investments online, through search engines like Google and Bing. The scam adverts often link to professional-looking websites, where fraudsters may manipulate software to fake prices and investment returns. Once you’ve invested, the scammers may act quickly, closing your account and taking your money. Or they may continue the pretence, to encourage others to invest. You may not even realise you’ve invested in a scam until you try to sell your investment. ## How to protect yourself from scams Most crypto-related activities aren’t regulated in the UK. This means that if you invest in crypto, you generally won't have access to the [Financial Ombudsman Service](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/) if you want to complain. You also won't be protected by the [Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)](https://www.fscs.org.uk/) if the firm goes out of business. This means it’s unlikely you’d get your money back. 1. 1 ### Watch out for the warning signs - Have you been contacted out of the blue? - Are you being pressured to invest quickly? - Are you being promised investment returns that sound unrealistic? If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, be extremely cautious. Remember, if an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. 2. 2 ### Check our Financial Services Register Firms offering crypto products in the UK must be registered with us or have permission to promote them. Our FS Register will show you which firms are registered, and which firms are operating without permission. - Search for the firm by name, or by using its firm reference number (FRN). - If the firm is registered, check what activities and services it has permission for. - Check the firm's contact details and make sure they match the contact details you've been given. - If you can’t find a firm on the FS Register, it’s unlikely the firm has permission to offer you crypto products and you should avoid using the firm. [Search the FS Register](https://register.fca.org.uk/s/) But remember, just because a firm is registered, doesn’t mean you’ll have access to the FSCS or the Financial Ombudsman if something goes wrong. ### [Crypto products we regulate](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#expandable1193326) Some crypto products, such as crypto [Contracts for Difference](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/financial-terms?name=c#Contracts%20for%20Difference%20\(CFDs\)), are regulated by us. This means firms dealing with these products must be authorised. However, it’s important to know that these products shouldn’t be marketed to most consumers, so be wary if you’re contacted about investing. ## If you've been scammed If you’re worried about a potential scam, or you think you may have been contacted by a fraudster, you can report it to us. Call us on 0800 111 6768 or use our [contact form](https://www.fca.org.uk/contact "Contact us") to get in touch. If you’ve already invested in a scam, it's important to remember that fraudsters may try to target you again, or sell your details to other criminals. The follow-up scam may be completely different, or it may be related to the previous fraud. It may include an [offer to get your money back](https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart/recovery-room-scams "Recovery room scams") or an offer to buy back the investment after you pay a fee. Page updates 16/02/2026 : Link changed broken link to Action Fraud removed. 19/01/2026 : Editorial amendment to remove ScamSmart references. 09/10/2023 : Information changed Updates following crypto financial promotions rules and added 'check the FS Register'. 01/09/2023 : Editorial amendment 14/06/2023 : Editorial amendment General editorial amends. 12/04/2023 : Information added On the Unregistered Cryptoasset Businesses list 20/03/2023 : Editorial amendment page update as part of website refresh [Print Page](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams/printable/print "Print Page") [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams&title=Crypto%20investment%20scams&summary=&source=FCA "Publish this post to LinkedIn") [Twitter](https://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A//www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams&text=Crypto%20investment%20scams&summary=&source=FCA "Share this on Twitter") Share page ## On this page ![](https://www.fca.org.uk/themes/custom/fca/images/document-customers.svg) - [How crypto investment scams work](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#section-how-crypto-investment-scams-work) - [How to protect yourself from scams](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#section-how-to-protect-yourself-from-scams) - [If you've been scammed](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#section-if-you-ve-been-scammed) ## [More on crypto](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#relatedContentCollapse) [Crypto: The basics](https://www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/crypto-basics) [Investing in crypto](https://www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/investing-crypto) [A to Z of financial terms](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/financial-terms) [Report a scam to us](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam) [Protect yourself from scams](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/protect-yourself-scams) ## Report a crime If you've lost money to a scam, [report it to us](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam "Report a scam") and then [contact Report Fraud](https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/). - [Accessibility](https://www.fca.org.uk/accessibility) - [Complain about us](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/how-we-operate/complain-about-regulators) - [Copyright notice](https://www.fca.org.uk/legal) - [Corporate responsibility](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/how-we-operate/corporate-responsibility) - [Cymraeg](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/cymraeg) - [Freedom of information](https://www.fca.org.uk/freedom-information) - [Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/how-we-operate/corporate-responsibility#section-modern-slavery-and-human-trafficking-statement) - [Privacy](https://www.fca.org.uk/privacy) - [Sitemap](https://www.fca.org.uk/sitemap) - [Translated languages](https://www.fca.org.uk/translated-pages) ## Social - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-conduct-authority) - [RSS Feed](https://www.fca.org.uk/news/rss.xml) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thefca) ## Registers and Systems [Registers and Systems](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#footerSystems) - [My FCA](https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/my-fca) - [Financial Services Register](https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/financial-services-register) - [FCA Handbook](https://www.fca.org.uk/about/how-we-regulate/handbook) - [Connect](https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/connect) - [RegData](https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/regdata) - [Online Invoicing System](https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/fees/online-invoices) ## Careers [Careers](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#footerCareers) - [Careers home](https://www.fca.org.uk/careers) - [Early careers](https://www.fca.org.uk/careers/early-careers) - [Experienced professionals](https://www.fca.org.uk/careers/experienced-professionals) ## Contact [Contact](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#footerContact) FCA Head Office 12 Endeavour Square London E20 1JN [Contact us](https://www.fca.org.uk/contact) [Plain Numbers Working Together Link is external ![](https://www.fca.org.uk/themes/custom/fca/images/plain-numbers-logo.png)](https://plainnumbers.org.uk/thefca) Copyright © 2026 FCA. All rights reserved. [Back to top](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams) Company no. 01920623
Readable Markdown	Find out how crypto investment scams work, how to avoid them and what to do if you’re scammed. First published: 26/06/2018 Last updated: 16/02/2026 [See all updates](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#revisions) ## - [How crypto investment scams work](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#section-how-crypto-investment-scams-work) - [How to protect yourself from scams](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#section-how-to-protect-yourself-from-scams) - [If you've been scammed](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#section-if-you-ve-been-scammed) You should be prepared to lose all the money you invest in crypto. But if you do decide to invest, it’s important to do your own thorough research. You can read [more about crypto](https://www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/crypto-basics "Crypto: The basics") and [investing in crypto](https://www.fca.org.uk/investsmart/investing-crypto "Investing in crypto") from InvestSmart. ## How crypto investment scams work Crypto investment scams are on the rise. In fact, reports to us about these scams have more than doubled since 2020, so it’s important to know what to look out for. Fraudsters tend to advertise on social media, often using images of celebrities to promote the fake investments. But they may also target people searching for investments online, through search engines like Google and Bing. The scam adverts often link to professional-looking websites, where fraudsters may manipulate software to fake prices and investment returns. Once you’ve invested, the scammers may act quickly, closing your account and taking your money. Or they may continue the pretence, to encourage others to invest. You may not even realise you’ve invested in a scam until you try to sell your investment. 1. 1 ### Watch out for the warning signs - Have you been contacted out of the blue? - Are you being pressured to invest quickly? - Are you being promised investment returns that sound unrealistic? If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, be extremely cautious. Remember, if an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. 2. 2 ### Check our Financial Services Register Firms offering crypto products in the UK must be registered with us or have permission to promote them. Our FS Register will show you which firms are registered, and which firms are operating without permission. - Search for the firm by name, or by using its firm reference number (FRN). - If the firm is registered, check what activities and services it has permission for. - Check the firm's contact details and make sure they match the contact details you've been given. - If you can’t find a firm on the FS Register, it’s unlikely the firm has permission to offer you crypto products and you should avoid using the firm. [Search the FS Register](https://register.fca.org.uk/s/) But remember, just because a firm is registered, doesn’t mean you’ll have access to the FSCS or the Financial Ombudsman if something goes wrong. ### [Crypto products we regulate](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/crypto-investment-scams#expandable1193326) Some crypto products, such as crypto [Contracts for Difference](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/financial-terms?name=c#Contracts%20for%20Difference%20\(CFDs\)), are regulated by us. This means firms dealing with these products must be authorised. However, it’s important to know that these products shouldn’t be marketed to most consumers, so be wary if you’re contacted about investing. ## If you've been scammed If you’re worried about a potential scam, or you think you may have been contacted by a fraudster, you can report it to us. Call us on 0800 111 6768 or use our [contact form](https://www.fca.org.uk/contact "Contact us") to get in touch. If you’ve already invested in a scam, it's important to remember that fraudsters may try to target you again, or sell your details to other criminals. The follow-up scam may be completely different, or it may be related to the previous fraud. It may include an [offer to get your money back](https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart/recovery-room-scams "Recovery room scams") or an offer to buy back the investment after you pay a fee. 16/02/2026 :Link changed broken link to Action Fraud removed. 19/01/2026 :Editorial amendment to remove ScamSmart references. 09/10/2023 :Information changed Updates following crypto financial promotions rules and added 'check the FS Register'. 01/09/2023 :Editorial amendment 14/06/2023 :Editorial amendment General editorial amends. 12/04/2023 :Information added On the Unregistered Cryptoasset Businesses list 20/03/2023 :Editorial amendment page update as part of website refresh
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