Fake Facebook investment ads promise £2,500–£4,500 monthly returns on £250 to lure UK savers

What is this scam?

Fraudulent Facebook advertisements targeting UK users in August 2026 promote fake investment platforms promising unrealistically high returns — typically £2,500 to £4,500 per month on an initial deposit of just £250. The ads use fabricated testimonials and urgency tactics to attract savers. Victims who deposit funds find they cannot withdraw money and are pressured to invest larger sums to 'unlock' their balance. Unlike the AI deepfake influencer investment scams flagged earlier in August, these rely on standard paid social media advertising and specifically exploit cost-of-living pressures.

Example scam message

Red flags to look out for

• The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
• Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
• You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
• It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
• The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.

What to do if you receive this

1. Do not transfer money — your bank will never ask you to move funds to a 'safe account'.
2. Hang up and call your bank directly on the number printed on the back of your card.
3. Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
4. If you've already transferred money, contact your bank immediately and ask about the APP fraud refund scheme.