FIVE KEY STEPS TO HELP AVOID BEING CONNED

1 AVOID all unsolicited investments – whether they are made online, via social media (such as a dating website) or on the telephone.

2 ALWAYS check details of any financial company you are dealing with. Visit register. fca.org.uk. Also check the regulator’s warning list of companies to avoid at: fca.org.uk/scamsmart.

3 ONLY use a company’s telephone number and email address given on the regulator’s register.

4 PENSION Wise has useful information on how to avoid scams available at: pensionwise.gov.uk/en/scams.

5 IF in doubt, ring the FCA consumer helpline on 0800 111 6768.