The Force is issuing important advice relating to investment fraud after national figures revealed victims of the crime lost an average of £1,675 every minute last year.
In 2025, 34,673 people reported investment fraud to Report Fraud, marking a 31 percent rise on the previous year – show figures by City of London Police, the national lead force for fraud.
Last year in Dorset, there were 270 reports of investment fraud, totalling a reported loss of £9,068,990.
In 2024, 217 reports were made in the county, with an average financial loss for victims of £25,346.
Officers are warning that fraudsters are taking advantage of economic uncertainty, volatile markets and increasingly convincing online platforms to lure in victims.
As part of its wider fraud‑prevention work, Dorset Police is urging the public to take simple steps to protect themselves:
- Before making any investment, use the FCA’s firm checker tool to confirm whether a firm or individual is authorised. The tool can be accessed via the FCA website and is one of the most effective ways to avoid cloned firms and bogus advisers.
- Be cautious of unsolicited messages, adverts promising unusually high returns, or requests to keep the offer ‘confidential’.
- Any suspicious activity should be reported to Report Fraud as soon as possible via its website or by calling 0300 123 2040.
- You can also contact the Financial Conduct Authority’s consumer helpline on 0800 111 6768 or report suspicious businesses or individuals by using the reporting form on their website.
Fraud Protect Officer Damian Cranny, of Dorset Police, said: “The world of investments is extremely vulnerable to fraud.
“Fraudsters are using a range of methods to lure in victims, including investment fraud bogus online trading platforms, fake bond schemes, cryptocurrency opportunities and social‑media adverts that appeared to feature well‑known public figures. In some cases, criminals have used AI‑manipulated videos, deepfake endorsements and cloned websites to draw victims in.
“These crimes can have a devastating impact on victims, with many losing pension savings or long‑term investments.
“We are urging people to take the above simple steps before parting with their money to help protect themselves from fraudsters.”
Detective Superintendent Oliver Little, from the Lead Force Operations Room at the City of London Police, said: “Investment fraud continues to have a devastating impact on victims, many of whom lose life‑changing amounts of money. Criminals are using professional‑looking websites, persuasive sales tactics and even cloned branding from real financial firms to appear legitimate.
“We’re urging the public to take their time, carry out proper checks and get independent financial advice before parting with any money.”
