Dorset Police issued the warning after national figures revealed that victims lost an average of £1,675 every minute to investment scams in 2025, according to data from the City of London Police, the national lead force for fraud.
Damian Cranny, fraud protect officer at 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 Dorset, there were 270 reports of investment fraud in the last year, totalling losses over £9 million.
In 2024, there were 217 reports, with victims losing an average of £25,346 each.
Criminals have used a variety of tactics, including AI-manipulated videos and cloned websites.
Police advised the public to check the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)’s firm checker tool before investing, and to be wary of unsolicited offers and promises of high returns.
Fraud can be reported online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
More information is available on the FCA website.
