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The National Crime Agency (NCA) has launched a nationwide campaign warning the public about the growing threat of crypto investment fraud — a crime costing victims millions of pounds each year.
Targeting men under 45, who account for the majority of victims, the campaign aims to raise awareness of how fraudsters lure people into investing in fake cryptocurrency schemes that appear legitimate but are designed solely to steal their money.
Crypto investment fraud typically begins when members of the public are introduced to fraudulent trading platforms that promise extraordinary returns in short periods of time. These websites often display fabricated profits, convincing victims that their investments are growing and can be withdrawn at any time. In reality, the money has been stolen, and the supposed investors are left with nothing.
Delivered in partnership with the Home Office’s Stop! Think Fraud initiative, the NCA’s campaign adopts the strapline “Crypto Dream Scam Nightmare” — capturing how the promise of quick financial success can rapidly turn into devastating loss.
According to Action Fraud, more than 17,000 reports of crypto investment fraud were filed in the UK during 2024, with men aged 25 to 44 making up the largest share of victims. Many of these individuals lost tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds after being misled by convincing online scams.
A central feature of the campaign is a 60-second video that tells the story of one anonymous victim who believed his £28,000 investment had grown to £400,000 in six months — only to discover that his funds had been stolen. The video and supporting materials urge potential investors to think critically before transferring money to unverified platforms or individuals.
The NCA has also published an information sheet offering Ten Tips to Spot a Crypto Investment Fraud, which includes advice such as avoiding unsolicited investment offers on social media or dating sites, refusing invitations to “exclusive clubs,” and being wary of anyone who pressures for further investments or instructs secrecy from friends and family.
Nick Sharp, Deputy Director for Fraud at the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC), said the campaign is a vital part of the agency’s work to protect the public from organised criminal networks operating in the digital investment space.
“Crypto investment fraud is one of the fastest-growing types of fraud in the UK. Victims believe their investments are growing, when in reality their money has been stolen. The financial and emotional impact can be devastating, and many people never fully recover.
“While the NCA is actively targeting and disrupting the networks behind these crimes, prevention is just as important. Raising awareness and following the Crypto Dream Scam Nightmare tips can be the public’s best defence against fraudsters.”
Nick Sharp, Deputy Director for Fraud at the NECC.
The campaign is being promoted through the NCA and National Economic Crime Centre’s social media channels on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, alongside wider public information efforts.
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