Anne Morley, 79, needed funds after costly roof repairs left her in debt but ultimately fell victim to an evil investment scam instead. She spotted an online advert offering high returns through a trading account. With work still ongoing and her husband recently passed, she felt desperate. In March, she signed up with an investment firm that promised compound interest on the international money market. Anne hoped to ease her financial burden, but she soon faced a far worse fate.
In 2021, Anne and her husband used a government loft insulation scheme. After that work, a surveyor warned that their roof looked fragile. He recommended additional strengthening with a ten-year guarantee. They agreed, but the leaks continued. Since then, Anne has spent thousands on temporary fixes. Each repair brought fresh bills and new stress. When her husband died in 2023, Anne carried the full weight of these costs alone. By March 2025, her debts mounted, and an online trading advert caught her eye.
The Scam Begins
The investment firm charged Anne a £250 sign-up fee and introduced her to a “success manager” who called daily. He encouraged her to deposit £1,000 as a starting balance. Anne believed she could make money trading currencies and stocks even though she had no previous experience. The manager spoke kindly and offered constant reassurance. When she mentioned her roof bills, he urged her to take out three bank loans totalling £15,000. He said a larger investment would speed her returns.
Anne followed his advice and opened new bank accounts at his request. She let him share her screen through remote-access software. He clicked and typed as they spoke. Anne watched her balance climb to £100,000 on one call. The next day, it dropped to £80,000. On the third day, it fell to zero. Alarmed, she called her bank, but the damage was done.
Police Investigation
In April, a local roofer who was fixing Anne’s roof spotted odd activity on her computer. He alerted the police. Officers launched an investigation and froze her accounts. They found that fraudsters cleared every penny. Anne believes she lost between £50,000 and £60,000. The trading platform turned out to be fake, with no real investments behind it.
Sussex Police confirmed they are investigating an investment scam report in the East Preston area. They work closely with Action Fraud and other partner agencies. Meanwhile, Anne faces an unfinished roof and empty bank accounts. She struggles to sleep and worries about her safety at home. The banks have cancelled her cards and reset her accounts to prevent further theft. Yet, she still needs funds to complete the repairs.
Anne says the shock left her unable to eat or sleep properly. She felt foolish, but she remembered how convincing the fraudster seemed. “He was so kind and caring,” she said. “I’m not an idiot. It all rang so true.” She adds that the manager spoke about family and showed patience. That approach broke down her guard. The sudden disappearance of her savings hit her hard. She spent five days recovering from the initial shock.
Her neighbours watched in horror as she faced financial ruin. Friends urged her to seek help. Anne set up a crowdfunding page to raise money for her roof and shared her story to warn others. She hopes her ordeal will protect someone else from similar scams.
How to Avoid Investment Scams
Fraud prevention specialists advise that you verify every investment opportunity. Always check the firm’s registration with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can search the FCA register online by company name or registration number. If a company fails to appear, treat it as a red flag.
Never hand over personal details for remote access software. Legitimate advisers never ask to control your device. They send secure links through regulated portals instead. If someone asks to share your screen, refuse and seek a second opinion.
Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics. Scammers push you to invest quickly. They promise fast returns on large deposits. In genuine markets, returns vary and never come with guarantees. Always take time to read the terms and conditions and ask questions.
Check online reviews carefully. Fraudsters create glowing testimonials on fake sites. Look for consistent complaints across multiple platforms. Investment scam victims often post warnings on forums and social media groups. That collective knowledge can save you thousands. Set deposit limits with your bank. Many banks allow you to cap online payments for added security. Contact your bank to discuss safeguard options, especially if you plan to invest any new funds.
Discuss any significant financial decisions with a trusted friend or family member. A fresh perspective can reveal red flags you missed. Explain the offer in your own words and invite feedback. A quick call to someone you trust can halt a scam in its tracks.
Rebuilding Advice
Fraud can devastate your finances and your peace of mind. If you fall victim, act quickly. Contact your bank immediately to freeze your accounts and ask them to reverse any suspicious transactions. Then, report the incident to Action Fraud online or by phone. Provide all details, including messages, emails, and screenshots.
Reach out to your local Citizens Advice Bureau or a free debt-counselling service. They can guide you through repairs and bills. Many community groups offer support for recent scam victims. You do not have to face this alone.
Anne’s story shows how even careful people can fall prey to fraud. Scammers use kindness and patience to gain trust. They promise quick fixes to real problems. By staying alert, verifying every request and sharing advice, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones. Always take a moment before you transfer funds. That pause can save you from a lifetime of regret.
