Financial scams targeting migrants in the UK

Updated 27 May 2026

Scammers in the UK actively target migrants through Russian-language Telegram channels, WhatsApp groups and listings on community sites. Common schemes: unlicensed loan sharks, fake visa sponsors and employers, "guaranteed" investment returns, SIM-swap attacks. An unregistered loan shark cannot sue you — the debt is unenforceable in court. Report: IMLT 0300 555 2222 (loan sharks) and Action Fraud 0300 123 2040.

In short

Three immediate rules: (1) never transfer money to strangers under pressure; (2) a loan shark without FCA authorisation cannot enforce the debt — call IMLT 0300 555 2222; (3) any "guaranteed" investment returns are a scam.

I have been scammed — what to do NOW Loan shark — debt is legally unenforceable Suspicious employer / visa sponsor

01 Schemes targeting Russian-speaking migrants

Loan sharks in Telegram channels

Adverts offering "loans for migrants without credit history, no checks" in Russian-speaking UK groups. Warning signs: no FCA reference number, interest rates of 50–200% per year, threats if you miss payments. A lender without FCA Consumer Credit Authorisation cannot recover the debt through court (Consumer Credit Act 1974).

Fake visa sponsors and employers

"Skilled Worker sponsorship for £2,000–£5,000" — a legitimate CoS is issued by a UKVI-licensed sponsor; charging workers for it is illegal (Immigration Act 2016). Always verify on the Register of Licensed Sponsors on GOV.UK before paying anything.

Guaranteed investments and crypto

Telegram channels with "signals" promising 30–50% monthly returns. FCA warns: no legitimate investment guarantees returns. Check any firm on the FCA Financial Services Register.

SIM-swap and bank fraud

Fraudsters transfer your phone number to their SIM → intercept SMS one-time codes for your online banking. Warning sign: your phone suddenly loses signal. Act immediately: call your mobile operator and then your bank.

Unlicensed money transfer agents

Unauthorised "exchange bureaus" via WhatsApp. Money disappears, no FSCS protection. Only use FCA-authorised services — verify on the FCA Register.

02 Loan sharks — your rights

An unlicensed lender (without FCA Consumer Credit Authorisation) cannot:

Sue you in court to recover the debt.
Obtain a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you for this debt.
Legally seize your property.

But they do threaten, intimidate, and apply pressure. Call immediately:

IMLT (Illegal Money Lending Team England): 0300 555 2222 — 24/7, free, confidential.
IMLT WhatsApp: 07700 102773.
If in immediate danger — 999.

03 Fraudulent employers and visa sponsors

Check the employer on the Register of Licensed Sponsors before paying anything.
A legitimate CoS costs the employer, not you — if they ask for money, that is a criminal offence.
If you have already paid — report to Action Fraud and the GLAA (Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority).

04 I have been scammed — what to do

Freeze your card immediately via your banking app.
Call your bank on the number on the back of your card — report the fraud.
Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk.
Loan shark — IMLT 0300 555 2222.
Citizens Advice: 0800 144 8848 — free, can guide you through next steps.
Document everything: screenshots, messages, transfer receipts.

UK banks must reimburse Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud losses of up to £85,000 under PSR rules (in effect from October 2024). Raise a dispute with your bank within 13 months.

05 Red flags — checklist

🚩 Pressure to decide immediately.
🚩 Guaranteed returns or "risk-free" investments.
🚩 Payment demanded for a job or Certificate of Sponsorship.
🚩 No FCA authorisation number (check at register.fca.org.uk).
🚩 Communication only via Telegram/WhatsApp, no registered office.
🚩 Asks you to transfer to a personal (not business) bank account.
🚩 Threats about immigration consequences if you refuse to pay.

Reference information. If you have been defrauded: Action Fraud 0300 123 2040, loan shark — IMLT 0300 555 2222, danger — 999. All calls are confidential.