General security online
It is very important that investors take every step possible to protect their assets and investments. This page sets out some of the key things that investors should be aware of and consider.
Unfortunately, there are many potential threats from criminals who want to harm us and steal our money. It’s important for everyone to take responsibility for their personal security and privacy and that of our financial information and assets.
While we can’t predict or control everything that might happen, we should make security a priority in all areas of our lives. When dealing with money and investments, this particularly applies to investors' dealings with financial institutions, like Artemis, and the money we manage on your behalf.
Here are some best practices and resources.
Check the FCA authorisation of financial companiesThe first thing to do when dealing with any financial institution is to check that it is a genuine and properly registered business with the UK financial authorities.
Artemis is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can independently check our authorisation on the FCA’s website in its financial services register. The register lists all the firms and individuals that are involved with regulated activities. You can find out what they are regulated to do and your protections when doing business with them.
Artemis has just two active registrations. Any other businesses with 'Artemis' in their name are not connected with us or no longer active:
- Artemis Fund Managers Limited, FCA reference number 122448
- Artemis Investment Management LLP, FCA reference number 523180
Do not engage with any financial organisation unless you can independently check it is authorised by the FCA.
Telephone calls and text messages
Be very cautious of unsolicited or unexpected telephone calls or text (SMS) messages from someone purporting to be from a financial institution.
Scammers use phone calls, messages and emails, usually aimed at encouraging you to hand over money or your personal or financial information. These are criminal acts.
It can be hard to tell if a spam text, email or call is from a legitimate company or a scammer. For example, scammers could pretend to be from your bank or building society, or they might claim to be from your phone or broadband company. They may already have some of your personal or financial information, which can make them seem genuine.
Other examples include criminals claiming to represent HM Revenue and Customs, the NHS and delivery companies.
If you receive a suspicious text
- Read carefully and look for any details that don't seem right
- Don't click on any links or give out any personal or bank details
- Report any suspicious texts to 7726 (a number that most mobile customers using UK networks can text to report unwanted SMS messages or phone calls on a mobile), and make your friends and family aware too
If you receive a suspicious phone call
- Do not give out any personal or bank details
- Hang up. Find the genuine number for the caller (almost all financial institutions publish contact details on their websites) and call the company they claim to be from to check if it is a scam
- Report the scam call to Action Fraud, and make your friends and family aware too
Calls, texts and instant messages from Artemis
We may call you regarding your Artemis account, bank verification details when making an investment with us, resolving a complaint you may have made, or in response to a specific question from you.
We will always ask your permission when calling and we will not discuss matters with you unless you pass security questions.
If we do call you, we advise that you take the call in a private place where you cannot be overheard, especially when answering security questions.
We also may record telephone calls.
We will never:
- call or text you trying to market or sell a fund or investment.
- try to market or sell you a fund or investment via an instant messaging application (eg WhatsApp, Messenger, WeChat, Telegram etc).
Fraudsters may attempt to use the Artemis brand or impersonate representatives of the firm to add an appearance of legitimacy to their crimes. Please do not reply to, or act upon suspicious messages and report any suspicions to the application provider.
For example, use the in application ‘Report Group’ functionality to report a suspicious or fraudulent WhatsApp group.
If you have engaged with a fraudulent WhatsApp group we also encourage you to make a fraud report to Action Fraud or Police Scotland. This is particularly important if you have provided personal information or have sent money to the fraudsters.
What an investment fraud may look like
Fraudsters may set up a social media or instant messaging group and include screenshots of trading activities to convince individuals that they are knowledgeable and successful investors.
The fraudsters may impersonate regulated firms by using their name or branding. They may also claim they work for a regulated firm or impersonate the staff of a regulated firm.
Examples of WhatsApp Group names which impersonate Artemis or our products:
- Artemis Smart Investment Circle
- Artemis All-Star Investment Target 400% Return Plan
- Artemis All Star Alliance
- Artemis All-Star Investment Plan
- Artemis SmartGARP Short Term Alpha
- Artemis Stock Investment Club
Fraudsters on WhatsApp have also been reported as using the following aliases:
- Amelia Grace Thornton
- Charlotte Whitaker
- Zuleika Loxley
Other fraudsters may post messages in a group chat in an attempt to convince unsuspecting individuals to join the fraudulent investment scheme and provide false assurances that the money is safe.
Pressurised sales tactics may be used to convince individuals to provide personal details and/or transfer money into an account that does not match the regulated firm they claim to represent.
Fraudsters may give assurances that investments are performing well and ask victims to make further money transfers to cover ongoing fees or to ‘release’ funds back to them.
Further safety and security topics
Further information
These websites offer further help and guidance:
This information is intended to provide you with help and guidance about investing generally and about investing with Artemis. It is not a marketing communication and should not be used to make investment decisions. You should always refer to the relevant fund prospectus and KIID/KID before making any final investment decisions.
Artemis does not provide investment advice on the advantages or suitability of its products and no information provided should be viewed in this way. Should you be unsure about the suitability of an investment, you should consult a suitably qualified professional adviser.