IG urges people to ‘check before they invest’ as research shows almost one in five investors have lost money following advice on social media
- 41% of UK investors have acted on investment advice or tips seen on social media
- Almost half of those who acted - equivalent to 18% of all investors - have lost money after making an investment decision influenced by social content
- 62% of investors have seen common pressure phrases such as ‘get in before it’s too late’
- IG is urging investors to check financial tips before acting on them
London, UK, 18 August 2026: Investing and trading platform IG is urging investors to ‘check before they invest’ after new research found that almost one in five (18%) UK investors say they have lost money after making an investment decision influenced by advice, tips or content seen online.
The research, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults who invest, found that two in five (41%) have acted on investment advice, tips or inspiration seen on social media. Of those who acted on social media investment content, 45% said they subsequently lost money (equivalent to 18% of the full sample). The average estimated loss among those reporting a loss was £802.
IG is encouraging investors to check the credentials of anyone offering investment tips online, do their own research and check the FCA’s Warning List for any warnings about the influencer or firm.
Three in five exposed to common pressure tactics online
According to the data, social media is among the top five most common sources of financial information for investors. Almost two-thirds (64%) see financial content on social media at least once a week, including one in five (20%) who see it every day.
Alongside this growing exposure, investors are also regularly encountering language that can create hype or an unwarranted sense of urgency around investment opportunities. 62% have seen at least one of the common phrases tested by IG. Among those who had encountered this type of content, the most commonly seen claims included ‘Banks don’t want you to know this’ (49%), ‘Get in before it’s too late’ (47%) and ‘Everyone is buying this’ (41%).
Positive comments and ‘gains-bombing’ make investors trust influencers
The research found that almost two in five (38%) UK investors trust investment advice from financial influencers on social media to some degree.
For some investors, it can take little more than a screenshot or a large following to establish trust. Among those who trust financial influencers, almost a third (31%) cite positive comments from other users, while 25% point to a large following. Nearly a quarter (24%) say screenshots showing a creator’s own investment gains contribute to their trust, while one in five (21%) are influenced by creators who appear wealthy or successful.
More substantive signals also matter, with 34% saying they trust creators who are qualified financial experts attached to a reputable finance brand, while 32% cite verified credentials.
IG urges investors to check before they invest
IG is urging investors to pause before acting on financial content they see online and check who is providing it, what evidence supports the claim, what they are actually investing in and what they could lose.
Elise Ash, SVP Marketing and Growth at IG Group, said: “Social media has made it easier than ever to discover information about investing, but it can also make complex investments look deceptively simple and create pressure to act before you’ve had time to think.
“Our research shows this content isn't simply being seen - it is influencing investment decisions, and for too many people that can come at a financial cost. The answer isn't to tell people to ignore financial content online. It’s to encourage people to question what they see, check the source and understand the risks before they invest. That’s why we’re calling for stronger safeguards around financial promotions and encouraging everyone to check before they invest.”
To raise awareness of the dangers of taking financial advice online at face value, IG has today launched an eye-catching stunt outside Battersea Power Station Underground station, showing how anyone can become the target of misleading financial content.
For more information on the campaign and practical advice on how to check before you invest, visit https://www.ig.com/uk/check-before-you-invest.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
For any press enquiries, please contact:
Ready10: IG@ready10.media
About the research
The research was conducted by OnePoll, among a sample of 2,000 UK Respondents (Aged 18+) who invest. The data was collected between 30.07.2026-04.08.2026.
About IG Group
IG Group (LSEG:IGG) provides online trading platforms and educational resources to empower ambitious clients around the globe. Headquartered in the UK, IG Group is a FTSE 100 company that offers clients access to c.19,000 financial markets worldwide
Connect with us
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Professional clients trading spread bets and CFDs can lose more than they deposit.
The value of shares, ETFs and other ETPs bought through a share dealing account, a stocks and shares ISA or a SIPP can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Some ETPs carry additional risks depending on how they’re structured, investors should ensure they familiarise themselves with the differences before investing.
Crypto - Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
Share dealing and IG Smart Portfolio accounts provided by IG Trading and Investments Ltd, CFD accounts are provided by IG Markets Ltd, spread betting provided by IG Index Ltd, cryptoassets services are provided by IG Digital Assets Ltd.
IG is a trading name of IG Trading and Investments Ltd (a company registered in England and Wales under number 11628764), IG Markets Ltd (a company registered in England and Wales under number 04008957) and IG Index Ltd (a company registered in England and Wales under number 01190902). Registered address at 88 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7QR. IG Markets Ltd (Register number 195355), IG Trading and Investments Ltd (Register Number 944492) and IG Index Ltd (Register number 114059) are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The information on this site isn’t directed at residents of the United States, Belgium or any particular country outside the UK and isn’t intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.
