Resources For Fraud in Sport and the Military

Fraud is not limited to financial scams targeting individuals; it also affects organisations and institutions, including sports clubs and military personnel.


Both sports professionals and military personnel can be vulnerable to various types of fraud due to their public profiles, access to funds, and the demanding nature of their professions. Understanding the specific challenges they face is crucial in combating fraud in these sectors.

Fraud devastates lives, and its impact is profound. Our not-for-profit organisation has grown into a robust movement, supported by a diverse group: policing experts, top lawyers, clinicians, and, most importantly, victims themselves.

Why They Are Targets?

Sports Professionals //


Public Profiles: High-profile athletes and sports personalities often attract attention from fraudsters seeking to exploit their fame for financial gain.


Financial Assets: Athletes may have significant earnings making them attractive targets for fraudsters.


Limited Financial Knowledge & Young Age: Many athletes have spent their childhoods training to be top athletes and may lack expertise in managing their finances, making them more susceptible to fraudulent schemes.


Early Retirement & Short Careers: Many athletes have a short careers which means potentially a limited window for maximising their earning potential. It also means that they may wish to invest their earnings into long term investments and pensions. This may make them vulnerable to financial advisor fraud and scams.


Trust Relationships: Sports professionals often rely on trust and camaraderie within their teams, which can be exploited by fraudsters when they infiltrate a trusted member of the community.

Military Personnel //


Deployment Challenges: Military personnel, particularly those deployed overseas, may face challenges in monitoring their financial affairs, making them vulnerable to fraud.


Security Clearance: Individuals with security clearances may be targeted by adversaries seeking sensitive information or attempting to compromise national security.


Trust Relationships: Military personnel often rely on trust and camaraderie within their units, which can be exploited by fraudsters posing as fellow service members.

Current Issues | Sports Fraud

Investment Scams

Athletes may fall victim to investment scams, leading to financial losses and reputation damage.

Cyber Crime

Sports professionals are particularly vulnerable to cyber fraud due to their high profile status. Cyber fraud can include hacking into personal accounts to tricking athletes with email scams. And if they succeed, it's bad news—athletes could lose money, have their personal info stolen, and even see their reputation damaged.

Tax Relief Schemes

Athletes were targeted to invest in government tax incentive schemes that have been shrouded in a number of mis-selling and fraud claims.

Current Issues | Military Fraud

Identity Theft

Military personnel may be targeted for identity theft, with fraudsters using stolen personal information to access financial accounts or obtain fraudulent loans.

Investment and Pension Fraud

Military service personnel have suffered a significant volume of investment and pension fraud in recent years as they seek to invest for their lives beyond the fraud.

By adopting these proactive strategies and recommendations, sports professionals and military service personnel can reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud and protect their financial security and reputation. Remember, staying informed, vigilant, and engaged in managing personal and financial affairs is key to safeguarding against potential threats and ensuring peace of mind in today's complex world.


  • Stay Informed


    Educate yourself about common fraud schemes targeting sports professionals and military personnel, including identity theft, tax fraud and investment scams. Understanding the tactics used by fraudsters can help you recognise warning signs and take preventive measures.

  • Be Vigilant


    Exercise caution when receiving requests for sensitive information or financial transactions, especially if they come from unfamiliar sources or seem suspicious. Verify the legitimacy of requests through independent channels before providing any personal or financial details.

  • Protect Personal Information


    Safeguard your personal and financial information by using strong passwords, secure communication channels, and up-to-date security software on your electronic devices. Avoid sharing sensitive details with untrusted individuals or over unsecured networks.

  • Seek Independent Advice


    When seeking financial advice or investment management services, choose regulated and reputable professionals who adhere to industry standards and regulations. Consider consulting independent lawyers and accountants to ensure transparency and objectivity in managing your financial affairs.

  • Monitor Financial Accounts


    Regularly review your bank statements, credit card transactions, and other financial accounts for any unauthorised activity or discrepancies. Report any suspicious transactions or unusual activities to your financial institution or relevant authorities promptly.

  • Diversify Oversight


    Avoid placing complete reliance on a single advisor or professional for all aspects of your financial management. Seek input from multiple experts and maintain relationships with independent parties who can offer alternative perspectives and advice.

  • Stay Engaged


    Maintain active involvement in monitoring and managing your personal and financial affairs, even when working with trusted advisors or professionals. Regularly review statements, reports, and investment portfolios to ensure alignment with your goals and risk tolerance.

  • Trust Your Instincts


    If something feels off or raises concerns about the advice or recommendations provided by your advisors, trust your instincts and seek further clarification or alternative opinions. Your intuition can be a valuable asset in identifying potential red flags or conflicts of interest.

Where to Seek Help?


Contact Your MP:


Military personnel and sports professionals can contact their Members of Parliament (MPs) to raise concerns about fraud-related issues and advocate for better support and resources. MPs can raise matters in Parliament, ask questions of government ministers, and work towards legislative changes to address fraud in these sectors.


Report to Relevant Authorities:


Military personnel should report instances of fraud or misconduct to their chain of command, military police, or relevant investigative agencies.

Sports professionals can report fraud or corruption in their respective sports organisations to governing bodies, law enforcement agencies, or regulatory authorities.


Seek Support from Specialist Organisations:


Military personnel can also seek assistance from support networks within their units or organisations, as well as from organisations offering financial advice and assistance to service members and veterans.


By raising awareness of the specific challenges faced by sports professionals and military personnel, providing access to support and resources, and advocating for stronger safeguards against fraud, we can work towards protecting the integrity and well-being of individuals in these sectors.