FRAUDSTERS are exploiting people's financial difficulties during the pandemic through investment scams.

Criminals are inviting people to make investments with them before stealing money from them.

Greater Manchester Police are urging people to be vigilant.

A force spokesman said: "Don’t be rushed into making an investment.

"If you’re being pressured into making a transaction or committing to something on the spot, it could be a scam."

Officers are urging potential investor to check companies they are set to invest in are on the Financial Conduct Authority register.

There are other telltale signs of a scam such as if you are pressured into making a decision with no time.