Finfluencer red flags
Lesson 6 of 12 in our free Crypto, Hype & Finfluencers guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.
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Questions you'll answer
Best question to ask about ANY finfluencer?
Quick facts
- Shows only wins, never losses → Red flag. Selective posting hides the real picture.
- Says clearly when a post is a paid ad → Green flag. Transparency. Ads must be labelled.
- 'Not financial advice' then tells you exactly what to buy → Red flag. A disclaimer doesn't change what it is.
- Explains risks and says investing can lose money → Green flag. Honest about the downside.
- Luxury lifestyle as 'proof' it works → Red flag. Rented cars and borrowed villas prove nothing.
- Links to the regulator's free guidance → Green flag. Pointing you to official info = good sign.
- Myth: “Saying 'not financial advice' makes any promotion legal.” — It's a magic spell that doesn't work. The rules look at what you actually do.
- Fact: “Influencers must clearly label paid promotions.” — UK advertising rules require ads to be obviously identifiable — like '#ad'.
- Fact: “A finfluencer earning from affiliate links may benefit when you sign up, whether you win or lose.” — They get paid either way. You might not.