The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned insurers, brokers and other companies against fake emails that use the name of the regulator.
The watchdog said it was not the sender of the emails coming from fca.updates@fca.org.uk and webmaster@fca.org.uk. It also denied sending an email entitled “FCA Regulation 2017” which appeared to be from press.office@fca.org.uk.
Recipients should delete such emails without opening them, the FCA said.
According to the FCA, scammers contact companies by email, post or phone call. They claim to be from the regulator or use the name of an employee to give the impression that the communication is genuine.
Fraudsters may also claim to be from the Financial Services Authority, the organisation that used to regulate financial services in the UK.
The FCA said the fake emails and letters contain its logo or other images taken from its website or publications. Fraudsters tell their victims that they owe money to the FCA, or ask for personal information such as copies of payslips or passports.
Scammers also tell victims that they are entitled to a sum of money and that their bank account details are needed to make the payment.
“Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!” the FCA said. “Keep in mind that we would never contact members of the public asking for money or your bank account details.”
“The correspondence is likely to be linked to organised fraud and we strongly advise you not to respond to the criminals in any way.”
