FCA warns of clone pretending to be Axa

The FCA has warned consumers of a website pretending to be Axa Insurance UK and Axa Investment Managers UK.

In a statement, the regulator said fraudsters were using the website www.knowyoucan.co.uk, which is similar to Axa’s www.axa.co.uk/know-you-can webpage.

Email addresses the copy-cat firm has used include mail@knowyoucan.co.uk.

”Fraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine,” the FCA said.

“This firm is not authorised by us, but has been contacting people pretending to be an authorised firm. This is what we call a clone firm.”

Axa told Insurance Times that the website had been taken down and is no longer available. 

Other warning

Back in 2013, the FCA also warned against dealing with a company calling itself Axa Isle of Man.

The company was using the name of Axa Group, but had no association whatsoever with the insurer.

In its latest warning over www.knowyoucan.co.uk, the FCA said that scammers may give out other false details, including email addresses, telephone numbers, postal addresses and firm reference numbers.

“They may mix these details with the genuine details of authorised firms,” it added.

“They may also change their contact details over time.”

And the regulator also warned that people dealing with the firm would not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service if they have a complaint.

”You also won’t be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if things go wrong,” it added.

“This means it’s unlikely you’d get your money back if the firm goes out of business.”