The regulator has warned of a clone charading as the premium finance provider

The Financial Conduct Authority has today issued a warning of an unregulated firm which is presenting itself as Close Brothers.

The clone firm, which is called Close Brothers Limited as opposed to Close Brothers Group, could have contacted people out of the blue, which the FCA says is a common tactic used by clone firms.

The clone firm is using fake contact information, which is:

Telephone: +44 (0)20 3370 1818, +44 (0)20 3318 1207

Email: admin@closebrothers.com, davidwestbrook@closebrothers.com 

The FCA warned that the scammers may be giving out other false information which is close to the correct details of the authorised firm.

Must be regulated

The FCA stated on its website that ”almost all firms and individuals carrying out financial services activities in the UK have to be authorised or registered by us. This firm is not authorised or registered by us but has been targeting people in the UK, claiming to be an authorised firm.”

It also said to contact the Consumer Helpline on 08001116768 if a firm does not appear on the authorised register but claims to be.