FSCS name hijacked in Russian website fraud

Consumers have been warned to avoid a Russian website claiming to be a subsidiary of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Close up on a file tab with the text fraud plus a note where it is handwritten internet frauds. Blur effect. Concept image for illustration of online scams or cybercrime.

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The site, Investor Protection Management run by Insider Group, claims to represent the FSCS and asks people to register claims, but is a scam.

The FSCS warned consumers not to trust the site in a statement issued on Monday.

“Please avoid falling victim to a potential scam or fraud. Protect your details; do not provide any information to this site,” it said.

The site also fraudulently uses the logos of the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority in an effort to appear legitimate.

It follows earlier warnings from the FCA for consumers to report investment scams and fraudulent activity to them.

Asset manager Invesco Perpetual has also had to warn its customers of “sophisticated” fraudsters trying to contact them in telephone calls and emails.

Anyone who suspects they have been targeted by the scams should contact the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on 0800 111 6768 or email consumer.queries@fca.org.uk

Action Fraud (the National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting centre) can be contacted on 0300 123 2040.