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.

This is what we call a 'clone firm'; and fraudsters usually use this tactic when contacting people out of the blue, so you should be especially wary if you have been cold called. They may use the name of the genuine firm, the 'firm reference number' (FRN) we have given the authorised firm or other details.

You can find out more about this scam tactic and how to protect yourself from clone firms.

Clone firm details

Fraudsters are using or giving out the following details as part of their tactics to scam people in the UK:

1st Columbus Management (clone of FCA authorised firm)

Address: Via Dufour 3, CH6900 Lugano, SWITZERLAND

Website: www.1stcolumbus.com

Other Information: Also cloning First Columbus Investments Limited (company number 05753677)

Be aware that scammers may give out other false details or mix these with some correct details of the registered firm. They may change contact details over time to new email addresses, telephone numbers or physical addresses.

FCA authorised firm details

This FCA authorised firm that fraudsters are claiming to work for has no association with the ‘clone firm’. It is authorised to offer, promote or sell services or products in the UK and its correct details are:

Firm Name: First Columbus LLP

Firm Reference Number: 464750

Address: New Broad Street House 35 New Broad Street London, EC2M 1NH, UNITED KINGDOM

Telephone: +4 402073978780

Email: info@first-columbus.com

Website: www.first-columbus.com