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:

Austin Finance (Clone) (clone of FCA authorised firm)

Address: 3 Antin Street, Paris, FRANCE, 75002

Telephone: +4 1 445 519 727

Email: admin@austinfin.com

Website: www.austinfin.com

Other Information: The clone firm above that is identifying itself as "Austin Finance" is using the name and address of Austin Finance; 3 Rue d'Antin; 75002 Paris; France. This genuine firm forms part of the BNP Paribas Group and is an entity with no employees which does not conduct business with clients or offer investment opportunities. This genuine firm that fraudsters are claiming to work for has no association with the 'clone firm'.

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: