On , the Financial Conduct Authority issued a warning regarding Compare Asset Finance (clone) (clone of FCA authorised firm)
The FCA went on to note 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.
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:
Compare Asset Finance (clone) (clone of FCA authorised firm)
Website: https://www.compare-asset-finance.co.uk/jcb-finance27673330?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIic6o4rjf4gIVCLrtCh0t8gl9EAAYAiAAEgIcM_D_BwE
Other Information: This company and its website are claiming to be a part of Compare Business Loans which is a trading name of Marketing VF Ltd.
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: Marketing VF Ltd
Firm Reference Number: 536122
Address: 1st & 2nd Floors
Wenlock Works 1A Shepherdess Walk London, N1 7QE, UNITED KINGDOM
Telephone: +4 402074243137
Email: mike.winn@marketingvf.com
Website: www.marketingvf.com