On May 6, 2020, the Financial Conduct Authority issued a warning regarding Cromwell Investment Services / Cromwell Capital Ventures UK (Clone of FCA authorised firm and UK registered company)

In its notification, the FCA said "Fraudsters are using the details of firms we authorise to try to convince people that they work for a genuine, authorised firm. Find out more about this 'clone 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:

Cromwell Investment Services / Cromwell Capital Ventures UK (Clone of FCA authorised firm and UK registered company)

Telephone: 02 0 328 7 9810

Email: info@cromwellcapital.co.uk

Website: https://cromwellcapital.co.uk/

Other Information: The above-named entity is also using the name of an UK registered limited company which has no association whatsoever with the clone firm. The UK registered company Cromwell Capital Ventures UK Limited (Company number (04329031) does not undertake regulated business and is not authorised by the FCA.

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: Cromwell Investment Services Limited

Firm Reference Number: 605047

Address: 7 Seymour Street London, W1H 7JW, UNITED KINGDOM

Telephone: 44 02076596708

Email: r.macpherson@cromwellpropertygroup.co.uk

Website: https://www.cromwellpropertygroup.co.uk

Click here to view the FCA's original notice