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:

Independent Private Consultants; Independent Finance Trade Commission; Richard Grant Birch (clone of FCA authorised firm)

Address: Suite 17

, Tower 42, Liverpool Street, C2M7PY

Telephone: 2032857012

Email: richard.birch@consultant.com

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: Aston Lark Employee Benefits Limited

Firm Reference Number: 173304

Address: Ibex House 42-47 Minories London, EC3N 1DY, UNITED KINGDOM

Telephone: +4 42075432826

Email: peter.blanc@astonlark.com

Website: www.astonlark.com