On , the Financial Conduct Authority issued a warning regarding Karamanof / KSI (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:
Karamanof / KSI (clone of FCA authorised firm)
Address: Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5LQ
Hopewell Center, Queens Road, Hong Kong
Telephone: 02 07 043 3812, 02 07 043 3816, 85 2 3103 1011, 30 2 1074 54300
Email: admin@karamanofinvestments.com
Website: www.karamanofinvestments.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: Karamanof Securities & Investment Services S.A.
Firm Reference Number: 447563
Address: 2 AG Theodoron Sq Athens GR-105 61, GREECE
Telephone: (+ 30) 2103212947
Email: backoffice@karamanofaxe.gr
Website: www.karamanofaxe.gr