September 2020
Fake FCA emails are circulating from the email address ‘fcaimpact1@fcanewsletter.org.uk’ (also fcaimpact2 and fcaimpact4) requesting firms to complete a survey around the conduct rules and coronavirus (Covid-19). The FCA also reports that there are fake FCA emails circulating from the domains ‘@gabriel-FCA.org.uk’ and ‘@opbas.net’.
Fraudsters have been known to create fake versions of official websites. The FCA website URL should always begin with: www.fca.org.uk or register.fca.org.uk. its online systems for firms have web addresses that start with:
https://connect.fca.org.uk/
https://gabriel.fca.org.uk/
https://mutuals.fca.org.uk/
https://marketsecurities.fca.org.uk/
People are advised to look for signs that an email, letter or phone call may not be from the official source, such as it listing a mobile or overseas contact phone number, an email address from a hotmail or gmail account, or a foreign PO Box number. Scam emails or letters often contain spelling mistakes and poor grammar. The FCA would never ask a consumer for personal information like bank account details or internet banking passwords. If in doubt about the authenticity of a communication from the regulator, check with the FCA using the ‘Contact Us’ facility.