Millions of people have had their identities stolen by fraudsters because they fail to take basic security measures to protect their sensitive information.
Action Fraud, the UK’s online scam fighters have launched a campaign to raise awareness about identity theft called ‘Not With My Name’.
More than 12 million people – one in four adults – in the Uk alone have fallen victim to crooks stealing their personal data.
The average loss is £1,200, adding up to a massive £3.3 billion nationwide.
The campaign reminds people that simple measures can stop fraudsters, such as:
- Updating computer firewalls and antivirus software to stop hackers
- Not sharing personal information crooks can use on social media
- Shredding documents from banks or official organisations like HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) or Companies House
Each of these precautions are ignored by around a third of people, says the fraud reporting web site.
Warnings about bogus advisers – Worldwide
Bogus adviser alerts on the International Organisation of Securities Commissions web site:
- Skyoptions – Tradignition – London Capital Group (cloned firm) – Fortune 2014 Ltd – Belgium
- Maya Company Ltd – BFBMarket – FIPconseil – Starbust limited – BHR Conseils – YJ Concept – Belgium
- Mercuria Technologies LTD – Optionsmarter – Belgium
- Ftradition – Equity Capitals – Haussman Capital – Direct Epargne – Belgium
- S&B Seven Ltd – Binareo – HSB Group Ltd – Belgium
- Binaroom – Belgium
- BHNV online Ltd – Opteck – Belgium
- Invest-Binary – Belgium
- F&C Investments (F&C Management – cloned firm) – Belgium
- LIBServices ltd – Next Binary – Trade Invest Group – Trading Expertise – Fortune 2014 Ltd – Belgium
- MIA 29 Ltd – Technopers – Secure Invest – Soft Service Ltd – September Investments Ltd – Belgium
- Consortrade limited – Ixitrade, Well Investments Ltd – Analyst Invest – Belgium
- FSI Union – General Options – Ate Binary Limited – B.P.Y. Technologies Ltd – GI – Belgium
- Technologies – Belgium
- Redford Option – Belgium
- Finanperf – Secure Soft Service Ltd – Belgium
- FXCM (cloned firm) – FXCManagement – Belgium
- Algorates – Belgium
- XFRoptions – XFR Finance Ltd – BFM International Ltd – Belgium
- Insta-trading – Telcom Services Ltd (Sequoia markets) – Belgium
- CT-Broker – Mascarene Management (Fi Services) – Belgium
- FXBanque – Boursoratrade – Belgium
- GDPX Assets ltd – Nakitrade – Belgium
- GFS Limited – GFS Securities – Belgium
- Williams Corporation Ltd (MPT Max/My Private Trade) – Belgium
- Wells Goldman Securities and Futures Commission – Hong Kong
- PJM Tax Practice – Canada
- Capital Joy Development Limited – Canada
- Capstone Securities LLC – Canada
Warnings about bogus advisers – UK
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) web site has these warnings this week:
- Recruit Plus
- Easy Quid Finance
- Instant Lends
- Loan Partners (Clone web site)
- Mercleases/ Mercedes Direct
Dealing with an unregulated firm
If you buy shares, save money or invest with an unregulated firm, you lose any protection offered by the Financial Ombudsman and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Broadly, you have no independent place to complain if the deal goes wrong and are unlikely to win any compensation.
Checking if a firm is regulated
Go to the Financial Services Register to check if a firm is regulated in the UK.
Reporting a suspected bogus adviser
Find out how to report unauthorised advisers on the FCA web site
