The Financial Conduct Authority has warned about fake emails purporting to be from the regulator.
It issued a statement saying it had been made aware that several people had received a series of fake emails yesterday (9 May).
These included emails sent from fcafees@fca.org.uk with the subject “Overdue balance” and from fca.updates@fca.org.uk with the subject “FCA business update” or “Blacklisted FX firms”.
It has also been made aware of fake emails from fca.updates@fca.org.uk which were sent on 21 March.
The FCA said firms and individuals receiving these emails should delete them without opening them.
The regulator said: “Keep in mind that we would never contact members of the public asking for money or your bank account details.
“The correspondence is likely to be linked to organised fraud and we strongly advise you not to respond to the criminals in any way.
“Look for signs that the email, letter or phone call may not be from us, 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.”
Those who are not sure whether an email which appears to be from the FCA is genuine have been recommended to contact the regulator.
damian.fantato@ft.com
