The clone firm, which the FCA says is being un by fraudsters, is:
Villetorte Asset Management
Addresses: 30 Dukes Place, Aldgate, London, EC3A 7HX; Rue D'Arlon, 39-41 Bte 10, Brussels, B-1000, Belgium; 293 Cours De La Somme, Bordeaux, F-33800, France
Telephone: 020 3966 9912, 020 3966 9910, 020 3966 9911, 020 3966 9913, 020 3966 9914
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.villetorteam.com
The FCA also warned: “Be aware that the scammers may give out other false details or mix these with some correct details of the registered firm.”
An FCA statement read: “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.”
The firm is a clone of a legitimate company, with the following details:
Firm Name: Reyers, Beauvois de Villenfagne SA
Firm Reference Number: 206830
Address: Rue D'Arlon, 39-41 Bte 10, Brussels, B-1000, Belgium
The FCA added: “We strongly advise you to only deal with financial firms that are authorised by us, and check the Financial Services Register to ensure they are.
“It has information on firms and individuals that are, or have been, regulated by us.
“If a firm does not appear on the Register but claims it does, contact our Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768.”