FCA Warning: Bondsmith Clone Websites Impersonating Authorised Firm

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has updated its warning regarding fraudulent websites operating as clone entities of an authorised UK firm. Scammers are copying the credentials of legitimate entities to deceive consumers into believing they are dealing with an authorised financial services provider. According to the FCA, the unauthorised clone operation is using the domain names bondsmith.uk, savings.bondsmith.uk, and bondsmiths.co.uk. The fraudsters have also utilized the address 124-128 City Rd, London, EC1V 2NJ, the telephone number 02080730879, and email addresses including [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]. The genuine firm being impersonated is Bondsmith Savings Ltd, which holds FCA Firm Reference Numbers 955601 and 1021751, operates from Level 2, 4 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9HF, and communicates via legitimate channels including [email protected]. The genuine firm has no association with the clone websites or contact information used by the scammers. Engaging with unauthorized clone firms puts consumers at significant financial risk. Investors dealing with these unregulated entities will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if problems arise. The FCA advises consumers to verify firm details via the official Financial Services Register before transferring any funds.