FCA Warns of Northern Index Clone Impersonating an Authorised Fund

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned that Northern Index is posing as an authorised financial firm, using copied details to make its operation appear genuine. The regulator says the clone has no authorisation and is contacting people while pretending to represent an authorised firm. It is impersonating THE NORTHERN FUNDS, which is listed as an authorised fund on the FCA’s Financial Services Register; the genuine fund has no connection with the clone. The FCA identifies the clone’s website as ww.northernindex.com and lists the email address [email protected]. Its reported telephone numbers include +1 647 946 3102, +44 20 8073 1617, +44 20 3996 6374, +61 2 4277 0372, +61 3 6469 0668 and +1 647 365 3970. The warning also names addresses in London, Sydney and Toronto. The FCA cautions that fraudsters may use other contact details or combine copied information with genuine firm details, and may change their details over time. People who deal with the clone would not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service for complaints and would not be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if the firm failed. The FCA says recovery of money lost in that situation is unlikely. For payments sent to a scam account on or after 7 October 2024, protections introduced by the Payment Systems Regulator may apply. The FCA advises checking a firm and its permitted services through its Firm Checker, then contacting the genuine firm using the details listed there, especially if an approach was unexpected. Anyone who believes they were contacted by Northern Index or another clone can report it to the FCA by calling 0800 111 6768 or using the regulator’s contact form.