FCA Warns UK Consumers About Unauthorised Clairfield-Linked Websites

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned that www.clairfieldintlgroup.com may be providing or promoting financial services in the UK without permission. The regulator said consumers should avoid dealing with the firm and remain alert to scams. The warning also covers www.clairfieldinternationalgroup.com, which the FCA listed alongside the main website. The firm gives an address at 531 5th Avenue, New York, New York 10017, as well as the telephone number +1 914 743 0007, fax number +1 914 462 4253 and the email addresses [email protected] and [email protected]. The FCA said the business has no connection with Clairfield International, whose website is www.clairfield.com. Fraudulent or unauthorised firms may use contact details belonging to another business or individual to make their operations appear genuine, and those details can change over time. The FCA said the firm is not authorised by it and may be targeting people in the UK. Consumers who deal with the business would not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service to pursue a complaint and would not be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if the firm failed. The regulator said people who sent money to a fraudster on or after 7 October 2024 may have protections introduced by the Payment Systems Regulator, depending on the circumstances. Consumers should check any financial firm through the FCA Firm Checker and confirm that it has permission to provide the service being offered. Anyone contacted unexpectedly by a financial business should use the contact details shown in the Firm Checker when responding. Suspected approaches from an unauthorised firm can be reported to the FCA on 0800 111 6768 or through its contact form.