Abstract：The UK regulator flags growing risks in the online finance space, citing eight new cases of unlicensed firms operating with misleading information.
The UKs Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a fresh warning against eight unauthorized entities offering financial services without proper approval. These firms are accused of using misleading contact information and potentially targeting unsuspecting investors with fraudulent schemes.
Red Flags: Unregulated Firms Operating Under False Credentials
The FCAs latest alert highlights a common scam strategy—fraudsters using fake or cloned company information to gain investor trust. The listed firms include:
- SECURE INVEST GROUP (secureinvgroup.com) – operating from Switzerland with multiple UK contact numbers and suspicious email addresses.
- Tide Finance (tidefinance.co.uk) – using a free Gmail address for client communications.
- Skye Limited (skypelltd.co.uk) – registered at a UK business center, with two mobile numbers and a sales-focused email.
- Moneywise (moneywisemarketplace.com) – presenting itself as a financial marketplace but using unverified domains and contacts.
- MaxAi Trader (maxaitrader.com) – offering AI-based trading from a UK location, yet lacking regulatory backing.
- TRADERS PROFIT (tradersprofit.live) – claiming a prestigious London address, but not registered with any financial authority.
- Exventor (exventor.com) – listing a London number and using generic email contacts.
- Buckzer – flagged with incomplete public details, further raising suspicions.
All of these firms are operating outside of FCA authorization and may pose serious risks to investors.
Deceptive Tactics and Investor Risk
The FCA warns that such unauthorized firms frequently provide false or misleading information, including addresses, emails, and phone numbers. This tactic is meant to trick consumers into believing the company is legitimate. In some cases, fraudsters also impersonate genuine firms by cloning names or registration numbers.
The use of professional-looking websites and credible-sounding communication channels adds another layer of deception. However, once funds are deposited, victims often discover they have no way to recover their money—and no legal protection.
Protective Measures for Investors
Investors are strongly advised to verify any financial firm‘s legitimacy before transferring funds. The FCA recommends checking the firm’s registration on the Financial Services Register and staying alert to unsolicited offers, particularly those that guarantee high returns with little or no risk.
For enhanced safety, platforms like WikiFX can help verify broker credentials, review user ratings, and uncover past disputes. These tools are valuable for identifying scams and avoiding potential losses in an increasingly complex financial environment.
