GUIDELINES AND RESOURCES

Recognising and Reporting Fraud

Identifying Fraud

‘Fraud’ describes any deceptive practices aimed at securing unlawful gain, whether financial or otherwise. It’s a complex issue that can take many forms, ranging from identity theft and investment scams to deceptive financial schemes. At its core, fraud involves deception; it may involve individuals or entities misrepresenting facts or concealing the truth to exploit others. Commonly, fraudsters attempt to steal money, assets, or sensitive information through manipulation or outright theft. Recognizing fraud involves being alert to several key indicators. Often, it starts with unsolicited contact, such as unexpected calls, emails, or messages, especially those asking for personal or financial details. Offers that seem too good to be true, promising high returns with minimal risk, are typical red flags. Fraudsters may also employ pressure tactics, urging you to make quick decisions or to act immediately, often under the guise of a limited-time offer. Additionally, be wary of requests for payments through unconventional methods or to accounts that seem unrelated to the entity you believe you’re dealing with. Being able to spot these signs is the first line of defence against falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

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What we will need from you

If you encounter or suspect fraudulent activities, it’s crucial to gather comprehensive information to identify the fraudsters effectively. This information not only aids in the investigation but also helps in reporting the case to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Here’s what we typically request from you to process your fraud claim:

Website and Domain Details

- Domains: List any websites or domain names associated with the fraudsters.
- Platforms: Provide details about the platforms they use, including client portals if any.

Contact Information

- Phone Numbers: Any phone numbers that the fraudsters used to contact you.
- Email Addresses: List email addresses that the fraudsters used for communication.

Any Correspondence or Financial Records

- Screenshots: Attach screenshots from any correspondence with the potential fraudster.
- Account Details: Provide details of bank accounts the fraudsters have used, including dates and amounts of any transfers made.

Please be aware that when providing such information to us it will be used in any reporting we submit to our regulator.

Suspicious Activity: What We Don’t Do

It’s essential to recognize activities our employees would never engage in. Understanding these can help you identify fraudulent schemes before they can take effect:

- Investment Advice/Portfolio Management: Our employees will not provide unsolicited investment advice or portfolio management services
- Information Requests via social media: We never request payments or provide account details via social media platforms
- Password Requests: Finalto employees will never ask for your password, if someone is trying to convince you that they need direct access to your account or the device you use your account on this is a red flag for fraud
- Promise Profit or Financial Gain: We do not guarantee or promise profits under any circumstances.
- Request for payment: any bank accounts we hold are on the name of the entity. We will never ask you to send money to a third party or provide you with banking details not on the name of the firm or variation of the name of the firm

How to protect yourself online

- Viruses and malware: Do not download files or programs from unknown sources to any of your devices

- Secure browsing: ensure that the domain is secure

- Phishing: Fraudsters commonly attempt to obtain your personal information by impersonating a trusted company and/or presenting themselves as its employees, using similar email domains. Watch out for suspicious emails where the domains appear similar to an official source but with a tweak (such as @finaltos.com, @finlato.com, @flnalto.com). These emails often contain spelling mistakes or improper formatting.

- Being mindful of fake requests for tax payments, fake bank account documents, or requests for additional payments to be able to proceed with a withdrawal from your account.

- Disclosing data: Never share your password details or sensitive account information (such as credit card details).

- Check online warning lists: Refer to regulators’ online warning lists to stay informed about unauthorised firms. FCA Warning List: Unauthorised firms | FCA.

Additional Resources ScamSmart: Avoid investment and pension scams | FCA. This is the FCA’s ScamSmart page dedicated to helping investors stay alert and avoid scams.

Immediate Actions: Report a Suspicion or Fraud

If you are in doubt of who you are dealing with you can check our official website www.finalto.com/uk for the correct contact details of Finalto Financial Services. Full details of the firm’s registration can also be found online on the FCA’s register.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or you have been contacted by a fraudulent third party, you should escalate your case immediately to compliance@finalto.com or privacy@finalto.com.

If you have made a payment to a fraudulent third party and you are based in the UK, you are advised to make a report to Action Fraud by speaking directly to their specialist advisers on 0300 123 2040. For more information, please visit actionfraud.police.uk. If you are not based in the UK, you should report it to your local police.

Stay vigilant, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to report suspicious activities. Your prompt action makes all the difference.