Advisers have been warned of a scam email purporting to be from the FCA, asking them to complete a survey on its conduct rules and the effect coronavirus is having on their business.
The email was sent from fcaimpact4@fcanewsletter.org.uk but according to the FCA the email may also come from fcaimpact1, fcaimpact2 and fcaimpact3.
It mimics the genuine coronavirus survey sent to advisers by the FCA in June, which attempted to assess the industry’s financial wellbeing in light of the pandemic.
The email requests firms to fill in an attached survey and part with personal information.
It says: “The FCA is seeking to further understand the effect the Covid-19 recession is having on the finances of the firms we regulate and better guide our supervisory actions and conduct rules.
“We require you to complete the attached survey in full (under section 165 of the Financial Services & Markets Act (FSMA) 2000) by close of business, Friday 4 September 2020.
“This survey is designed so that it is quick and simple to complete. Please ensure that you complete the questions where the relevant information is available.
“We do not intend to publish this survey or its outcomes on our website, due to its dynamic and confidential nature targeting different sections of the firms we regulate.
“If you have any questions when completing the survey, please reply to this email for immediate assistance.”
The FCA has also warned about emails circulating from the domain @gabriel-FCA.org.uk and aml@opbas.net.
