FCA investigating 165 Covid-19-related scams

FOI request

Sophie King
clock • 1 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is investigating 165 coronavirus-related scams, according to a freedom of information request (FOI) submitted by Parliament Street think tank’s cyber research team.

In one scam, fraudsters pretended to be from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), targeting company owners seeking Covid-19 relief grants to help manage their finances throughout the pandemic. Other scams included a targeted effort to steal the log-in credentials of HSBC customers with business accounts, and attempting to obtain the passport details of financial services workers. The data revealed the scams circulating during the pandemic included contact via emails, phone calls, texts, letters and social media messages. Max Worrall, who is general sales manager of Encompass Corporation,...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Reform for modern times: A fairer future for families

Reform for modern times: A fairer future for families

'Could reshape the legal and financial consequences of relationship breakdown'

Julia Peake
clock 17 June 2026 • 4 min read
Carla Brown: PFS will reassert itself as voice of the profession in 2026

Carla Brown: PFS will reassert itself as voice of the profession in 2026

PFS president and chair on building trust

Carla Brown
clock 16 June 2026 • 4 min read
Advisers need 'robust' scam protections as investment fraud losses hit £221m

Advisers need 'robust' scam protections as investment fraud losses hit £221m

Investment fraud up 40% year-on-year

Sophia Panayi
clock 15 June 2026 • 2 min read