Fraudsters target Punter Southall in clone scam

Financial planning firm targeted

Sophie King
clock • 2 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning after fraudsters were found to be feigning the Punter Southall brand.

Unauthorised business buy.lidlbond.com has been appearing to be the actual FCA-authorised financial planning firm, the regulator said. The watchdog also said fraudsters were using or giving false information as part of their tactics to scam people in the UK. The FCA continued: "Almost all firms and individuals carrying out financial services activities in the UK have to be authorised or registered by us. This firm is not authorised or registered by us but has been targeting people in the UK, claiming to be an authorised firm. "This is what we call a 'clone firm' and fraudsters usually...

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

You can always make more money, but you can't buy more time

You can always make more money, but you can't buy more time

What’s the ROI on a memory that lasts forever?

Chris Ball
clock 16 October 2025 • 3 min read
Autumn Budget 2025: Reeves should use Budget to 'merge ISAs not cut tax-free limits'

Autumn Budget 2025: Reeves should use Budget to 'merge ISAs not cut tax-free limits'

The updates advisers need in the run up to the Autumn Budget 2025 on 26 November

Professional Adviser
clock 16 October 2025 • 1 min read
The importance of female representation in wealth management

The importance of female representation in wealth management

'Representation at senior levels helps inspire the next generation of female advisers'

Amy Grace
clock 15 October 2025 • 5 min read