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

SFO secures six-figure confiscation order against Axiom Legal Financing fraudster

SFO secures six-figure confiscation order against Axiom Legal Financing fraudster

David Kennedy is currently serving an eight-year prison sentence

Sahar Nazir
clock 22 December 2025 • 1 min read
Private markets push meets adviser pragmatism: 'Real shift will come when advisers are empowered, not pressured'

Private markets push meets adviser pragmatism: 'Real shift will come when advisers are empowered, not pressured'

Higher proof-of-value demands and operational challenges keep private markets on margins of UK advice portfolios

Sahar Nazir
clock 19 December 2025 • 9 min read
Feel Good Friday: Tyndall Partnerships supports charity drive delivering Christmas aid to over 500 families

Feel Good Friday: Tyndall Partnerships supports charity drive delivering Christmas aid to over 500 families

Business development exec Lawrence Patrick joined charity The Mehiel Foundation

Professional Adviser
clock 19 December 2025 • 1 min read