Fraud warning: scam making false representations about the JFSC
Fraud warning: scam making false representations about the JFSC
We have been made aware that scammers are making false representations about the JFSC and are sending emails to Jersey residents falsely claiming that:
- they are due to receive a large sum of money; and
- the JFSC is holding this money for a ‘regulatory review’; and
- they need to pay for a ‘Money Laundering Certificate’ to release the money.
This is a scam. If you receive an email like this, do not respond and do not send any money or personal information.
The JFSC would never:
- hold your money, whether for a ‘regulatory review’ or any other reason
- issue ‘Money Laundering Certificates’ for release of funds
- ask you to send us money (unless you’re a legitimate financial institution paying fees)
- ask for sensitive bank details, such as PINs, passwords or card details
How to spot a scam
If you receive an unexpected email, text, call, or letter, look for signs that it may be a scam. These can include, but are not limited to:
- spelling mistakes and poor grammar
- pressure and urgency, demanding you to do something
- promises or offers that seem too good to be true
- asking or telling you to click on a link
- unusual payment methods
- requests for sensitive or personal information
- website addresses and social media accounts that are similar to genuine ones but contain small changes, or contain extra punctuation
What to do if scammers contact you
Do not reply, do not click on any links or open any attachments, do not provide any sensitive or personal information, and do not send them any money.
If you have received an email, text, call or letter from the JFSC, and are unsure whether it might be a scam, we encourage you to take the following steps to verify you are corresponding with the genuine JFSC:
- only use the JFSC’s official website www.jerseyfsc.org
- ensure emails from the JFSC match the official JFSC email domain – @jerseyfsc.org
- call the JFSC on +44 (0)1534 822000 and ask to speak to the individual who sent, or appears to have sent the message, in order to verify its legitimacy
Follow the Jersey Fraud Prevention Forum on Facebook or LinkedIn for guidance on how to avoid being scammed and what to do if you think you have been scammed:
https://www.facebook.com/jsyfraudforum
https://www.linkedin.com/company/jersey-fraud-prevention-forum/
For further enquiries, please contact the JFSC’s Enforcement team.
You can also contact the JFSC’s confidential whistleblowing line on +44 (0)1534 887557.