The authorities in Guernsey, one of the British Channel Islands, have issued a warning about bogus banks claiming Guernsey registration. Bogus banks have been able to increase their activities because if the Internet. They are operated by organised criminal gangs using sophisticated technology to achieve their illegal gains. They produce impressive looking, seductive websites. It is suggested that the criminals have chosen to claim Guernsey registration because Guernsey has the reputation of being a well-regulated financial centre and its name carries a kind of guarantee. A list of these bogus banks and other bogus financial service ‘companies’ falsely claiming Guernsey registration is listed on the Guernsey Financial Services Commission’s website at www.gfsc.gg under Warnings and Prohibitions.
The e-mails of these bogus banks often request the recipient’s banking details. We have warned before of bogus e-mails requesting banking details. Remember: your bank will NEVER request your details by e-mail. If you receive such an e-mail, simply press the ‘delete’ key. If you have any doubts drop into your local branch and discuss your concerns face-to-face with a member of the bank staff.
If you have already succumbed to an approach by a bogus company, contact your local police
Case Studies