Bogus bank websites

This notice is issued by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (“the Authority”) in accordance with the powers conferred upon it under Section 30 of the Financial Services Act 2008.

Felicity Credit Union

Secure Haven Bank

Paradise Valley Bank (“the companies”)

felicitycu.org

securehavenbnk.com

paradisevalleybnk.com (“the websites”)

The Authority has become aware of the websites listed above.  The websites are of very similar nature in layout and offerings, and it is considered they have been created by the same group of potential fraudsters.

All websites claim to operate from the stated address of Northwest House, Circular Road, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 1AG.  As far as we can ascertain there is no such legitimate address in the Isle of Man.

The websites purport to offer a wide range of financial products including but not limited to banking and investment products.

The Authority wishes to draw attention to the following observations:

The Authority has failed to establish any association between the websites and any genuine Isle of Man companies or businesses.

To offer the financial services and products mentioned within the websites in or from the Isle of Man, would require them to be licensed or registered by the Authority. None of the companies are licensed or registered with the Authority.  A list of all entities licensed or registered by the Authority can be found at: https://www.iomfsa.im/register-search/

Under the circumstances, the Authority is concerned that any person who has accessed the websites may potentially become the victim of fraud, or it may be an attempt at gaining personal data from the browser in order to steal their identity.

General advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft and advanced fee frauds can be found on the Action Fraud website at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ID and http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/fraud-az-advance-fee-fraud respectively.

Any persons who are already involved in any dealings with the websites should consider notifying their local Police, bringing to their attention the contents of this notice.

Anyone with general concerns concerning any individual or company holding themselves out as conducting a regulated activity in or from the Isle of Man without the requisite licence should contact the Enforcement Division at the Authority on +44 1624 689311 or by email to enforcement@iomfsa.im for advice.