Current threats from fraud
The following scams and fraudulent third-parties are known to have targeted IFS.
Warning: misuse of IFSL, IFSL Equilibrium and IFS-managed fund names
We are aware that third parties may use the names IFSL, IFSL Equilibrium or IFS-managed funds, in a way that could give the impression of being legitimate and having a connection with IFSL or its managed funds.
We have become aware of a website that operates under the umbrella of "IFSL Equilibrium B.P", claiming to be authorised and regulated by the FCA, and displays an FCA Firm Reference Number that we have been unable to verify on the FCA Register. The website may encourage individuals to open accounts, deposit money or pay additional fees in order to release funds or investments.
What you should know:
· IFSL does not operate online trading platforms, forex trading services or cryptocurrency investment services.
· Third parties may reference IFSL, IFSL Equilibrium, our funds or our regulatory status to create a misleading impression of legitimacy.
· IFSL has no connection with IFSL Equilibrium B.P. Any reference to IFSL, IFSL Equilibrium or IFS-managed funds on third party websites should not be taken as confirmation that the website is connected with, authorised by, or endorsed by IFSL.
· We are aware of a report from an investor who has experienced issues after dealing with this website.
· Be cautious of any platform that requests additional payments or fees to release funds or process withdrawals.
If you have been contacted or invested:
· Do not make any further payments.
· Do not rely on contact details provided by the website or by anyone who has contacted you unexpectedly.
· Cease communication with the individuals or organisation concerned.
· Verify the firm's regulatory status and contact details independently using the FCA Firm Checker here: https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/fca-firm-checker or FCA Financial Services Register here: https://register.fca.org.uk.
· Contact your bank or payment provider immediately if you believe you may have been the victim of fraud.
· Report the matter directly to the FCA at www.fca.org.uk, or to Report Fraud at https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040.
· If you suspect that IFSL, IFSL Equilibrium or any IFS-managed fund name is being misused, or if you are unsure whether you are dealing with IFSL, please contact us directly using the contact information on this website.
· IFSL cannot verify, support or assist with any third-party trading platform or website that is not operated by IFSL. However, we believe it is important to alert investors where we become aware of websites or communications that may misuse our name, fund names or regulatory status, so that investors can take appropriate steps before making any payment or sharing personal information.
WhatsApp - messaging claiming to be IFS
We’ve seen an increase in scams using messaging apps like WhatsApp to target potential investors.
In many cases, fraudsters infiltrate public or private chat groups, posing as fellow group members. They build trust by sharing so-called “exclusive investment tips” or “get-rich-quick opportunities” that appear legitimate and professionally presented.
These messages look professional and appear to come from a trusted financial company – but they're designed to trick you into handing over money or personal information.
What you should know:
· At IFS, we don’t use messaging apps, and we’ll never contact you out of the blue on social media.
· We do not send unsolicited investment opportunities, nor do we promote schemes through social media groups.
· Messages may appear friendly, informal, or trustworthy - but they are often designed to trick you into handing over money, personal information, or account access.
· Scammers may spoof real company names, logos, or even fake testimonials to build credibility.
If you have been contacted:
· Do not engage with unsolicited investment offers sent via messaging apps.
· Never share personal, financial, or account details with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly online.
· If a message seems suspicious, block the sender immediately and report the message to the platform administrators.
· Be especially cautious of anyone who promises high returns with little to no risk - this is a classic hallmark of a scam.
· Cross-check any financial opportunity directly with the firm via their official website or contact details - never rely on links or contacts provided in the message itself.
· You can also report it to Report Fraud, the UK’s home for reporting cybercrime and fraud at https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040.
· If IFS is mentioned or misused in the scam, please contact us directly through the contact information via this website.
Crypto account – emails claiming to be IFS or the FCA
We’ve been made aware of an ongoing scam involving fraudsters who are sending emails claiming they can help recover lost cryptocurrency accounts and significant associated funds.
These individuals are falsely claiming to represent IFS, and in an effort to appear legitimate, they have stolen the identities of genuine IFS employees. They may cite real employee names and direct you to the FCA Register to “verify” their credentials— and while these employees are indeed FCA-authorised, the fraudsters are not affiliated with us or the FCA in any way. This is a deliberate tactic to deceive you.
They may also provide links that appear to lead to official FCA websites, such as fca-uk.org, but these are fake domains created to mimic the real Financial Conduct Authority site. The genuine FCA website is: www.fca.org.uk.
What you should know:
· IFS does not offer cryptocurrency services of any kind - we do not hold, recover, or trace lost crypto accounts.
· We are not involved in recovery work on behalf of the FCA or any regulator.
· Do not click on any suspicious links, and do not share your personal information, account details, or any form of identification.
· These scammers use urgency and the promise of large sums of money to trick you into trusting them. Please stay vigilant.
If you have been contacted:
· Cease all communication immediately with the sender.
· Do not provide any personal or financial information.
· Report the scam directly to the FCA at www.fca.org.uk, or to Report Fraud at https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040.
· If IFS is mentioned or misused in the scam, please contact us directly through the contact information via this website.
You can check out some further helpful tips on staying safe here - Protect yourself from fraud or by visiting FCA ScamSmart
If you see an advert, receive an unsolicited email, or receive a message in a social media group, like the scams mentioned above, please report it and speak to us about any concerns.
You can contact us on:
UK: 0808 178 9321
Overseas: +44 1204 803 932