Robo-investor ( Clone of FCA authorised firm ): what the FCA warning says
Fraudsters are using the details of an FCA-authorised firm (Activtrades Plc) to target people in the UK.
| Warning | Robo-investor ( Clone of FCA authorised firm ) (clone of FCA authorised firm) |
| Type | Clone of an FCA-authorised firm |
| Names used | Robo-investor ( Clone of FCA authorised firm ) (clone of FCA authorised firm) · id="section-clone-firm-details" tabindex="-1" class="copy-block default"> · [email protected] |
| Websites named by the FCA | robo-investor.co |
| Genuine firm being impersonated | Activtrades Plc — FRN 434413 — www.activtrades.co.uk |
| Broker in our database | ActivTrades: register-checked regulation page Matched on the genuine firm's FRN 434413 |
| FCA page | fca.org.uk/news/warnings/robo-investor-clone-fca-authorised-firm-clone-fca-authorised-firm |
A clone warning protects the genuine firm
The FCA says fraudsters are using the details of ActivTrades's genuine authorised entity to convince people they work for it. Anyone who was cold-called, messaged or emailed by “Robo-investor ( Clone of FCA authorised firm )” should treat the contact as the clone, not the broker. The genuine firm can only be reached through the contact details on its FCA register entry, and it will never ask you to pay into a personal account or a different company name.
- 1. Open the FCA register yourself and search the firm name and FRN 434413; compare the contact details there with the ones you were given.
- 2. Read the ActivTrades regulation page to see which legal entity would onboard you and what it protects.
- 3. If you have paid money, contact your bank first, then report to the FCA from the warning page.
Common questions
Is Robo-investor ( Clone of FCA authorised firm ) regulated by the FCA?
No. "Robo-investor ( Clone of FCA authorised firm )" is a clone: the FCA's warning of 24 May 2023 says fraudsters are using the details of the genuine authorised firm Activtrades Plc (FRN 434413). Only that genuine firm, reached through the contact details on the FCA register, is authorised.
Is ActivTrades itself the problem?
No. A clone warning is about impersonators. ActivTrades is the genuine firm whose identity is being misused. The risk is to anyone who deals with the clone believing it to be ActivTrades.
What should I do if I have already sent money?
Contact your bank or card provider immediately and ask about recalling the payment or a chargeback, report the firm to the FCA using the link on the warning page, and keep every message and receipt. Be wary of anyone who then contacts you offering to recover the money for a fee.
Warning text © Financial Conduct Authority, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Informational only, not financial advice. Warnings are updated by the FCA; always read the current FCA page before acting.