Zopa warns over imitation scam firms
ZOPA has warned over a growing number of scam operators targeting UK customers using the peer-to-peer lender’s name to dupe investors.
“Online fraud is on the rise and the people behind the scams are getting smarter — we have even heard from customers about fraudsters impersonating Zopa,” the personal loans provider wrote in a blog post on its website.
“We’re always working to keep your details locked away securely and have teams dedicated to this very job.”
Read more: Zopa adds two-factor authentication to beef up security
The world’s oldest P2P lender flagged up a series of warning signs for investors to watch out for if scammers contacted them by phone call or email.
They include: asking customers directly for their Zopa login details; claiming to work with companies investing money in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies; or working with companies who would ask them to take out a Zopa loan to fund an investment.
“If you do get a call or email claiming to be Zopa that covers any of the above, you’ll know it’s not us, so don’t feel bad about hanging up on the caller or ignoring the email,” the firm said.
Read more: Zopa plans £200m fundraise ahead of bank launch and IPO
In 2015 the FCA highlighted one scam operator using the website www.zopaloansreviews.com to illegally encourage investors onto its fake platform. Zopa Loans Reviews is not linked to or used by the P2P lender.
“We believe this firm has been carrying out consumer credit activities in the UK without our permission or authorisation,” the FCA said at the time.
Consumers can check the FCA register to see if companies are really authorised as they say they are.