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Investor protection · Ireland / Europe

Can a fake investment website display the licence number of a real regulated firm?

Yes. Clone firms may copy the name, address and regulator details of a genuine authorised institution.

The short answer

Yes. Clone firms may copy the name, address and regulator details of a genuine authorised institution.

The Central Bank of Ireland documents how fraudulent investment websites impersonate legitimate financial firms, including copying the details of real authorised entities. A correct-looking registration number therefore does not prove the website or caller is genuine.

What to do next

Find the firm through the regulator’s official register and use the contact details recorded there—not those supplied in the unsolicited message.

CentralbankOFFICIAL PROVIDER
Relevant official website

Central Bank of Ireland

This official website is a relevant starting point for this question. Product access or eligibility depends on where you live and the provider's own requirements.

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Questions people ask

What is the direct recommendation for can a fake investment website display the licence number of a real regulated firm?

Yes. Clone firms may copy the name, address and regulator details of a genuine authorised institution.

What eligibility limits should be checked for can a fake investment website display the licence number of a real regulated firm?

Yes. This page describes the rule or example for Ireland / Europe. The contract, residence and tax rules in another jurisdiction can differ.

Primary source

Our answer is based on guidance published by Central Bank of Ireland investor scam guidance.

Read the original guidance ↗

This article explains the published general rule or provider example. It does not establish personal eligibility, a guaranteed allocation or an individual tax outcome.

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