A WARNING HAS been issued over a firm offering illegal financial services to members of the public.

“China Construction Bank Mexico”, understood to be a small-scale operation, has contacted members of the public in relation to financial services – but has not been authorised by authorities to offer these services.

However, the Central Bank has said this firm has cloned the name of a licensed credit institution, China Construction Bank (London) Limited, who has permission to operate within Ireland.

“It is a criminal offence for an unauthorised firm to provide financial services in Ireland that would require an authorisation under the relevant legislation for which the Central Bank is the responsible body for enforcing,” a statement read.

“Consumers should be aware that, if they deal with a firm which is not authorised, they are not eligible for compensation from the Investor Compensation Scheme.”

It is thought the fake bank is cold-calling or spam emailing customers.

Read: Ireland’s household debt dropped by €2.4 billion in three months >

More: Can you guess how many of us switched current accounts last year? >

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