Central Bank of Ireland Warns of Multiple Clone Firms and Unauthorised Operators

The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has issued fresh warnings about a series of unauthorised firms targeting consumers through identity cloning, misleading websites, and aggressive online promotions.

According to the regulator, the entities are falsely presenting themselves as authorised providers of investment, mortgage, retail credit, or crypto-related services. In several cases, fraudsters have copied the names, registration numbers, email formats, and contact details of legitimate Irish firms in an attempt to appear credible.

The CBI stressed that none of the listed entities hold authorisation to operate in Ireland. Consumers dealing with these firms would not benefit from regulatory protections, investor compensation mechanisms, or formal dispute resolution channels.

Several of the cases involve “clone firms” — fraudulent operators impersonating legitimate, Central Bank-authorised businesses. These clones often replicate official company information pulled from public records, including Companies Registration Office (CRO) details and regulatory reference numbers.

In one case, the regulator identified an “advanced fee fraud” model, where consumers are asked to pay upfront charges for loans that are never issued.

The CBI also flagged the use of unsolicited communications via email, WhatsApp, Telegram, and online advertising, sometimes implying endorsements or regulatory approval where none exists.The regulator reiterated that any firm offering investment services, mortgage credit intermediary services, or crypto-asset services in Ireland must hold appropriate authorisation.