Online Fraud - Mystery Offshore Bank that is not a Bank

2010: Shutter Island - Martin Scorsese

The internet provides huge advantages as we all know, however caution needs to be exercised. Today the Isle of Man's Financial Supervision Commission has issued a warning that they are aware of a bogus website calling itself the "The Irish Nationwide Bank" (www.irishnationwidebank.com). DO NOT VISIT THIS BOGUS SITE as the FSC believe that one of the frauds being committed is identity theft. This is completely different from the completely legitimate Irish Nationwide (I.O.M) which can be found at http://www.iniom.com/.

It would appear that the bogus website exists to extract data from users or money, either way financial fraud. If you or anyone you know has had dealings with this bogus site, please contact your local police or contact the FSC enforcement division on +44 1624 689311 or by e-mail to fsc@gov.im.

Whilst most people do not have offshore bank accounts, this is a timely reminder that you need to act with caution when providing personal and financial information. I suggest checking with the relevant regulator or even me. If in any doubt, don't provide the information. Financial crime is huge business and we all need to be vigilant to curtail and hopefully prevent its activity. Here is a good document that may help remind you about some basics of protecting yourself against financial fraud and identity theft which reminded me of the Leonardo DiCaprio film, "Shutter Island" which explores themes of stolen identity, delusion and missing people.