How to Check if a Financial Institution is Genuine

Welcome to the final blog of the financial fraud series with BCRS Business Loans and Superfast IT.

If you’re considering dealing with a financial institution, you must ensure they are genuine before using their services.

There’s a very simple way to check a financial institutions credentials. All you have to do is look it up on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) register. This is a database which holds details of every financial company that’s registered and regulated by the FCA. You can search for a company by entering its name and/or postcode.

If a financial services company isn’t listed on the FCA website, approach with caution. And remember to check any number on the website.

As a trusted lender, BCRS Business Loans are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. Ensure you only use the contact details listed on the register to confirm you’re dealing with the genuine firm before parting with your money and information.

Working with BCRS to prevent fraud

To help you stay safe from fraud and scams, BCRS adopt the tactics covered in previous blog posts which you can find here:

  • Superfast IT and BCRS Business Loans Team Up to Help Prevent Financial Fraud in the West Midlands
  • What types of financial fraud small businesses need to be aware of
  • Principles to follow to protect your business from financial fraud
  • What to do if your business falls victim to financial fraud

BCRS also keep their business safe and secure by deploying best practise cybersecurity. They are Cyber Essentials certified – this means they not only deploy cybersecurity, but are also accredited, having reached the minimum level of security recommended by the National Cyber Security Centre.

They support the ‘Take Five to Stop Fraud’ campaign, encouraging not only the team, but also suppliers and clients to stop and challenge suspicious activity.

How can BCRS Business Loans support you?
BCRS is a reputable, responsible, and co-operative lender. They think differently about business finance and are committed to supporting SME businesses across the West Midlands offering loans from £10,000 – £150,000 to kickstart your growth and recovery following the pandemic

They work closely with partners such as:

  • The British Business Bank to deliver the now closed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the current Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS).
  • Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council to deliver the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Business Loan Fund
  • Social Investment Scotland
  • Triodos Bank UK

Head to www.bcrs.org.uk for more information.

How can Superfast IT support you?

Superfast IT provides managed IT services and cybersecurity packages to small and medium-sized businesses, based in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Worcester and across the West Midlands. With 20 years’ experience, Superfast IT specialises in:

  • IT support
  • Cybersecurity
  • Passing Cyber Essentials
  • Cloud
  • Data back-up and recovery
  • Microsoft 365
  • Telephones, VoIP (cloud telephony)
  • IT consultancy
  • Connectivity – Internet, WiFi, 5G
  • Fast response and resolution

Over the years, Superfast IT has become synonymous with its industry-leading customer service and a fast response rate, backed by their many five-star Google review ratings.

Small business IT specialists

Today, Superfast IT believes that in the modern digital world, every business is a technology business. This drives their mission to help SMEs be more successful using technology. The team support more than 65 companies and 1,500 people in the West Midlands.

Schedule a call with Superfast IT for more information to find out if they can help solve your IT and security issues for your business.