BNP Paribas clone warning: identify the operation correctly

The name BNP Paribas in an investment offer is not enough to establish who you are dealing with. This report concerns the clone identified by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, not the legitimate banking group.

What the FCA reported

The FCA first published its warning on 26 September 2019 and updated it on 28 May 2021. It said the named operation was unauthorised and was contacting people while pretending to represent an authorised firm. The warning identifies www.welcome.bnpps.net among the clone details.

The FCA separately identifies the genuine BNP Paribas, firm reference number 124605, and states that it has no connection with the clone. Do not attribute the clone warning to the genuine firm or assume that every similarly named operation is the same one.

Why the exact details matter

Compare the website, messages and payment recipient in your records with the operation named in the warning. A familiar logo or borrowed registration number does not establish the identity of the person requesting payment.

An authorisation warning does not establish a particular victim’s payment route, wallet ownership or recovery outcome. Those questions require the records of the individual case. Keep original messages, payment confirmations and the exact website address when seeking an assessment.

Source attribution: Financial Conduct Authority, BNP Paribas clone warning, first published 26 September 2019; updated 28 May 2021. Reviewed 11 October 2026.