Mr James Crobsy / HBSOC Plc - Advance Fee Fraud

The Commission has recently become aware of emails received by members of the Public purporting to have been sent by the above named individual.

Within these emails the above named individual, Mr James Crobsy, claims to be the “Chief Executive” for the above entity, HBSOC Plc, “located in the Isle Of Man”.

The email seen by the Commission refers to “a possible business deal involving money transfer of £75.5 Million (sic)”.

The email gives an address for the sender of P.O. Box 19., Bank of Scotland House, Prospect Hill, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1AT.

The Commission wishes to draw attention to the following observations regarding the aforementioned emails:

There is a genuine holder of an Isle of Man Banking Licence called Bank of Scotland International Limited with a genuine address of PO Box 19, Bank of Scotland House, Prospect Hill, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1AT. Details of all licenceholders of the Commission are available on our website.

Enquiries by the Commission have established that there is no James Crobsy now or formerly employed by the genuine Bank of Scotland International Limited.

Under the circumstances the Commission feels that these emails are being issued to either tempt the recipient into becoming the victim of an Advance Fee Fraud.

or are an attempt at gaining personal data from the recipient in order to steal their identity.

Under the circumstances the Commission would encourage people receiving emails matching the above description to refrain from responding to them in any way.

Any persons who are already involved in any dealings resulting from emails matching the above description and have concerns should contact the Enforcement Division on +44 1624 689315 or by email to fsc@gov.im

Any persons who have paid out funds in relation to emails matching the above description or who have provided personal financial details in relation to emails matching the above description should consider contacting their local police fraud unit without delay.

FSC reference: KL/16/2006