Bogus website – Forbes Bank

This notice is issued by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (“the Authority”) in accordance with the powers conferred upon it under Section 30 of the Financial Services Act 2008.

 

Public Notice: Forbes Bank / www.forbesbank.co.uk

 

Authority Reference: ENF/01/2026 – 16 January 2026

 

The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (“the Authority”) wishes to alert the public to a website operating at www.forbesbank.co.uk (“the website”), which claims to represent an entity calling itself Forbes Bank (“the company”). The website lists an address at Athol Street, Douglas, IM1, Isle of Man and states that it offers a range of financial services, including banking and retail finance.

 

Findings of the Authority

 

Following review, the Authority makes the following observations:

 

  • The website is considered to be fraudulent and has no connection to any legitimate company incorporated in the Isle of Man.
  • The Authority has taken steps to have the cloned website removed.
  • No association exists between the purported entity and any genuine Isle of Man companies or businesses.
  • Any entity offering the types of financial services described on the website must be licensed or registered by the Authority to operate in or from the Isle of Man. This entity is not authorised.
  • A list of all licensed or registered Isle of Man financial services providers can be found at:
    https://www.iomfsa.im/register-search/
  • A search of legitimate Isle of Man‑incorporated companies can be conducted at:
    https://services.gov.im/companies-registry/

 

Risk to the Public

 

Given these circumstances, the Authority is concerned that individuals who have visited or interacted with the website may be at risk of:

  • Fraud, and/or
  • Unauthorised collection of personal information, potentially leading to identity theft.

 

Recommended Actions

 

  • Anyone who has had dealings with this website is advised to contact their local Police and provide them with the information contained in this notice.
  • Concerns relating to suspicious online activity—including fraudulent websites, emails, telephone calls, or any other electronic communications—can be reported to the Isle of Man Cyber Security Centre at:
     https://csc.gov.im/cyber-concerns-online-reporting-form/
  • Individuals who have general concerns about unlicensed financial activity carried out in or from the Isle of Man should contact the Authority’s Enforcement Division for guidance: