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Beware of fraudsters impersonating Fundsmith in Germany

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Fundsmith
By Fundsmith

We are aware of an ongoing fraud campaign targeting individuals in Germany, in which criminals falsely claim to represent Fundsmith. These people, groups, websites and schemes have no connection with Fundsmith whatsoever.

This follows our earlier warning about "Capitalsmith". The latest campaign is more elaborate. Rather than a single fake group, the fraudsters are combining WhatsApp investment groups, fake Fundsmith-branded websites, fabricated online articles, invented staff and a mobile app to make a supposed German Fundsmith operation appear genuine.

We are reporting and removing impersonating websites, accounts, content and apps as we find them. New ones continue to appear, so please remain vigilant.

How the scam works

Based on reports we have received, the scheme typically involves some or all of the following:

  • A fake German operation. Individuals are told that Fundsmith is expanding into Germany through a German division or investor community. No such operation exists.
  • Fictitious representatives. The fraudsters use the invented name "Marcus Hartmann", presented as CEO of a German Fundsmith division, and a purported assistant, "Sophie Müller". Neither is connected with Fundsmith.
  • Fake websites and email. Impersonating websites have included fundsmithde.com, fundsmith.vip, smithfd.vip and smithfd.com. These have been taken down or are being taken down. Emails from these domains, such as support@fundsmithde.com, are also fraudulent.
  • Fabricated press coverage. Fake online articles, including a supposed interview with "Marcus Hartmann", are used to make these identities look credible.
  • WhatsApp investment groups. Known group names include "DAX Branchenanalyse G6" and "DAX Marktanalyse T7". Members have reported being promised returns of up to 280% from investing in the Fundsmith SICAV.
  • Payments to unrelated companies. Group members have reported being asked to transfer money to a bank account held by an unrelated company in Italy.
  • A fake mobile app. An Android app called "FMDMA", from a developer named "Hensendev", has been distributed through Google Play using Fundsmith branding. It has reportedly asked users for personal information and photographs of identity documents. We have reported it to Google.
  • Borrowed credibility. The fraudsters quote genuine FCA and CSSF information and real Fundsmith material. Accurate regulatory details do not mean you are dealing with Fundsmith.

What Fundsmith will never do

Fundsmith will never:

  • Provide investment advice, contact you through social media or messaging apps such as WhatsApp, or send you text messages other than one-time security codes
  • Invite you to join an investment group or community
  • Promise or guarantee investment returns
  • Ask you to transfer money to an account held by another company or an individual
  • Ask you to install an app from a link sent to you. Our only official app is linked from the homepage of our website

Be wary of anyone who claims to work for Fundsmith, offers trading ideas, requests money or identity documents, or asks you to click links or download files. If in doubt, contact us using the details below, not those supplied by the person who approached you.

What to do if you are contacted

  • Do not send money, personal information or identity documents.
  • Do not install any app or click links you have been sent. If you have already installed the app, uninstall it.
  • If you have made a payment or shared bank or identity details, contact your bank immediately.
  • Leave and report any WhatsApp group (see WhatsApp's guidance on blocking and reporting), and report fake apps through Google Play.

Please report any fake groups, websites or apps to us at cybersecurity@fundsmith.co.uk so we can take steps to have them removed. For further assistance, call us on 0330 123 1815.

If you are in Germany, you can also report the matter to your local police and to BaFin, the German financial regulator. In the UK, you can report suspicious firms or scams to the FCA on 0800 111 6768 or via its online reporting form, and the FCA's scam prevention guide has further tips on staying safe.

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