Broker Review

Unauthorised Firm Details

Name: WS Group (clone websites: ws-group.info, ws-group.co)
Website: ws-group.info, ws-group.co

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Overview

WS Group, as presented on the domains ws-group.info and ws-group.co, is a clone or fake website impersonating a legitimate FCA-authorized firm. These sites are not regulated and are used by fraudsters to deceive consumers into sending money under the guise of a genuine investment or financial service provider. Multiple financial authorities and independent risk tools have flagged these websites as high-risk.

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Platform Claims

The clone websites mimic a legitimate firm by copying logos, branding, and some public details of an FCA-authorized company. They advertise investment, trading, and crypto-asset services, and provide contact details that may appear authentic. However, all operations are unauthorised, and the contact details are often false or controlled by the fraudsters.

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Regulatory & Oversight Concerns

• The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning stating that ws-group.info and ws-group.co are clone websites. Consumers using these sites are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) or the Financial Ombudsman Service.

• Germany’s BaFin warns that ws-group.info appears to offer financial, investment, and crypto services without authorization, which is illegal under German law.

• Fraud and risk assessment platforms highlight that the domains are newly registered, ownership is hidden, and the sites are associated with high-risk financial activities.

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Transparency & User Complaints

• The websites hide the real owner and change contact details to avoid detection.

• These clone sites may allow small deposits or withdrawals to appear legitimate, then later block larger withdrawal requests or demand extra fees.

• Users interacting with these platforms have no legal recourse, as payments are directed to fraudsters rather than the genuine regulated firm.

• The websites exploit regulatory gaps by operating across multiple jurisdictions.

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Major Warning Signs

• Clone fraud: The websites impersonate a legitimate FCA-authorized firm.

• Unregulated: No valid financial authorization exists.

• Anonymous ownership: WHOIS data is masked.

• High risk: Risk of financial loss and blocked withdrawals.

• Cross-border operation: Exploits regulatory loopholes in multiple countries.