The Central Bank has warned consumers to be careful after listing eight companies operating here without accreditation.

Providing financial services in Ireland, which requires the approval of the Central Bank, is a criminal offense against an institution or individual.

Users who interact with an unauthorized entity or individual are not eligible for compensation from the investment compensation plan.

Mutual Lending Mate is a warning body; Friends & Pro Ltd (trading as friends loans); Easy money for money; Panther loans (clones); Cash 2 All (clone); Dowlog Group Private Lender / Dowlog Group; Smart loans (clones); Nat International Fund PLC (Clone).

It is not uncommon for regulators to warn about several institutions at once.

The central bank said in a statement: “If you purchase a financial product such as a loan, insurance, deposit or pension, or engage in a financial service such as investment advice, only deal with a central bank authorized institution or individual.”

Anyone wishing to contact the Central Bank with information about unauthorized entities or individuals can call (01) 224 4000. This line is also available to the public to check if an institution is authorized.

Online editors