Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The FCA warned investors on 5 June 2018 about Primus Forex Financial Group, an unauthorised clone firm using the website www.primusasia.com. The warning matters because the operation copied details associated with a genuine FCA-authorised business, including its London address.
The genuine firm named in coverage at the time was Primus Capital Markets UK Limited, trading as PCM UK. That company later changed its legal name to TIO Markets UK Limited on 27 December 2018. The FCA’s current records still associate the authorised entity with FRN 488900.
What the FCA warning said
The FCA identified Primus Forex Financial Group as a clone of an FCA-authorised firm. Clone firms are unauthorised businesses that impersonate legitimate financial companies or falsely claim to be connected to them.
The details linked to the 2018 warning were:
| Detail | Information reported in the warning |
|---|---|
| Name | Primus Forex Financial Group |
| Website | www.primusasia.com |
| Telephone | 0085295880590 |
| Address used | 3rd Floor, 9 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YD, United Kingdom |
| Warning date | 5 June 2018 |
The London address was associated with the genuine firm. Its appearance in the clone’s material was not proof that Primus Forex Financial Group operated from that location or had any legitimate connection to the authorised business.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Which firm was being impersonated?
Contemporaneous reports identified the genuine business as Primus Capital Markets UK Limited, which operated under the PCM UK brand. Its FCA reference number was FRN 488900.
That legal entity is no longer called Primus Capital Markets UK Limited. Companies House records show that it changed its name to TIO Markets UK Limited on 27 December 2018. The company number remains 06592025, and Companies House currently lists it as active.
The FCA says the genuine authorised firm had no connection with the clone. The 2018 warning therefore should not be read as an allegation that the authorised company itself was fraudulent.
Rank #2
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
Current details for FRN 488900
For current verification, investors should use the FCA’s own records rather than old articles, archived websites or contact details supplied by a caller.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match| FCA record | Current detail |
|---|---|
| Firm name | TIO Markets UK Limited |
| FRN | 488900 |
| Website | www.tiomarkets.uk |
| Telephone | +44 20 3865 2275 |
[email protected] |
|
| Address | 8 Devonshire Square, London, City of London, EC2M 4YJ, United Kingdom |
These details are not interchangeable with the 2018 clone details. In particular, primusasia.com was the website associated with the warning; it is not the current FCA-listed website for the authorised firm with FRN 488900.
Why checking the FCA number is not enough
A clone can copy a real firm’s name, FCA reference number, address, regulatory wording and website design. That means a matching FRN does not, by itself, establish that the person contacting you works for the authorised firm.
Rank #3
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
The FCA advises comparing all the details:
- the exact legal name;
- the FCA reference number;
- the website domain;
- telephone numbers;
- email addresses; and
- the physical address.
A mismatch is especially important where an unsolicited caller is asking for a deposit, identity documents, remote access to your computer or a payment to release supposed profits.
How to verify a forex or investment firm
- Open the FCA Firm Checker or Financial Services Register. Do not use a link sent by the salesperson.
- Search by the firm’s name. Search for variations if the name is common or the caller uses a trading brand.
- Select the relevant service. A firm may be authorised for one activity but not for the specific forex, CFD, investment or advice service being offered.
- Check the full record. Compare the website, phone number, email address and address with the details provided to you.
- Make an independent call. If you need confirmation, contact the genuine firm using only the telephone number or email address shown in the FCA record.
- Check FCA warnings. The register and FCA warnings may identify known unauthorised firms or clones.
The FCA’s clone-firm guidance and Financial Services Register explain this process. A firm’s presence in a search result is not a substitute for checking whether it has permission for the service offered.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhat protection is lost when dealing with a clone?
Someone who sends money to an unauthorised clone does not receive the protections that would normally be associated with an authorised UK firm. The FCA states that investors dealing with a clone cannot use the Financial Ombudsman Service for that relationship and are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if the clone fails.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Those protections also do not turn on whether the clone copied a genuine firm’s FRN or address. The key issue is whether you dealt with the authorised entity shown on the FCA register and whether it had permission for the relevant activity.
If you have already paid money
- Stop further payments. Do not pay a “tax”, “withdrawal fee”, “recovery fee” or additional margin requested to release funds.
- Contact your bank or card provider immediately. Explain that you may have been the victim of an investment scam and ask what payment-reversal or recall options are available.
- Report the matter to the FCA and Action Fraud. Preserve the warning signs and any reference numbers.
- Save evidence. Keep emails, chat messages, account statements, wallet addresses, telephone numbers, contracts and screenshots of the website.
- Secure your accounts. Change passwords if you shared them, remove remote-access software and monitor bank, email and investment accounts.
Be cautious of anyone who later promises to recover the money for an upfront fee. Recovery scammers often target people who have already reported an investment loss.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common misunderstandings about the Primus warning
| Claim | Why it is misleading |
|---|---|
| “Primus Capital Markets UK Limited is still the current company name.” | The legal entity changed its name to TIO Markets UK Limited on 27 December 2018. |
| “Primusasia.com is the genuine firm’s current website.” | That domain was associated with the clone warning. The FCA currently lists www.tiomarkets.uk for FRN 488900. |
| “The FCA warning proves the authorised firm was fraudulent.” | The warning concerned an unauthorised clone, and the FCA states that the genuine firm had no connection with it. |
| “The matching address or FRN proves the caller is genuine.” | Clone firms can copy both. Website, phone, email and address details must all match the FCA record. |
Because the original warning dates from 2018, old references can be particularly confusing. The company name, website and address connected with a legitimate firm may change over time, while a scam website or copied warning continues circulating online. Current FCA records should take priority over historical marketing material.
Best Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
FAQ
Is Primus Forex Financial Group authorised by the FCA?
The FCA warned on 5 June 2018 that Primus Forex Financial Group was an unauthorised clone firm. Do not assume that its use of a genuine firm’s name, address or FRN made it authorised.
What happened to Primus Capital Markets UK Limited?
Companies House records show that Primus Capital Markets UK Limited changed its legal name to TIO Markets UK Limited on 27 December 2018. The company number remained 06592025.
Is FRN 488900 genuine?
FRN 488900 is associated with the genuine authorised entity now called TIO Markets UK Limited. However, a scammer can copy a genuine FRN, so the number must be checked together with the website, phone, email, address and permitted activities.
Is primusasia.com the genuine PCM UK website?
No. It was the website associated with the 2018 Primus Forex Financial Group clone warning. The FCA currently lists www.tiomarkets.uk for the authorised firm with FRN 488900.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Can I get FSCS compensation if I paid the clone?
The FCA states that dealing with a clone does not provide FSCS protection and does not give access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Contact your bank or card provider and report the suspected scam promptly.
The Bottom Line
The FCA’s Primus Forex Financial Group alert concerned an unauthorised clone, not the genuine firm it impersonated. Treat www.primusasia.com, 0085295880590 and the copied address as historical warning details. For any current approach, verify the business through the FCA register, confirm permission for the specific service and independently match every contact detail before sending money or documents.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
