The fake website has now been taken down

Major developing association L&Q has launched an investigation after shutting down a fake investment opportunity in the business.

Earlier this week, the housing association revealed it had become aware of a fraudulent document and website using its name claiming to be publicising an L&Q investment opportunity.

Hawkins Brown's proposals for the Citroen site at Brentford

Hawkins Brown’s proposals for L&Q’s Citroen site at Brentford

In a statement to the Stock Exchange L&Q said: “We can confirm that neither the document â€˜L&Q Bond 2020/21 investment guide’ nor the linked website are genuineâ€

The organisation urged anyone in receipt of the document, or in contact with those responsible for it, to report it to the City of London Police’s Action Fraud unit. 

A spokesperson for L&Q confirmed there was a fake website, which the organisation had taken down, and that the housing association was working with Action Fraud on an ongoing investigation.

She said: â€œWe take any attempt to defraud L&Q, our customers or partners extremely seriously. This document and the website have been reported to Action Fraud by L&Q, and the website and all associated email addresses are no longer active after we reported them to the hosts. Our investigations are continuing.â€

This comes just weeks into Fiona Fletcher-Smith’s reign as chief executive, who succeeded David Montague earlier this month.

Fletcher-Smith was previously L&Q’s group director of development and sales.

Action Fraud can be contacted on 0300 123 2040 or at .