The Central Bank yesterday issued a warning notice on Milestone AMG which had been offering investment services in Ireland even though it is not authorised to do so.

It is a criminal offence for businesses to operate as investment firms in the State without the Central Bank’s authorisation.

Clients of unauthorised firms are not eligible for compensation from the Investor Compensation Scheme.

Members of the public who wish to contact the authority in relation to such firms, or to check if an investment firm is authorised, can phone 01 224 4000.

Since 1998, the Central Bank has issued 96 warnings naming 185 firms.

A list of all warning notices is available on centralbank.ie.