ESMA, the watchdog set-up to safeguard the stability of the EU's financial system, says its identity has been used by fraudsters in attempts to try and scam company employees out of money.

The Paris-based securities regulator issued a warning note on Thursday, claiming staff at an unnamed savings bank and listed issuer had been targeted directly by emails trying to solicit money via transfers.

Attempts were also made to use the name of a senior member of ESMA in the messages.

An ESMA spokesperson confirmed to Global Investor/ISF that there had been no breaches of ESMA’s own systems.

The issue related only to individuals posing as either representatives of ESMA, or ESMA staff, including the use of bogus websites and email addresses.

"The matter was brought to our attention by a number of police forces across Europe who are investigating these issues," the spokesperson added.

"As these are potentially criminal actions the most practical course of action open to ESMA was to issue this warning to make people aware of the issue." 

Online security has been an increasing focus for ESMA and other financial authorities around the globe. 

Last year ESMA chair Steven Maijoor said that the organisation may be able play a critical role in battling cyber-crime, adding that further work is needed on national defence programmes.

Today, it advised recipients to check whether any e-mails received are genuine and contact ESMA if any suspicion arises.