The MFSA would like to alert the public that it has received information that a guarantee purportedly issued by an Austrian bank may have been forged and has been circulated in various banks outside Malta, including Austria, Italy, Hungary and Poland, for fraudulent business activities. The MFSA has the names of nine persons allegedly involved in this matter. This does not exclude that other persons, as yet unknown, may also be involved. In the event that any person in Malta is approached with such a guarantee, he should exercise the utmost caution and seek professional advice. He may also contact the MFSA in order to make the necessary verifications.