Verify the firm before you share information or money
A professional-looking website, familiar brand name or convincing caller does not prove that you are dealing with the genuine firm. In the UK, official records can help you check whether a financial firm is authorised and has permission for the service you want, but they do not remove all risk.
Use the FCA Firm Checker before dealing with a UK financial firm, select the service you are considering and independently match the official contact details to the details you were given. Do not rely on a phone number, link or email supplied by an unexpected caller. Pause and seek help if there is pressure, a mismatch or a claim that official details are wrong.
Check the firm, service and contact route
- Go directly to the FCA Firm Checker rather than following a link in an unexpected message.
- Search the firm and select the product or service you are considering.
- Check that the firm is authorised and has the relevant permission for that service.
- Match its official contact details to the website, caller, email and payment instructions you received.
- Pause if anything differs, if you are rushed, or if a person says the official information is wrong.
Warning signs that deserve a pause
Unexpected contact
A call, message or social post that asks you to act immediately or move to a new contact channel.
Near-match details
A familiar firm name paired with a slightly different website, email, phone number or payment instruction.
Pressure or secrecy
Claims that a deal will disappear, official records are wrong or you must not check with anyone else.
Use official UK checking tools
The FCA’s Firm Checker helps consumers check authorisation and permissions, while its clone-firm guidance explains why independently matching contact details matters. Neither tool can guarantee that a product is suitable or remove all risk.
Financial firm-checking FAQs
Does FCA authorisation prove a product is right for me?
No. It is an important check on the firm and its permissions, but it does not assess product suitability, eligibility, affordability or every risk in your circumstances.
What is a clone firm?
A clone firm is a scam that imitates a genuine authorised firm, often by copying its name or firm reference details while changing contact or payment information.
What should I do if the details do not match?
Do not use the contact details supplied by the caller or message. Use the FCA’s official information to find an independent route, pause the transaction and seek appropriate help if you are concerned.
Get the right kind of help
These guides provide general information, not a recommendation for you. Product availability, eligibility, affordability, tax, legal obligations and consumer protections can depend on your circumstances and current UK rules. Check current provider terms and use an appropriately authorised professional or free debt adviser when a personal assessment is needed.