# Firm Checker

> How to check whether a financial firm is authorised by the FCA, spot clone firms and protect yourself before you hand over money.

Canonical page: [/tools-calculators/firm-checker](/tools-calculators/firm-checker/)

Before dealing with any financial firm, it is worth checking that it is authorised. Here is how to verify a firm using official records — Consumer Credit is not a regulator, so we point you to the source.

## Why checking matters

Most firms offering financial products or services in the UK must be authorised or registered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Dealing with an authorised firm gives you important protections, including access to the Financial Ombudsman Service and, in many cases, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Being authorised does not mean every activity a firm carries out is regulated, or that you cannot lose money — investments can still fall in value. But an unauthorised firm is a serious warning sign.

## How to check the FCA Register

The FCA Register is the official public record of firms and individuals the FCA authorises. Search for the firm by name or reference number, check the details match exactly what the firm has given you, and use only the contact details shown on the Register to get in touch.

- Search the firm’s name on the FCA Register
- Check the permissions match what the firm is offering you
- Use the phone number and website listed on the Register, not ones the firm sends you

## Watch out for clone firms

Fraudsters sometimes pretend to be a genuine authorised firm — a “clone firm” — using a real firm’s name and reference number but their own contact details. Always reach the firm using the details on the FCA Register itself, and treat unexpected contact, pressure to act quickly and “guaranteed” returns as warning signs.

## If a firm is not authorised

If you cannot find a firm on the FCA Register, or something does not add up, do not hand over money or personal details. Report your concerns to the FCA and, if you think you have been targeted by a scam, to Action Fraud.

- [Search the FCA Register](https://register.fca.org.uk)
- [FCA ScamSmart](https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart)
- [Report a scam to Action Fraud](https://www.actionfraud.police.uk)