What is a clone firm?

A clone firm is a fraudulent business identity that copies a genuine financial firm’s details. The FCA says criminals may copy its name, address or reference number. 1

They then substitute their own contact details. Finding a real firm on a register does not prove you are speaking to it. 1

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

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How does it work?

  1. Criminals copy details belonging to an authorised firm. 1
  2. They change a telephone number, email address or website detail. 1
  3. You contact the criminal while believing you reached the genuine firm. 1

What the FCA describes

The FCA describes copied websites with altered telephone numbers. It also warns about criminals claiming that genuine register contact details are out of date. 1

What are the warning signs?

  • The caller’s number differs from the FCA Firm Checker listing. 1
  • A firm says the checker’s contact details are outdated. 1
  • An email address only resembles the genuine firm’s address. 1

What to do now

  1. Stop using contact details supplied by the suspected clone. 1
  2. Check the firm and service permissions on the FCA Firm Checker. 1
  3. Report a suspected clone through the FCA’s contact route. 1

UK reporting and support

  • If you paid a suspected scam, contact your bank using the number on your card. 23
  • Report fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 34
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 4
  • Forward suspicious emails to [email protected]. Forward suspicious texts to 7726. 5

How can you protect yourself?

  • Contact the firm using details on the FCA Firm Checker. 1
  • Check the web address when opening the checker or register. 1

Frequently asked questions

Can a real firm reference number be copied?

Yes. The FCA says criminals copy genuine firm reference numbers. 1

Does an authorised name prove the caller is genuine?

No. A clone can misuse an authorised firm’s identity. 1

What if a caller says the checker is outdated?

The FCA advises contacting it if a firm makes that claim. 1

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

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Sources

  1. FCA, Clone firms and individuals. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Ticket fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. Report Fraud, Police impersonation alert and reporting routes. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Police Scotland, How to report a crime. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. GOV.UK, Avoid and report internet scams and phishing. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).