What is the FCA Warning List?
Before you send money to an investment firm, the Financial Conduct Authority publishes a Warning List of unauthorised firms and individuals. It is the FCA's list of unauthorised firms and individuals it is aware of that are not allowed to operate in the UK. Almost all financial firms in the UK must be authorised or registered by the FCA. 12
By Secordit. Last checked: 10 November 2026.
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How it works
- Use the Firm Checker to check whether a firm is authorised and has permission for the service it is offering. If you cannot find a firm there, the Warning List page tells you to contact the FCA on 0800 111 6768. 12
- If you deal with an unauthorised firm, the FCA says you will not be covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service. You will not be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if the firm fails. 1
- The FCA says it adds firms as soon as possible. If a firm is not on the list it may still be unauthorised or a scam. Unauthorised firms often change their names. 1
How it can look
An unexpected message uses the name of a genuine firm, but gives different contact details. Clone firms already have a live glossary page. In line with the FCA, use the contact details from the Firm Checker, not details from an unexpected message. 12
The old ScamSmart web address sends people to the FCA page Protect yourself from scams, which also links the Warning List. The Warning List page also points to PSR APP-fraud reimbursement protections. The FCA says you may be covered by those protections for money sent to a fraudster on or after 7 October 2024. 31
What to know
- You cannot find the firm on the Firm Checker. 12
- The firm is on the Warning List. It may also use a name you have seen before, with new contact details from an unexpected message. 1
- A missing Warning List entry is treated as proof that a firm is genuine. The FCA says that if a firm is not on the list it may still be unauthorised or a scam. 1
What to do now
- Check the firm on the Firm Checker, and check the Warning List. If you cannot find the firm on the Firm Checker, contact the FCA on 0800 111 6768. 12
- Use the contact details from the Firm Checker, not details from an unexpected message. 21
- If you have already sent money, contact your bank and use Report Fraud, or Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland. The Warning List page also points to PSR APP-fraud reimbursement protections for money sent on or after 7 October 2024. 14567
UK reporting and support
- The FCA Warning List (opens in a new tab) and How to check a firm or individual is authorised (opens in a new tab) are the FCA tools described above. The FCA phone number on the Warning List page is 0800 111 6768. 12
- Protect yourself from scams (opens in a new tab) is the current destination of the old ScamSmart address. 3
- If you have sent money, contact your bank and use Report Fraud (opens in a new tab) in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 4567
How to protect yourself
- Check the Firm Checker and the Warning List before you deal with a firm that offers investments or other financial services. 12
- Use contact details from the Firm Checker, not from an unexpected message. 21
- If a firm is not on the Warning List, it may still be unauthorised or a scam. Unauthorised firms often change their names. 1
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if an investment firm is on the FCA Warning List?
Use the FCA Warning List of unauthorised firms and individuals. Also use the Firm Checker to see whether a firm is authorised and has permission for the service it is offering. If you cannot find the firm there, the Warning List page tells you to contact the FCA on 0800 111 6768. 12
If a firm is not on the Warning List, is it genuine?
The FCA says it adds firms as soon as possible. If a firm is not on the list it may still be unauthorised or a scam. Unauthorised firms often change their names. 1
What if I have already dealt with an unauthorised firm?
The FCA says you will not be covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service if you want to complain. You will not be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if the firm fails. Contact your bank and report to Report Fraud. The Warning List page also points to PSR reimbursement protections. The FCA says you may be covered by those protections for some transfers from 7 October 2024. 1
Matching kit
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Sources
- FCA, Warning List of unauthorised firms (opens in a new tab). Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
- FCA, How to check a firm or individual is authorised (opens in a new tab). Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
- FCA, Protect yourself from scams (opens in a new tab). Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
- Report Fraud, Report Fraud (opens in a new tab). Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
- Report Fraud, Guide to reporting cyber crime and fraud (opens in a new tab). Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
- Police Scotland, How to report a crime - Police Scotland (opens in a new tab). Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
- Report Fraud, Reporting cyber crime and fraud or phishing attempts - Report Fraud (opens in a new tab). Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).