Scams & fraud
Clone firm scams — how to verify a crypto company is real
Quick answer: Always check the FCA Financial Services Register yourself — do not trust contact details from an advert or email. Call the firm back using the number on the register, not the one they gave you.
Clone scams copy the name and branding of legitimate companies. The website looks real; the bank details are not.
Reviewed by Digital Assets Team
Not financial advice. This guide is general information only, fact-checked against UK government sources. It is not a personal recommendation. Cryptoassets are high-risk. You may lose all the money you invest.
The five-step check
1) Search the firm name on the FCA register. 2) Compare the firm reference number (FRN). 3) Use only contact details from the register. 4) Check the FCA warning list. 5) Be wary of unsolicited approaches.
Frequently asked questions
What if the firm is on the register?+
Check it is registered for crypto activities. Registration for AML is not the same as full investment regulation.