New FCA Firm Checker Helps Consumers Verify Firms and Avoid Scams

The tool helps consumers check whether a firm is authorised and has the correct permissions to provide services, reducing the risk of falling victim to scams. 

Key features include: 

➡️ Firm Checker allows consumers to confirm a firm’s FCA authorisation and permissions, helping them distinguish legitimate providers from impersonators; 

➡️ According to FCA research, victims most often encountered scams via social media (17%), phone calls (17%), and messaging apps such as WhatsApp or SMS (16%); and 

➡️ Fraudsters often mimic real firms; consumers should verify that contact details match those listed on Firm Checker before engaging. 

️✅ Firms should reinforce consumer-protection messaging and ensure their authorised details are accurate and up to date on FCA records.