# Clone firm scams — how to verify a crypto company is real

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.

## Key facts
- Clone firms use fake websites and phone numbers.
- The FCA warning list names unauthorised firms.
- If the register details do not match, stop.
- Regulated marketing still does not mean FSCS protection.

## 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.

## FAQs
### 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.

## Sources

- [FCA — Warning list](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/warning-list-unauthorised-firms)
- [FCA — Financial Services Register](https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/financial-services-register)

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— Digital Assets UK (https://digital-assets.co.uk/scams/clone-firms-checklist/), reviewed 2026-06-23. Source: https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/warning-list-unauthorised-firms