Is there an official 'FCA scam list'?

The FCA doesn't use the phrase 'scam list' — the official name is the 'Warning List of unauthorised firms'. It's the same thing: firms operating in the UK without FCA permission, including clones of real banks and brokers. Searching it is free.

How do I report a scam to the FCA?

Use the FCA's ScamSmart reporting form at fca.org.uk/scamsmart, or call the FCA Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768. For fraud you've already lost money to, also report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

What's the difference between the FCA Warning List and the FCA Register?

The Register lists authorised firms (allowed to trade in the UK). The Warning List flags unauthorised firms (not allowed to trade — usually scams or clones). Always check both: a firm should be on the Register AND not on the Warning List.

How fast does the FCA add new scam firms?

Typically days-to-weeks after the first consumer reports. Many active scams aren't listed yet, which is why Scam AI also checks WHOIS, Safe Browsing, OpenSanctions and reviews — to catch firms before they make it onto the FCA list.

Can I get my money back from an FCA-listed scam?

Sometimes. If you paid by debit/credit card or UK bank transfer in the last few months, your bank may be required to reimburse under the APP-fraud rules. Call your bank's fraud line first, then escalate to the Financial Ombudsman if they refuse.

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The FCA Scam List — Explained

The 'FCA scam list' is officially called the Warning List of unauthorised firms. Here's how to search it, how to report a scam to the FCA, and what to do if you've already lost money.

Key Takeaways

The official name is the FCA Warning List — searching it is free and takes seconds.
Listed firms are unauthorised in the UK: outside FSCS, outside the Financial Ombudsman, often clone firms.
The list is reactive — many active scams aren't on it yet. Cross-check with WHOIS, reviews and Safe Browsing.
Report scams to ScamSmart (fca.org.uk/scamsmart) and Action Fraud (0300 123 2040).
APP-fraud reimbursement rules mean your bank may have to refund you for recent transfers.

What people mean by 'FCA scam list'

When UK consumers Google 'FCA scam list' they're almost always looking for the FCA Warning List of unauthorised firms. The FCA publishes it because firms operating without their authorisation can't legally take retail investment money — and in practice most of them are scams or 'clone firms' that impersonate real ones. The list is updated daily and is fully public.

How to search the FCA list yourself

Go to fca.org.uk/consumers/warning-list-unauthorised-firms, type the firm name or website, and the FCA will show any matching warning. Or paste the URL into Scam AI and we'll match it against the live FCA list plus 80+ other global enforcement databases in one go.

How to report a scam to the FCA

ScamSmart reporting form: fca.org.uk/scamsmart
FCA Consumer Helpline: 0800 111 6768 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–1pm)
Action Fraud (police): 0300 123 2040 — for fraud you've already lost money to
Your bank's fraud team: the number on the back of your card — request APP-fraud reimbursement

What if you've already paid the scammer?

Under the UK's APP-fraud reimbursement rules (in force since October 2024), banks must usually refund victims of authorised push-payment fraud — but you have to ask quickly. Call your bank's fraud line within hours if possible, then escalate to the Financial Ombudsman if they refuse. Keep every email, screenshot and transaction reference.

Don't rely on the FCA list alone

The FCA only lists firms after someone reports them — there's always a lag. Brand-new scam sites, foreign-domiciled operations and crypto-only schemes often aren't on the list when you first encounter them. Scam AI combines the FCA list with OpenSanctions, Google Safe Browsing, WHOIS history, Companies House beneficial-ownership data, Trustpilot, ScamAdviser and FATF country risk so you still get a verdict on firms the FCA hasn't catalogued yet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an official 'FCA scam list'?: The FCA doesn't use the phrase 'scam list' — the official name is the 'Warning List of unauthorised firms'. It's the same thing: firms operating in the UK without FCA permission, including clones of real banks and brokers. Searching it is free.
How do I report a scam to the FCA?: Use the FCA's ScamSmart reporting form at fca.org.uk/scamsmart, or call the FCA Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768. For fraud you've already lost money to, also report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
What's the difference between the FCA Warning List and the FCA Register?: The Register lists authorised firms (allowed to trade in the UK). The Warning List flags unauthorised firms (not allowed to trade — usually scams or clones). Always check both: a firm should be on the Register AND not on the Warning List.
How fast does the FCA add new scam firms?: Typically days-to-weeks after the first consumer reports. Many active scams aren't listed yet, which is why Scam AI also checks WHOIS, Safe Browsing, OpenSanctions and reviews — to catch firms before they make it onto the FCA list.
Can I get my money back from an FCA-listed scam?: Sometimes. If you paid by debit/credit card or UK bank transfer in the last few months, your bank may be required to reimburse under the APP-fraud rules. Call your bank's fraud line first, then escalate to the Financial Ombudsman if they refuse.