Investment scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters frequently impersonating genuine FCA-authorised firms to gain the trust of unsuspecting investors. These "clone firms" often use convincing websites, email addresses and telephone numbers that closely resemble those of legitimate businesses.

In this video, we explain what an FCA clone firm is, the warning signs to look out for, and the simple checks you should carry out before investing.

Taking a few moments to verify who you're dealing with can help protect your investments and prevent costly fraud. Whether you're an experienced investor or just getting started, understanding how clone firms operate is an essential part of investing safely. The FCA regularly warns consumers about clone firms, as they continue to be a common method used by fraudsters to target UK investors.

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