Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Protect yourself from scams
The FCA warns that some firms pretend to be authorised and that links in emails or on company websites could be part of a scam.
Fake emails, copied websites and firms that pretend to be authorised are tactics regulators have described. This page summarises what the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the SEC and CFTC have published about them and about identity theft. It does not assess any firm.
Fake Websites and Look-Alike Materials
On its guidance page "Protect yourself from scams", first published on 8 August 2017 and last updated on 19 January 2026, the FCA states: "Fraudsters can be convincing and knowledgeable, with websites and materials that look identical to the real thing." It also advises: "Don’t assume they’re genuine, even if the person knows some basic information about you."
Links, Emails and Contact Details
The FCA gives a direct instruction on links: "Never click on links in emails or on company websites. It could be part of the scam." On recovery approaches, the FCA's separate page says: "Recovery rooms generally use a web-based email address, such as gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail or Russian search engine, yandex."
Firms That Pretend to Be Authorised
The FCA warns: "Remember, some firms pretend to be authorised firms, so always use the contact details on the Firm Checker." The point is to take contact details from the official register, not from the message or website you were sent. The steps are in how to check whether a broker is regulated.
Identity Theft in the 2013 SEC and CFTC Alert
In an investor alert dated 6 June 2013, the SEC and the CFTC described three categories of alleged fraud on binary options platforms. The alert states: "The second category of alleged fraud involves identity theft." Copies of identity documents and card details are the kind of material a fake website or email can collect, which is why the checks above matter before you upload anything. See also why brokers ask for ID and binary options scam warning signs.
If You Think You Have Been Targeted
Reporting routes are summarised in how to report a binary options scam. For recovery approaches that follow an earlier loss, see binary options recovery scam warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the FCA say about links in emails?
The FCA says: "Never click on links in emails or on company websites. It could be part of the scam."
Can a scam website look genuine?
The FCA warns that fraudsters can use websites and materials that look identical to the real thing.
Where should contact details come from?
The FCA says to always use the contact details on the Firm Checker, because some firms pretend to be authorised.
Does this page address whether an individual could face liability?
This page summarises what the regulators' published guidance says. It does not address whether an individual could face liability. Seek independent legal advice.
Sources and Official References
- FCA: Protect yourself from scams (first published 8 August 2017; last updated 19 January 2026)
- FCA: Recovery room scams (first published 4 December 2019; last updated 19 January 2026)
- SEC/CFTC: Investor Alert: Binary Options and Fraud (6 June 2013)
This page summarises what the regulators' published guidance says. It does not address whether an individual could face liability. Seek independent legal advice.
This page summarises what the regulators' published guidance says. It does not address whether an individual could face liability. Seek independent legal advice.