Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
FCA Warning List of unauthorised firms
The FCA asks anyone who thinks they have been targeted by a scam to report it online.
The FCA, the CFTC and ASIC each publish guidance on reporting suspected scams. This page summarises what the FCA's warning list page, the CFTC's tip and registration pages and ASIC's scams page say about where to report.
United Kingdom: Reporting to the FCA
On its warning list page, first published on 2 April 2016 and last updated on 30 June 2026, the FCA asks anyone who thinks they have been targeted by a scam to report it online. The FCA explains: "We look into every report we receive, and it could help protect others from fraudsters."
On its guidance page "Protect yourself from scams", first published on 8 August 2017 and last updated on 19 January 2026, the FCA states that the FCA team can check the details you have been given and tell you whether the firm is genuine. For broader context on UK retail protections, refer to our guide to binary options in the United Kingdom. You can also review binary options scam warning signs to compare tactics against regulator findings.
United States: Reporting to the CFTC
The CFTC pages cited here carry no date in the text we reviewed. On its verification guidance page, the CFTC instructs: "Submit a tip to the CFTC."
On its tip submission page, the CFTC explains that you can submit a tip to the CFTC Division of Enforcement by filing a Form TCR through the CFTC whistleblower program. A Form TCR is required to participate in that program. The CFTC states: "Whistleblowers can file a Form TCR anonymously but must provide a way for the Division of Enforcement to contact them." A person who does not want to use Form TCR can file a Complaint Form online instead. For more details on US regulatory oversight, see our guide to binary options in the United States.
Australia: Reporting to Scamwatch
On its "Scams" page dated 20 April 2026, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) directs: "Report all scams to Scamwatch, including investment scams." The page links to ASIC "Investment scam alerts". ASIC also advises: "Visit Moneysmart for more information about reporting investment scams." For information about Australian regulatory rules, see our guide to binary options in Australia. Before submitting a report, you may also review our guide on how to check whether a broker is regulated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you report an unauthorised firm to the FCA in the UK?
If you think you have been targeted by a scam, the FCA asks you to report it online, stating: "We look into every report we receive, and it could help protect others from fraudsters."
Can whistleblowers submit tips anonymously to the CFTC in the US?
The CFTC explains: "Whistleblowers can file a Form TCR anonymously but must provide a way for the Division of Enforcement to contact them."
Where does ASIC direct Australian consumers to report investment scams?
On its page dated 20 April 2026, ASIC instructs: "Report all scams to Scamwatch, including investment scams."
Does regulatory guidance address individual 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: Warning List of unauthorised firms (first published 02/04/2016; last updated 30/06/2026)
- FCA: Protect yourself from scams (first published 08/08/2017; last updated 19/01/2026)
- CFTC: Be Smart: Check Registration & Backgrounds Before You Trade (no date in the text reviewed)
- CFTC: Submit a Tip (no date in the text reviewed)
- ASIC: Scams (dated 20 April 2026)
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.