Is this insurance website real?

A convincing website is easy to copy. Before paying for cover from a site, seller or caller you do not know, a few free checks can show whether the firm is the one it says it is.

How a clone firm works

Some fraudsters pretend to be from a firm the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has authorised. The FCA calls this a "clone firm". They often use a real firm's name and address, or copy its firm reference number.

Some copy an authorised firm's website and change small details, such as the phone number. Others use email addresses that look like the real firm's.

Check the firm, then use its own details

On the FCA's Firm Checker, you can search for a firm by name and see whether the FCA has authorised it, and for which products. The FCA asks you to compare the firm reference number, phone number and email address in front of you with the entry there. Its advice is to always use the contact details on the Firm Checker.

The FCA asks you to reach the Firm Checker through its own address, fca.org.uk/consumers/fca-firm-checker, and to check that address for small changes. Its advice is to never click on links in emails or on company websites, because it could be part of the scam.

If the Firm Checker shows no contact details, or the firm says they are out of date, the FCA asks you to call it on 0800 111 6768. It says it updates the Firm Checker on average every 24 hours.

Pressure to act fast is a warning sign. The FCA's advice is to hang up on calls and ignore messages if you feel pressured to act quickly.

If you think a website or caller may be a clone firm, the FCA asks you to report it on 0800 111 6768 or through its contact form.

The FCA publishes warnings about firms and individuals running scams or operating without authorisation on its Warning List.

If something goes wrong with a policy

A complaint about a policy goes to the insurer first. If its final response doesn't settle things, or for most complaints if 8 weeks pass without one, the Financial Ombudsman Service can take the complaint on. The service is free. A complaint to it is due within 6 months of the date on the final response.

Using the word "insurance" in a business name

Companies House treats "insurance" and "insurer" as sensitive words. Anyone wanting either word in a company name must provide a letter or email of non-objection from the FCA. The same applies to a trading name that differs from the company name.

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