Latest financial scams and frauds
At FSCS we see scams on a weekly basis - here's what to watch out for currently.
It's completely free to make a claim through FSCS – we will never ask you for money. If in doubt, contact us by email or phone.
Most commonly, scams targeted at FSCS customers will involve at least one of the following:
- A cold call from a non-FSCS phone number e.g. 0208..., 0330...
- A call or message via WhatsApp or Telegram.
- Any reference to a URN (Unique Reference Number) or CRN (Customer Reference Number).
- Any mention of capital reimbursement.
- Any mention of compensation entitlement notification.
- Any mention of fees for a Trade Reference Licence or Anti Money Laundering licence AML.
- Any mention of passing the claim to a third party for administration.
- A request for an upfront payment.
- Being asked to share screens or download any software such as Anydesk.
- Any mention of compensation for cryptoassets.
- An email address that is filled with random numbers or is misspelt.
- A company that is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Check the FCA's register.
Scammers can also use the name of a legitimate firm to try and get you to part with your money. Always check the FCA register for any warnings about cloned firms.
If you’re suspicious about any email, text message or phone call from someone claiming to be from FSCS, please don't give out any personal financial information. Emails with a different ending such as @zoho.com are not from FSCS.
Official FSCS emails end with @fscs.org.uk. However, it is possible for scammers to make it look like they have an official FSCS email address, so you should still be careful even if the email address ends in @fscs.org.uk.
Latest scams
09 April 2026 – scam email charging for increased compensation
We’ve been made aware of a scam email claiming to be from FSCS.
The email falsely claims that FSCS protects cryptoassets and asks people to pay to receive a higher level of compensation.
This email has not been sent by FSCS. FSCS does not protect cryptoassets, and we never charge customers to receive compensation.
You can find out more about what we protect, or report a scam to Report Fraud on their website.
05 December 2025 - scam messages offering compensation
We’ve received reports of scammers claiming to be from FSCS offering compensation for customers of MH Carbon Ltd and various wine investment companies. These communications have not been sent by FSCS.
Please visit our failed firms page for the latest information on the latest firm failures, and for more information on how to make a claim.
04 September 2025 - Scam email for London Court Ltd
We’ve been alerted of an email scam informing targets of a compensation entitlement notification for London Court Ltd.
The email advises customers to get in touch to proceed with their claim on this phone number: 0330 133 6175.
This is not FSCS’s official phone number and the email has not been sent by FSCS. Customers who wish to make a claim for London Court Ltd, or who have an existing claim against the firm can view the latest updates on the London Court Ltd failed firm page.
26 June 2025 - Scams letters claiming to be from FSCS
Customers are being targeted by scam letters using the old FSCS logo, from someone named Daniel Pritchard. This person does not work for FSCS, the letter is a scam and should be ignored.
If you’re ever unsure about a communication you’ve received, you can get in touch with us via our contact us page.
For more information on how to spot the warning signs of a scam, listen to episode 46 of our podcast.
If you recieve any correspondence that's not genuine, consider reporting it to Action Fraud.