Checking Credentials

Just as in other markets, there will be providers that are more ethical and fairer than others. Though there may be companies or individuals that are actually just out to swindle the unwary, these cases are thankfully few and far between.

Still, it is always worth checking out the credentials of any company or individual you deal with, whether they are providing you with products, services or information. Make sure that you deal only with companies and individuals registered by the Financial Services Authority.

This also applies to products and services where the company or individual is not required by law to be registered. You more likely to be dealing with an ethical party if the company or individual in question is voluntarily registered, or authorized because of other areas of their business.

To check on providers, you can go to the Financial Services Authority's Firm Checking Service. There you will find a complete listing on all companies registered with the FSA, as well as details on a number of unauthorized companies that are currently targeting UK investors and an overview of currently popular scams.

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