How to check an investment licence (the US)
Plain-English basics for people in the US. This explains how things work and where to check the official rules. It never picks a product for you.
Two minutes, before any money moves
- Ask for the full legal name and registration or licence number.
- Look it up yourself on the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure - type the address, do not click a link they send.
- Check the name, address, phone number and website on the register match the person contacting you. Scammers copy real firms' details ('clone firms').
- Check what the licence allows - some firms may only do certain things.
- Also check FINRA BrokerCheck.
Red flags even with a number
- Asked to pay a personal account, a crypto wallet or a gift card.
- The contact details differ from the register.
- Promised or very high returns.
- Fees to withdraw your own money.
Where to report
the SEC's tips and complaints page, the FTC and your bank or card provider straight away if you paid.
Got a message or a tip? Paste it into Tip Check to see which published warning signs it matches.
General information, not a recommendation. This page explains how things work. It does not pick a product for you or say where to put your money, and it does not consider your goals or situation. For personal advice talk to a licensed adviser in the US - a registered investment adviser or a broker registered with FINRA.
Frequently asked questions
- They gave me a licence number. Is that enough?
- No. Check it yourself on the official register and make sure the contact details match the register, not the ones they gave you.
- What is a clone firm?
- A scam that copies the name, number and details of a real licensed firm.
Got an offer or a tip?
Paste it in. Tip Check shows which published warning signs it matches and how to check the sender.