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THE VERIFICATION DESK

Go straight to the source.

Use official records to check people, firms and filings. Match what the record says with the person actually contacting you.

START A LOOKUP

Who are you checking?

Open the official tool and enter the exact legal name or registration number. This site does not run the search for you.

Independent resource directory. These organizations do not endorse or sponsor this site. Marks identify the destination only.

FINRA official resource logoBroker-dealer self-regulatory organization

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

Research a broker or firm by name or CRD number. Read current registrations and disclosure details.

Open BrokerCheck

A real registration can be impersonated. Verify contact details independently.

File an investor complaint
IAPD official resource logoSEC and state adviser records

Investment Adviser Public Disclosure

Look up advisory firms and representatives. Review Form ADV, services, fees and reported conflicts.

Research an investment adviser

Registration is not an endorsement or a guarantee of performance.

How to check registration
NASAA official resource logoDirectory of state and provincial regulators

North American Securities Administrators Association

Identify your securities regulator for local registration questions and complaint assistance.

Find your state regulator

NASAA connects you to regulators; it does not approve private offers.

Visit NASAA
FBI · IC3 official resource logoFederal cybercrime reporting

Internet Crime Complaint Center

Report suspected internet-enabled fraud to the FBI through its official complaint center.

Report an online investment scam

A report does not guarantee an investigation or recovery.

IC3 resources
FTC official resource logoFederal consumer protection agency

Federal Trade Commission

Report deceptive business practices, impersonation and scams through ReportFraud.

Report fraud to the FTC

The FTC does not resolve every individual complaint.

Consumer scam guidance
SIPC official resource logoBrokerage customer protection nonprofit

Securities Investor Protection Corporation

Understand the scope of customer protection when a SIPC-member brokerage fails.

Understand SIPC coverage

SIPC does not insure market losses or guarantee a pre-IPO investment.

Check membership

A match is a starting point.

Read the full record, including dates and disclosure explanations. Use a phone number obtained independently to confirm that the person works at the firm and that the communication is authentic.

No match is an open question.

Check spelling, legal entity names, previous names and registration numbers. Ask the relevant regulator about the person’s role and any claimed exemption. A database search alone does not determine legality.

Read FINRA’s registration guidance

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