I received a call from Spark Finance how do I verify it is genuine

If Spark Finance has called you about business finance options, it's natural to want to check that the call is genuine. Scams targeting UK business owners are unfortunately common, so verifying who you're speaking to is sensible and something we actively encourage. This guide walks you through how to confirm you're dealing with the real Spark Finance, and what to do if you have any doubts.

Check Our FCA Authorisation

The first and most reliable way to verify any UK finance broker is to check their FCA registration. Spark Finance is FCA Authorised under Financial Conduct Authority registration number 958123. You can verify this yourself in under two minutes.

• Visit the FCA Register: go to register.fca.org.uk
• Search for Spark Finance: use the search box and enter our firm name or FRN 958123
• Check the details: confirm the registered address, authorisation status, and the date we became authorised
• Look for regulation type: we should show as a credit broker and insurance intermediary
• Note the scope: our authorisation covers business lending, asset finance, and related products

If Spark Finance does not appear on the FCA Register, or if the details don't match, do not proceed further.

Verify the Phone Number

Fraudsters sometimes spoof legitimate phone numbers or create similar-looking ones to trick business owners. Once you've confirmed our FCA status, verify the actual contact number being used.

• Hang up and call back: this is the safest approach - end the call and ring the number on our official website (sparkfinance.co.uk) yourself
• Check our website: look for our main office telephone number in the contact details
• Look for consistency: genuine Spark Finance advisers will have professional email addresses ending in @sparkfinance.co.uk
• Be wary of: requests to call a number the caller gives you, or to provide payment card details over the phone during a first call
• Trust your instinct: if something feels rushed or pressured, it's okay to take time and ring back through verified channels

Legitimate brokers like Spark Finance never rush you into providing sensitive information during an unsolicited call.

Recognise Genuine Spark Finance Sales Calls

Real Spark Finance advisers follow certain practices when they call. Knowing what to expect helps you spot the genuine article.

Genuine finance brokers take time to build trust and gather proper information about your business.

Check Spark Finance's Other Credentials

Beyond the FCA, we hold other accreditations that show our commitment to fair practice and transparency. These provide extra reassurance.

• NACFB membership: we're a member of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers, the industry trade body
• Office address: we maintain a registered office in the UK - never work with a finance firm that has no physical address
• Professional code: NACFB members follow a strict code of conduct that protects your interests
• Complaints process: as an FCA-authorised firm, we have a formal complaints procedure you can use if needed
• Financial Ombudsman: if you're unhappy with how we handle a complaint, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service for free

Multiple accreditations and transparent processes are signs of a trustworthy finance broker.

What Information We'll Ask For

During a genuine initial call, Spark Finance will ask certain questions to understand your situation. Knowing what's normal helps you feel more confident about providing information.

• Business basics: your company name, type of business, and how long you've been trading
• Financial snapshot: approximate annual turnover and recent trading performance
• Finance needs: how much you're looking to borrow and what for (expansion, working capital, refinancing, et cetera)
• Contact details: your name, phone number, and email address
• What we won't ask: bank account numbers, sort codes, passwords, or payment card details during a first contact - never share these during an unsolicited call

We gather this information to assess whether our lender panel can help, but initial eligibility checks carry no cost or impact on your credit file.

Trust Your Gut and Take Your Time

You're under no obligation to engage with any finance broker, including Spark Finance. If you feel uncomfortable or suspicious at any point, it's completely acceptable to end the conversation and verify independently.

• Verify before proceeding: check the FCA Register and our website before sharing any more information
• Ask for written confirmation: request an email from our official domain confirming the adviser's name and callback number
• Speak to your accountant: if you use one, ask them to help verify any finance offer or broker approach
• Never feel pressured: real brokers understand that business owners need time to make decisions
• Report suspicious calls: if you believe a call is a scam, report it to the FCA's consumer warning list and Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk)

Taking five minutes to verify is far better than discovering later that you've been dealing with fraudsters.

How Spark Finance Can Help

Spark Finance is an FCA-authorised business finance broker with access to over 100 lenders across the UK market. If you've confirmed that our call is genuine and you're interested in exploring your finance options, we offer a simple next step.

• No-obligation eligibility check: we assess whether lenders in our panel can help based on your business profile
• No credit check initially: the early-stage assessment carries no footprint on your credit file
• Transparent process: if we can help, we explain the options, terms, and next steps clearly
• Access to 100+ lenders: rather than approaching banks one by one, we do the legwork across multiple lenders
• Tailored advice: we match your business need - whether it's a term loan, asset finance, invoice financing, or refinancing - to the right solution

Once you're confident you're speaking to the real Spark Finance, we're here to help you find the right finance for your business without the stress or uncertainty.

Frequently asked questions

Important information: Spark Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 958123). We are a credit broker, not a lender. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Think carefully before securing debts against property or assets. Your business may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a debt or other commitment entered into in relation to it.