A new identity theft scam has recently been uncovered which specifically targets companies registered with the Companies House Database. The fraudster uses the Internet to obtain key information about a company, and then armed with this information completes a Form 287 from Companies House to change the registered address of the company. Companies House do not issue any confirmation of the address change, which in any case would go to the "new" address. This new address can then be used to open trading accounts and order goods to be delivered to the bogus address. The innocent company only finds out about the scam when the debt collectors arrive, or when legal action is initiated to recover the goods that have been fraudulently obtained.

Companies House recommend that every limited company should regularly check their registered office details on the Companies House website. Meanwhile they have introduced an on-line filing system for increased security, and made access to their electronic monitoring system available to subscribers in order to provide warning of any attempts to change the registered information.

For more details, see the Companies House Website at www.compagnieshouse.gov.uk or contact us by reply to this E-mail to discuss Company Security and Risk Management.


Bill Jones
POSTILLION Business Management Support
Tel: 01494 451239
Independent Advice and Support
Executive Associate, Institute for Independent Business