Companies House Scam

Following on from a BBC You&Yours Investigation last year a spotlight was lit upon a relatively new scam that is making its way across the country.

Now an emerging threat in Staffordshire, we are seeing criminals fraudulently using genuine addresses and names of victims to incorporate companies and ultimately accrue debts.

It is believed that those that have been affected have been targeted by organised crime groups who have registered companies at addresses across the UK. The first homeowners are alerted to this scam is when post starts arriving from Companies House, HMRC, banks or demanding letters from creditors. Unfortunately, debts are quickly accrued in the company name and residents are then left with the practical burden of unravelling the situation.

If you find correspondence of this nature, it is imperative that you contact Companies House and HMRC at the earliest opportunity to take steps to remove your address. As with all scams, it is important to take steps to protect your identity as best you can and report such scams to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice 0808 2231133.

For more information go to: GOV.UK and Report a company using your personal details without your permission.