Companies House scams: what to watch out for and how to report them

Scams impersonating Companies House are becoming more common, particularly among newly incorporated businesses. These fraudulent messages often look official and can catch even the most cautious business owners off guard. With sensitive information publicly available after incorporation, it’s important to stay alert and know how to protect yourself.

Examples of common Companies House scams

Letters

One of the most frequent scams involves letters sent to newly registered companies requesting payment for “publication” in a business directory. These letters often look official, include your company name and registration number, and imply you are legally required to pay a fee, when in fact, it’s completely fictitious.

Emails

Another common scam arrives by email, claiming to be from Companies House and warning that your business is at risk of being removed from the register unless you update your details immediately. These messages usually contain a link to a fake website that mimics the official Companies House portal. If you enter any information, scammers can steal your data or install malware on your device.

Text message

There are also text message scams claiming your business has a filing overdue or needs to pay a penalty. These messages often include shortened URLs and pressure you to click the link urgently again, leading to phishing websites designed to steal sensitive information.

Phone calls

Some scams even involve fake phone calls from individuals pretending to be from Companies House. They may request bank details, company passwords, or ask you to verify “security information,” which can later be used for fraudulent purposes.

Why are newly formed companies being targeted?

Newly registered businesses are especially vulnerable to scams. When a company is incorporated, its details become public on the Companies House register, making it easy for fraudsters to access and exploit this information.

Scammers may send official-looking letters, emails, or even text messages demanding payment for services such as “business registration fees” or “filing confirmations,” often creating a sense of urgency to pressure recipients into acting quickly.

Because directors are often still finding their feet with compliance, it’s easy to assume these communications are genuine, particularly if they reference real company information.

How do I report a fake scammer pretending to be from Companies House?

If you suspect you’ve received a scam communication claiming to be from Companies House, there are several ways to report it:

• Emails: Forward suspicious emails to phishing@companieshouse.gov.uk
  
• Texts: Send screenshots or details to sms@companieshouse.gov.uk
  
• Phone calls: Report suspicious calls to phishing@companieshouse.gov.uk with as much detail as possible (phone number, content of the call, etc.)
  
• Letters: Scan and email any suspicious physical correspondence to the same phishing email address.

Report it

If you’ve lost money or shared personal information, you should also report it to Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.

If you have any concerns or would like advice about anything featured in this article, please get in touch with a member of our team.