Beware of Fake Companies House and Trade Mark Payment Requests

Businesses urged to stay alert to fraudulent invoices

Companies House and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) have issued a warning to businesses about a growing number of misleading payment requests being sent by fraudulent organisations.

These invoices often appear official and may be sent by post to a company's registered office or delivered by email. Their aim is to persuade businesses to pay for services that are either available directly from Companies House or the IPO at a much lower cost, or in some cases completely free of charge.

For busy business owners, these requests can look legitimate, making it important to remain vigilant.

Common Types of Fraudulent Requests

Businesses have reported receiving invoices and payment demands relating to:

• Setting up or claiming a Companies House online account.

• Verifying company details or authenticating a Companies House account.

• Renewing a registered trade mark.

• Adding a trade mark to an "official" or "exclusive" online register.

• Various company filing and compliance services offered at inflated prices.
  

While some organisations may provide legitimate commercial services, others are designed to mislead businesses into believing they are dealing directly with a government body.

How to Spot a Potential Scam

Before making any payment, it is worth taking a few simple precautions:

Check the Website Address

Official Companies House and IPO services are provided through GOV.UK. If a letter or email directs you to an unfamiliar website, take extra care and verify its authenticity.

Review the Small Print

Many organisations include disclaimers stating that they are not affiliated with the UK Government. These statements are often hidden in the small print and can easily be overlooked.

Verify Before Paying

If you are unsure whether a request is genuine, contact Companies House or the Intellectual Property Office directly using the contact details published on official government websites.

A quick check could prevent an unnecessary payment.

Why Businesses Should Be Cautious

Fraudulent invoices are often designed to look convincing and may reference genuine company information obtained from public records.

As Companies House data is publicly available, company directors and business owners should be particularly cautious when receiving unexpected correspondence requesting payment or urgent action.

Implementing basic internal controls, such as requiring invoices from unfamiliar suppliers to be reviewed before payment, can help reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams.

How SJC Chartered Accountants Can Help

If you receive a request for payment relating to Companies House filings, company compliance, trade marks or other regulatory matters and are unsure whether it is genuine, we recommend seeking advice before making payment.

At SJC Chartered Accountants, we regularly assist businesses with company compliance and can help you identify legitimate obligations while avoiding unnecessary costs and potential scams.

If you have received a suspicious invoice or would like advice on your company compliance responsibilities, please get in touch with our team today.