Small business and tax blog

It has come to our attention that random limited companies in the UK are being targeted by identity fraudsters.

Their usual tactic is to file Companies House documents which change the company’s registered office and directors. They may then take out credit in the company’s name, and arrange for deliveries of goods to the company’s new registered office. They are able to do this because Companies House do not have powers to verify the authenticity of documents being received, and then reject any which appear doubtful.

To safeguard against this, we can apply for the PROOF scheme to take effect for our client companies. Once the company is registered for this, Companies House will automatically reject any paper form sent to them, and return it to the true registered office. Any genuine forms that need to be filed are instead sent over the internet, using the secure company password which we hold. There is no charge for using this scheme.

For professional help with your company accounting and tax issues, please see our companies page.