Is my Companies House letter genuine?

The Scammers Are at It Again – This Time It's Companies House

We've highlighted business scams in previous newsletters, and unfortunately fraudsters continue to find new ways to target UK businesses.

One of the latest scams involves criminals pretending to be from Companies House. They are sending convincing emails, letters and making telephone calls designed to trick company directors into making payments or revealing sensitive information.

Taking a few moments to check before you act could protect your business from financial loss, identity theft and unauthorised access to your company records.

What are the scammers doing?

Fraudsters are sending communications that look remarkably authentic, often using official-looking logos, branding and language to persuade company directors that urgent action is required.

Some of the most common scams include:

• Emails asking you to verify your identity.

• Requests to click a link or scan a QR code.

• Demands for payment to avoid penalties or removal from the Companies House register.

• Telephone calls requesting authentication codes, passwords or bank details.

• Fake invoices for company registration or filing fees.

• Requests for payment to be included on unofficial company registers.

  
  

Many of these communications create a sense of urgency, claiming that action must be taken immediately or within a short period to avoid penalties. This pressure is designed to encourage quick decisions before you have time to verify whether the request is genuine.

How can you spot a scam?

Look out for these warning signs:

• The sender's email address does not end in .gov.uk.

• You're asked to provide passwords, authentication codes or bank details.

• You're pressured to act immediately.

• The message contains spelling or grammatical mistakes.

• Links take you to unfamiliar websites.

• You're asked to scan a QR code to make a payment or verify information.

• You're asked to pay unexpected registration or administration fees.

  
  

Remember: Companies House will never ask you to disclose passwords, authentication codes or bank details over the phone.

Why this matters

Falling victim to one of these scams can have serious consequences, including:

• Financial loss.

• Identity theft.

• Unauthorised changes to your company records.

• Theft of personal or business information.

• Criminals gaining access to your Companies House account or other online services.

• If you're unsure, ask us first

Before clicking a link, making a payment or providing any information, contact us first.

We're always happy to help you check whether a communication from Companies House, HMRC or another government department is genuine. We'd much rather spend a few minutes reviewing an email or letter than see you become the victim of a scam.

If someone contacts you unexpectedly claiming to be from Companies House by phone, email or text, never make a payment or provide your payment card details, bank details, passwords or authentication codes until you've verified the request.

Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated and often create a false sense of urgency to pressure people into acting quickly. A quick phone call or email to us could save you significant time, money and stress.

Stay One Step Ahead

Scammers will continue to adapt their tactics, particularly when new government requirements are introduced. Staying alert and checking anything that seems unusual remains your best defence.

If you receive a communication claiming to be from Companies House and have any doubts about its authenticity, contact us before taking any action. We're always happy to help.

Further reading: Reporting scams pretending to be from Companies House