Reporting To Companies House, etc

January 7, 2025

1. Reporting to Companies House

If you suspect that false or fraudulent information has been filed with Companies House, you should report it directly to them. You can do this via:

  • Gather the evidence: Make sure you have all relevant information and documents that show the false statements made to Companies House. This could include:
    • Copies of the fraudulent filings or official documents
    • Any correspondence with the company or the individuals involved
    • Details on how the information was incorrect or misleading (e.g., incorrect addresses, made-up directors, false financial statements)
  • How to report:
    • Email the details to enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk with a clear subject line (e.g., “Report of Fraudulent Filing – [Company Name]”).
    • In your email, provide:
      • The name of the company involved
      • The specific filing(s) in question
      • A brief explanation of why you believe the information is false
      • Any supporting documents or evidence you can provide
  • What happens next: Companies House will review your submission and may take action to investigate the matter further. If they believe criminal activity is involved, they may refer the case to the police.

2. Reporting to the Police 

If the false statements involve fraud, financial crime, or cybercrime, you may also report them to:

  • Action Fraud (UK’s national fraud reporting center):
  • Serious Fraud Office (SFO): If the fraud is large-scale or complex

3. Reporting Cyber Crime

If the false filings involve hacking, identity theft, or digital fraud, you can contact:

  • The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC): www.ncsc.gov.uk
  • Your local police cybercrime unit: Call 101 and ask for their cyber unit

If you believe that the fraud involves cybercrime (e.g., identity theft, hacking, or illegal online activity), you can follow these steps:

  • Gather evidence: Focus on any digital evidence you have. This includes:
    • Emails or messages from the individuals involved
    • Details of how they gained unauthorized access (if applicable)
    • Any specific evidence of hacking, phishing, or other digital fraud
  • How to report:
    • For Cyber Crime: Report through the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) website or report via 101 and ask to speak with the cybercrime unit.
    • For Serious Fraud: If the case is large-scale and involves complex fraud schemes, contact the Serious Fraud Office:
      • Website: www.sfo.gov.uk
      • Provide all relevant information about the fraudulent filings, evidence of the crime, and the potential impact.
  • What happens next: The cybercrime unit or fraud office will assess your report and decide whether further investigation is needed. If they find that a crime has been committed, they’ll take action.

4. Reporting to Action Fraud

  • Gather evidence: Similar to the Companies House report, collect all documents and communications that demonstrate fraud. In addition, if there’s any financial loss, be ready to include that information as well.
  • How to report:
    • Visit Action Fraud and click on “Report a Fraud.”
    • Create an account or log in if you already have one.
    • Provide details of the incident, including:
      • The company name and registration number
      • Details of the fraudulent activity or false statement
      • Any personal or financial details that might have been affected
      • Supporting evidence (e.g., emails, documents, transaction records)
  • What happens next: Action Fraud will issue a reference number, and they’ll pass your report to the appropriate authorities (police or other agencies). You will be kept updated on the investigation’s progress.

We are very fortunate to have a great network of contacts not just in the UK, but abroad. If you suspect something or someone is dodgy, don’t be afraid to speak up.

Anyone who is a member of the FSB, don’t forget that you can arrange for a call with one of the lawyers who will give you advice on what to do next.

Photo by Firmbee.com