How to know if you're dealing with a genuine company

Are all companies on companycheck.co.uk genuine?

All companies listed on our website are registered with companies house, however this does not mean that the person YOU are dealing with is this company, or that they are necessarily a good company to do business with.

We cannot tell you if a company is genuine, but if you follow these guidelines then you have a much better chance of making sure you deal with legitimate companies.

Can you contact the business at their registered office?

We always suggest contacting a companies registered office if in doubt that you are dealing with the real company. The registered office address is an official companies house address assigned for the companies correspondence. If the person you are dealing with cannot be contacted at the companies registered office it could be possible that they are posing as the company rather than actually being part of it.

Check the ownership details

You can download the companies annual return from the document tab of any company page as long as it has been filed, newer companies may not have filed one yet in which case we would recommend downloading the new incorporation documents for details of the directors. If the details match those of the people you have been speaking to in the company then this is a good sign, however do remember that a fraudster may have done the very same thing and be posing a someone else.

Do an internet search for any scam reports

Often, you wont be the first target if someone is committing fraud and posing as a company chances are likely that you are not the first victim. Search the internet for mention of the company and of the person you are in contact with.

Other warning signs to watch out for:

• Do they use a free email account?
• Only accept payment by western union or moneygram?
• An offer sound too good to be true? It probably is...
• 070 telephone number? This is a premium rate number and not a normal mobile

Remember to trust your gut instincts, if you feel unsafe in a transaction, do not go ahead. Most of the time you will be able to find the product you are looking for from a reputable outlet, a low price is not a bargain if you do not receive your purchase.