New Scam - Company Hijacking

It has been brought to our attention that damage is being caused to limited
companies by company hijackers. This involves fraudsters changing details
of a company's directors and registered office and then using the "hijacked
company" to order goods or services on credit which they then sell but never
pay for. The company then has to sort out the problems arising, including
correcting it's public record.

Companies House cannot prevent company hijacking. It does not have the
power to investigate the contents and accuracy of forms sent to them for
filing. Following a submission of a change of registered office document
(Form 287), Companies House will amend it's database without any
confirmation. The fraudster can start opening trade accounts and ordering
goods to be delivered to the bogus address. The innocent company whose
details have altered by the fraudster will only find out about the scam when
the debt collectors arrive or legal action is initiated to recover the goods
that have been fraudulently obtained.

In order to prevent this, we now offer a company monitoring service that
will email us with details that someone has filed a form 287 (change of
registered office), form 288 (appointment of director or secretary) or form
263 (Annual Return). The person filing these forms will usually be
ourselves but if a fraudulent document has been filed, we would be made
aware. We would then notify you of the situation and pay to obtain a copy
of the document or documents filed, so that appropriate action can be taken
before the fraud can begin.

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