Identity Theft

17 March 2006:

A recent campaign by the Metropolitan Police [http://www.met.police.uk] run in partnership with Companies House, has highlighted the threat of 'company hijacking'.

A fraudster files a form at Companies House changing the registered office address for a legitimate company. Company House, which is not obliged by law to check that all these documents are genuine, registers them. The fraudster can then use the company's credit rating to obtain high value goods and services delivered straight to the false addresses. More than 100 companies have been targeted in the first quarter of 2006.

Companies can sign up to Companies House PROOF service, a free password-protected online system for companies to alter details. By signing up, certain information (including changes of directors and registered office) can only be filed electronically - paper forms will be rejected. You will be given a username and password, authentication code and recognised email address to let companies file documents electronically.

Link: [http://www.companies-house.gov.uk/]