Fake emails and calls “from Companies House”: fraudsters exploit the 17 November deadline

TBT CHECKS

Companies House is warning about phone calls, emails and letters impersonating it. According to official guidance updated on 16 July 2026, fraudsters call claiming to be a “registration department”, demand payment of penalties for late filings or ask for directors’ full dates of birth.

The emails most often concern identity verification, supposedly submitted applications, KYC/KYB checks or changes to WebFiling. Letters contain fake invoices, demands for fees for “company registration” or “extended WebFiling access”, as well as QR codes leading to fake websites.

Companies House stresses that it never calls asking for passwords, bank details, authentication codes or directors’ details. Genuine emails come only from addresses ending in .gov.uk. Identity verification itself through GOV.UK One Login is free.

Editorial comment

The 17 November deadline is a perfect pretext for fraudsters: a real obligation, time pressure and thousands of directors who have not yet verified. Polish company owners who live outside the UK and are less confident in English are particularly at risk. The rule is simple: no links from emails or texts. Go to GOV.UK yourself by typing the address.

What to do

• Do not click links or QR codes in messages about verification. Go to gov.uk yourself.
• Check the sender’s address. Genuine messages end in .gov.uk.
• Forward suspicious emails to [email protected].
• Report suspicious calls and letters on 0303 1234 500.
• Do not pay “verification fees”. Verification through GOV.UK One Login is free.

What do you think?

Have you come across a scam like this? What worked and what didn’t? Tell us in the comments below the article. We will cover the most interesting views in future editions.

Sources

• GOV.UK: scams impersonating Companies House

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