How do I check if a UK company is real?

Search the company on Companies House to confirm it exists, is active and has a registered address. Scam AI does this for you and also checks the FCA Warning List, domain age and Safe Browsing.

Does being on Companies House mean a company is legitimate?

No. Registering a UK company costs little and identity checks are only now being phased in. Scammers register shell companies or copy the name and number of a real one.

What warning signs show up on Companies House?

A very recent incorporation, a dissolved or dormant status, a virtual office address, or a business that does not match the registered activity are all reasons for caution.

What is a clone firm?

A clone firm copies a real company's name, number or FCA reference but uses its own website, phone and email. Always check the contact details on the official record, not just the name.

Where do I report a fake UK company?

Report fraud to Action Fraud, report investment firms to the FCA, and report false company information to Companies House.

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Companies House Scam Check

Find out if a UK company is real before you pay. Scam AI checks Companies House and the FCA Warning List in one free search.

Key Takeaways

Being on Companies House shows a company exists, not that it is honest.
New, dormant or dissolved companies deserve extra caution.
Clone firms reuse a real company's name and number with new contact details.
Investment firms also need FCA authorisation, so check the Warning List too.
Scam AI runs both checks plus domain and Safe Browsing checks together.

What Companies House tells you

Companies House confirms a company's number, status, incorporation date, registered address and officers. That is useful, but it is a register, not a vetting service. Fraudsters regularly set up companies to look credible on invoices and websites.

Red flags to look for

Incorporated only weeks or months ago, but claims years of trading.
Status shows dissolved, dormant or proposal to strike off.
Website or email does not match the registered company details.
Offers investments but is not authorised by the FCA.

What Scam AI checks

Companies House company record and status.
FCA Warning List of unauthorised and clone firms.
Domain age and registrar via WHOIS/RDAP.
Google Safe Browsing listings.
ScamAdviser and Sitejabber review signals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a UK company is real?: Search the company on Companies House to confirm it exists, is active and has a registered address. Scam AI does this for you and also checks the FCA Warning List, domain age and Safe Browsing.
Does being on Companies House mean a company is legitimate?: No. Registering a UK company costs little and identity checks are only now being phased in. Scammers register shell companies or copy the name and number of a real one.
What warning signs show up on Companies House?: A very recent incorporation, a dissolved or dormant status, a virtual office address, or a business that does not match the registered activity are all reasons for caution.
What is a clone firm?: A clone firm copies a real company's name, number or FCA reference but uses its own website, phone and email. Always check the contact details on the official record, not just the name.
Where do I report a fake UK company?: Report fraud to Action Fraud, report investment firms to the FCA, and report false company information to Companies House.

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