Fraudsters have targeted small businesses to try to get hold of
secure authentication codes for Companies House files, which could
then be used to set up fake companies and to steal money, goods and
services.
Companies House, which set up a secure online system for company
filing following problems with identity fraud in the past, has
posted a notice on its website confirming that they will never
contact small businesses by telephone to ask for authentication
codes.
David Croucher, FSB Home Affairs Chairman, said: "Company
identity fraud, though still mercifully rare, is on the increase
and can go undetected for a long time. When it does happen it can
be devastating for small firms and in the worst cases, businesses
can go bust because of it."
He added: "We urge all small business owners to look after
company details carefully and not to respond to unsolicited calls
from people saying they are from Companies House and asking for
private information. Small business owners that receive such calls
should try to obtain a return contact number and contact Companies
House immediately.”
