Warning Issued on Unsolicited Payment Requests by IPO and Companies House

Unsolicited payment requests are a growing concern for businesses, as highlighted by Companies House and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). Both organizations are urging companies to remain alert to deceptive payment solicitations from entities that are not affiliated with the government. These misleading requests often appear as invoices seeking payment for services purportedly provided by Companies House or the IPO. It’s essential to know how to identify these fraudulent requests. **What to Be Aware Of** Typically, these invoices are sent to a company’s registered office address, though email communications are also common. The amounts charged can be excessively inflated for services that are either available at a significantly lower cost or even free directly from legitimate sources such as Companies House, IPO attorneys, or the IPO itself. Common unsolicited payment requests may pop up with demands related to: - The initiation or claim of your Companies House online account - Verification of your Companies House account details - The renewal of your trademark, claiming inclusion on an 'exclusive online register' **How to Verify the Authenticity of a Request** If you receive a letter or email that seems dubious, consider these verification tips: - Review the website addresses and emails included; official communications from Companies House and the IPO will come through GOV.UK. - Check for disclaimers that indicate the organization is not affiliated with government. - Reach out to Companies House or the IPO directly to confirm any queries regarding the request. Using a third party to represent your business may incur legitimate service fees. These businesses may offer additional services that differ from those provided by Companies House and the IPO directly. If you’re uncertain about any correspondence requesting payment, it’s always prudent to contact Companies House, the IPO, or the organization representing your company before processing any payment. For direct inquiries, you can contact Companies House: https://www.gov.uk/find-contact-details-companies-house To reach the IPO, email misleadinginvoices@ipo.gov.uk. Furthermore, report any suspicious activity to Report Fraud and your local Trading Standards office. If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to fraud, it is crucial to notify the police via Report Fraud. Stay informed about **Companies House warning** and other **IPO payment scams**. Protect your business from payment request fraud. For more insights, visit [www.globemigrant.com](https://www.globemigrant.com) or explore related articles at [www.globemigrant.com](https://www.globemigrant.com). Additionally, you can find more details on government guidelines regarding fraud prevention at the [National Cyber Security Centre](https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/reporting-and-removing-online-fraud). If you're a business owner, taking these precautions can help safeguard your financial interests. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/companies-house-and-intellectual-property-office-ipo-join-forces-to-warn-about-unsolicited-payment-requests

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