How to I find out about a Company

oldbat1

Hello,
Can anyone tell me how to find out if a company is genuine? An alleged firm of Solicitors/geanologist have stated that a friend is entitled to some money from a deceased relative...she has to pay 20% of monies coming to her and they advise getting insurance at 500 quid to make sure no one else can claim? doesnt sound too honest, but if I could search the company it may give a better insight.
thanks

Lutonian

Almost 100% sure that is a scam. But using Webcheck on https://www.companieshouse.gov.uk (when it's open) you can see some info. To get more give their contact centre a ring but you will have to pay for detailed info via card on the phone.

HTH
Matt

PeteHerts

Or just try a simple search on Google with the company name to start with just to see if theres anyone posted anything on the web.

Gabriel-Ernest

You could always try finding out which relative has died yourselves; shouldn't be too difficult. I'm sure people here will help you; I for one would be happy to look stuff up on Ancestry etc if it would help. 20% fee is a lot when it's research you could do without them. There may be a time element involved, so you'd have to weigh up how quickly you'd need to track down a relationship with the person who died.

I don't believe you can insure against counter-claims - at best she would have to share any inheritance with other legitimate relatives.

hollydays

.Scam.Google everything including their address,postcode ,telephone number,should reveal something.try adding the word scam will often reveal stuff. Email trading Standards.Are they recommending buying one particular brand of insurance?
Could you contact the relevant insurance watchdog? maybe try https://www.abi.org.uk .see the item on there " Unclaimed Assets Register."

Maybe post a question on the insurance board.That might be most fruitful.

hollydays

Contact the law society to see if they are registered.

WWW.lawsociety.org.uk

maybe get advice from them