Companies House

djbarb

I am writing to ask for your help and advice if this is possible. My information has been used to make a fraudulent application for me to be a director, Secretary and shareholder  of a limited company. On speaking to Companies House it transpires that anybody can make an electronic application to do this and they make no checks on the validity of the application. It only takes 24 hours for approval. In contrast, I have to complete two forms to be deregistered and this can take weeks to complete. I cannot remove myself  as a shareholder without a court order. You can imagine the anxiety and frustration this has caused me. 

Firstly, can you advise why somebody would do this
I have started the de-registration  process, sent a complaint to Companies House, reported to action fraud and the police  and contacted my MP. Can you advise if there are any other agencies I should contact to assist me in this matter? 

Companies House has advised that this is common and that they had consultation last summer regarding this. From the Business department website it seems they are still considering consultation feedback  nearly 6 months later. I am astounded that a government department are so lax in their processes especially given the prominence of identity theft and scams(we expect the highest standard of security from a government department) . Why does it take consultation and such a long time to protect British citizens when they know this is a problem? Surely they don’t need a change in legislation to tighten their processes and run validity checks on applications? It would be a far more efficient and robust process than the current one. 
My solicitor has advised I will need to swear an affidavit to apply for a court order to be removed as a shareholder( love to know where my shares are!!!)
Sorry this is so long - any help/ advice much appreciated.

JJ_Egan

<Firstly, can you advise why somebody would do this >  Fraud

Your solicitor will be of more use than random replies from non legal posters on a forum .

Your questions need asking of the relevant authorities   .

hollydays

How did you find out..