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Original poster

Company Using Our Address

33 replies

PenCreed · 26/05/2023 11:53

We have had two letters from Companies House addressed to a person and a company that we have never heard of, who are apparently registering their company at our house. We've reported it to Action Fraud and are filling in Companies House forms to try and have this removed, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience of this they could share? Or if there's anything else we should be doing!

We've lived here for 7 years and they definitely aren't the previous owner or anything like that - apparently they only changed the address ten days ago. None of the similar numbered houses on our road have changed owners recently either so it's not a confusion with eg next door.

OP posts:
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AnSolas · 28/09/2023 12:27

KNine8 · 28/09/2023 12:02

Thanks for the link.

Update: Having been through the rigmarole of trying to get a relatives address being used without permission, these forms worked (to an extent):

RP02A - is an application for rectification where information is invalid/factually inaccurate.

RP07 - The regulations allow any person whose address is being used by a company without authority, as a Registered Office address, to make an application to change this address by filing the form RP07.

The forms took 3 months to be dealt with.

Companies House deleted the company directors ‘service address’ in form IN01 and there is now a note under filling history tab that reads: ‘The director’s service address was removed from the public register on (date they actioned form) as it was invalid or ineffective, or was factually inaccurate or was derived from something factually inaccurate.’

The registered address has been changed to default Companies House address.

The officers correspondence address (previously my relatives) has been removed completely, it is now blank.

However, my relatives address can still be found in the pdf form IN01 under the ‘Proposed Registered Office Address’ and ‘initial shareholdings’ page. It is also found under the ‘Persons with significant control’ tab.

You do need a court order to change any details about a Person with Significant Control, but have no idea how to make Companies House remove all address references in form IN01.

It would be easier herding cats than getting Companies House to be helpful towards victims of fraud.

Fortunately nothing much appears to have happened with my relatives new livestock company so clueless about the fraudsters aims.

As it is a PDF have you asked that they remove the original pdf apply a redaction blackout box and re-upload?

Failing them replying you could raise it as a data protection fair processing issue, with the aim of being able to ask that the Information Office to become involved on the technical aspects of the data removal.

KNine8 · 28/09/2023 15:55

AnSolas · 28/09/2023 12:27

As it is a PDF have you asked that they remove the original pdf apply a redaction blackout box and re-upload?

Failing them replying you could raise it as a data protection fair processing issue, with the aim of being able to ask that the Information Office to become involved on the technical aspects of the data removal.

Show quote history

Companies House did amend the PDF (IN01) but only removed the Company Director's service address by deleting that field and reloading the file (PDF creation date is different to original one I'd downloaded), so they can amend the details easily. I am guessing looking at what's left that a court order is needed to amend address for a shareholder and Person of Significant Control, despite being the same person as the company director.

KNine8 · 28/09/2023 16:20

Just found it in black and white - Yes you do need a court order https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-a-company-using-your-personal-details-without-your-permission

Other addresses: If the address is being used as the address of a shareholder or PSC, you’ll need a court order to correct the record. Seek independent legal advice in these cases.

Which will cost £300 - £400, yet I could possibly lie and pretend to be the scammer and have it removed for £32 via SR01 form!

Report a company using your personal details without your permission

How to tell Companies House if a company is using your personal information without your consent.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-a-company-using-your-personal-details-without-your-permission

Homer91 · 29/09/2023 20:15

This has happened to me as well however a company has been registered using my real name, DOB and address.

I contacted companies house who advised for me to complete the R06 and R07 forms, does the R06 and R07 remove the company completely?

Ive been named a director and the actual shareholder.

Ive reported this to actionfraud but now at a loss on what to do, CH have advised there is a backlog so unable to action this for the next few months which seems insane considering its fraud and I'm named as a director.

Been sick with worry (as has my partner) in case any business loans, credit cards or accounts that might be opened

Ohwhatakerfuffle · 29/09/2023 20:33

Sadly, this is a very common scam. My own details were stolen from a company database and used to set up a fake business with Companies House. CH do this with no checks and for a very small fee (around £12 iirc). The scammers seem to hedge their bets on some people not taking any further action so they can use the new businesses for money laundering. The problem arises when you discover that CH won’t remove your details without a court order and shows how badly their ‘loophole’ is facilitating this scam. Graham Barrow is an expert on the subject. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001qtdy

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, Companies House Fraud; Eco Shopping; Car Boots

One of the most extreme cases of Companies House Fraud You and Yours has ever investigated

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001qtdy

Xenia · 29/09/2023 20:52

The system is changing to ID verification which may make things better for the future. For now this court order process is pretty annoying never mind the court fee you have to pay (although those on state benefits do not pay court fees so some will be exempt).

Homer91 · 29/09/2023 20:56

Did you go to court @Ohwhatakerfuffle ? I was told I didn’t have to go to court if it’s been registered in my name and I was the person with significant control but it seems conflicting reading on up here.

Honestly I’m so stressed and worried, no way I could afford to go to court

Ohwhatakerfuffle · 29/09/2023 21:34

The company who the data was stolen from paid for the court action, as there was a large number of people collectively affected. But I remember it was the only way we could get the data corrected with CH. It’s crazy, CH won’t remove your details because you didn’t apply for the company / directorship, hence the need for court action. Google / look on LinkedIn for Graham Barrow and he may have some clearer advice.

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