The Metropolitan Police and Companies House have issued advice on preventing criminals "hi-jacking" corporate identities.

Corporate identity theft is a fast growing crime. Criminals obtain registration, director and other details of companies.

Armed with this information they either amend the company details directly at Companies Houser or just impersonate them.

On the back of the victim company's good credit rating they then obtain loans or high value goods, through fraud.

The Met and Companies House have issued the following four point plan, to prevent this type of crime.

Check the REGISTERED DETAILS. These include the directors, Company Secretary and Company address. They are held at Companies House. They should be correct and not fraudulently changed.

File Documents online and sign up for "Proof". Proof is a free, password protected on-line system for companies to alter details. Paper based notifications are then no longer allowed.

Sign up to alert services. These are provided at nominal cost by Companies House and credit card companies.

Do not rely on Companies House. Companies House is not a credit reference agency or crime prevention service. Use additional means to ensure the identities of the organisations you deal with.

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