Wrong Company registration number - what to do?

Hi All,

I will commence dealings with a company soon, but a few things are not "ringing true"

The company registration number when checked against companies house does not give me details of this company but a completely different type of company in a different part of the UK, who has no branches other than it registered address.

There are other things that don't sound right when talking to this firm. Is there a way I can check out their VAT number to tie the two together (or not)

Potentially I am about to hand over a few thousand to this firm, but I am having my suspicions, should I be speaking to companies house, or our local police, or should I stop worrying???

Yours AJ

Just don't deal with them if you have suspicions - or, alternatively, challenge them to their co. no. - explaining why this gives you worries. A reputable co. would have no problem clarifying the position for you.

MC

Isn't it illegal to use the wrong company name on corporate litterature?

Registered branches is probably what you think it means.

If you look up Sainsburys at Companies House, you won't see a list of all their shops all over the country.

Having said that, the name should match. You should certainly be sure of what company you are dealing with, but even having the right company name isn't a guarantee that they are a trustworthy business.

You can check whether it is a valid VAT number here, although it doesn't necessarily mean it belongs to the person using it

Bob

Did you check the number of the actual company? It may be a typing error.

Phone the Inland Revenue and ask to check a VAT number.

Have you considered talking to the company about your findings?

The police couldnt care less. Their mission statement is to get as much money as possible for as little work as possible.

Yes, but Companies House don't take it very seriously.

The police's mission is to "get money"? I must have blinked. Last I knew, that was the robbers' mission.

I presume Peters comment was levelled at local authorities, with regard to fixed traffic cameras..........

mc

No, just generally. The police seem to take very little interest in the less "glamorous" or low profile offences.

The Inland Revenue won't be much help, Customs and Excise deal with VAT.

Silly me! I wont make a feeble attempt to get out of my error by saying they have merged!

They haven't yet, it's in the coming year's legislation from the recent 'Queen's Speech' I think.