Businesses are being urged to remain vigilant following a joint warning from Companies House and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) regarding misleading payment requests and unsolicited invoices being sent to UK companies.
For businesses across Oxford and Oxfordshire, this highlights an important and growing risk.
These requests are often designed to closely resemble legitimate correspondence, using:
- Official sounding names
- Formal layouts and branding
- References to statutory obligations or deadlines
This can create the impression that payment is mandatory, when in reality the request relates to a third party service.
As a result, businesses may inadvertently make payments that are unnecessary or significantly overpriced.
These requests are often designed to closely resemble legitimate correspondence, using:
- Official sounding names
- Formal layouts and branding
- References to statutory obligations or deadlines
At The MGroup, we encourage a practical and proactive approach to managing these types of challenges, ensuring that controls are in place to protect both cash flow and operations.
What’s happening?
According to the latest government guidance, some businesses are receiving letters and emails that appear official, requesting payment for services linked to Companies House filings or intellectual property registrations.
In many cases:
- The organisations are not connected with government
- Fees charged may be inflated
- Services may be optional, lower cost or free via official channels
Newly incorporated companies and those filing intellectual property applications are often targeted, as their details are publicly available.
“Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated in how they present these requests,” says Ollie Squire Partner at The MGroup. “The challenge is that many of them now look credible at first glance.”
Why businesses are vulnerable
These requests are often designed to closely resemble legitimate correspondence, using:
- Official sounding names
- Formal layouts and branding
- References to statutory obligations or deadlines
This can create the impression that payment is mandatory, when in reality the request relates to a third party service.
As a result, businesses may inadvertently make payments that are unnecessary or significantly overpriced.
Warning signs to look out for
Businesses should take care to review all payment requests before making payment.
Potential warning signs include:
- Requests for unusually high fees
- Payment demands shortly after incorporation or application activity
- Vague or unclear service descriptions
- Unofficial or unexpected bank details
- Pressure to make immediate payment
- Company names that closely resemble official organisations
Official Companies House and IPO fees can normally be verified directly through GOV.UK.
“An extra sense check at the point of payment can prevent costly mistakes,” adds Jordan Lyne partner at The MGroup. “Simple verification steps are often all that’s needed.”
Practical steps to reduce risk
Businesses may wish to take a proactive approach by:
- Ensuring staff understand the risk of misleading invoices
- Verifying all new suppliers independently
- Checking website domains and email addresses carefully
- Reviewing unfamiliar or high‑value invoices before payment
- Seeking advice where there is any uncertainty
Establishing clear internal controls can significantly reduce exposure to this type of fraud.
A wider and evolving risk
This warning serves as a reminder that fraud attempts against UK businesses continue to evolve, particularly where publicly available information can be used to create convincing payment requests.
While the underlying issue is not new, the level of sophistication and targeting has increased, making awareness and process discipline more important than ever.
A trusted, expert and supportive approach, backed by independent advice, can help businesses stay protected and respond confidently to emerging risks.
If you would like to review your internal controls or discuss how to reduce exposure to this type of risk, we are always happy to help