How do I find out if a company in the UK is legitimate?

Question

I'm looking to invest in a certain company, is there a way (apart from looking at their home website) that I can check that all their profiles and portfolios, as well as credentials, are legitimate? I do not want to, and will not, disclose the business name.

Answer 1

I use a company called: snoop4directors.
You can buy all the reports that you need there.
Companies house offer a good service too.

Answer 2

I agree with Sean - any fool can set up a company and even file made up accounts and reports with Companies House in an attempt to look legit.
I guess with publicly listed companies you have some protection, but with a private company, you have no way of knowing what is really going on.

Answer 3

If this is one of those textile or clothing deals where they are asking you to process money by taking money orders, "cashing" them through your bank & sending them the $$ Western Union, figure it is not EVEN IF THE COMPANY IN UK IS LEGITIMATE. They use legit companies but the money is intercepted by the person running the con, frequently from Nigeria. I checked out several through a private investigator and not one was legitimate. Beware. The money orders are fake & will be charged back against your bank account a month or so down the road.

Answer 4

One way to check if a UK company is legitimate is... Check it through the FSA website( Financial Services Authority).

Answer 5

If the company was in the USA you could look at the BBB (Better Business Bureau). If the UK has the same type of agency then you should be able to contact the UK version of the BBB and ask them if anyone has filed any complaints against that company.

Answer 6

Companies House is always a good start. Even then though there are companies that trade for a while before they are found to be fraudulent etc.

Answer 7

offtopic but what is this ive heard about harry potter?