Information & Guidance

Companies House has been aware for some time of the damage that can be done by hijackers to companies and suppliers of goods and services. Company hijacks normally involve fraudsters changing details of the company’s directors and registered office. To help combat company fraud, Companies House has introduced a 3 point plan, of which more information is provided below.

We cannot prevent hijacking. We do not have the power to investigate the content and accuracy of forms sent to us for filing. However we have been looking very closely to see whether electronic filing systems can improve security for companies. Both our ‘WebFiling’ and ‘Software Filing’ services have security protection by using passwords, confidential authentication codes and recognised email addresses.

On Sunday 21st June 2009 Companies House introduced a new electronic means of signing companies up to PROOF via the WebFiling service.

The PROOF (PROtected Online Filing) scheme helps companies to protect themselves from being hijacked as it prevents individuals from filing certain paper forms. These include documents for an appointment/termination/change of particulars of company officers and change of registered office address (currently 287, 288 and Annual Return forms). When a company has joined the PROOF scheme, Companies House will reject any paper versions of these forms and send them back to the registered office address. This helps to ensure that any changes made have been registered with the company’s authority.

To join the PROOF scheme, you will first need to be registered for the Companies House WebFiling Service. Once you have registered for the WebFiling service and completed the sign-in process, simply tick the box to confirm that you have read and agreed with the terms and conditions and select ‘join PROOF'.

To further ensure security, please note that if your company is subject to an ongoing internal dispute you will be ineligible to join the PROOF scheme. Companies House cannot intervene in internal company disputes and involved parties must seek independent professional legal advice. Once the Registrar is fully satisfied that the internal dispute has been resolved the company will then become eligible to join the scheme.

Web Filing Service
This is our online registration service that enables you to submit company information more securely.

Software Filing
Requires the use of specialised software to file data to Companies House. This service is more appropriate for bulk users.

* The system is subject to terms and conditions.