These days, a handshake just doesn’t cut it anymore. Trust me, I learned this the hard way years ago. I thought I had a promising partnership set up in Southeast Asia, but it turned out the basis of it was more…creative than accurate. Thank goodness, a long look at the business official registry helped us out! I will tell you, I was a skeptic at the time, but it saved us for an overwhelming loss of money. Ever since that moment, I will tell people I love that due diligence is a must needed act.
Global business today is a spider web full of scam artists. You need to know how to check the registration. Consider all parties. Investor, Business Owner, or if you buy from the stores as a consumer. You all need to know so you will be safe! In this easy-to-follow list, I’ll teach you the most important steps to make sure businesses are real across the wide globe. I have some professional techniques and I will personally tell you what all the locations of all the information needs to be through the entire business journey.
Why Verify Company Registration?
Let’s speak to your inner self…
The Risks of Not Verifying
To be frank, forgetting or not looking into the registration is like Russian roulette. There are bad outcomes that will become a headache or a major collapse. Just imagine pouring money into someone who isn’t real, or worse! What if some shady activity is going on? Fraud comes with a HIGH price. Examiners say 5% can be defrauded. And that’s not even considering the long term legal battles that can be had. What needs to be taken is time to invest! Time can be saved, it’s not an issue of spending and investment in money. It’s protecting the future!
Benefits of Due Diligence
On the other hand, checking and finding the business’s information will ensure happiness to all that are involved with a real relationship going a long time! This is a game changer and keeps success rolling. You want to do your job that is more than just finding all the business is about and ethical and risky business?
Official Sources for Company Verification (By Region/Country)
It can get tricky which is why I will tell you different contacts to make across countries and regions. Just be sure you verify them correctly or it’s not right!
Please bear in mind that no websites give official guarantees.
North America
- United States: Every region makes the business their own, it is maintained by the State.
- Example: Delaware Division of Corporations
- Website: https://corp.delaware.gov/
- Information Available: Name of Business, all account business information, status and history on document.
- Notes: Delaware is a place that most love due to the rules and laws. So you will encounter different variations you feel fit . Watch out, there could be fees to pay for a great and correct service.
- Example: Delaware Division of Corporations
What to do with business that is set up to protect? This is due to local laws, rules, and safety. There is a plan in place It’s still required to search for legal assistance when and if the business doesn’t want to release their info.
- Canada: There are multiple sites that show with Canada with their incorporation. As well as some for locally set up business.
- Corporations Canada
- Website: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cd-dgc.nsf/eng/home
- Information Available: Name in Corporation, record, address, numbers. The officers.
- Notes: All databases shown. You can always click with a simple Google search as well for area “company registry.”
- Corporations Canada
What needs to happen when information is not shown that’s needed? It is the best to use a VPN to make sure you find all the information needed. Be sure to click all hyperlinks that are possible to get all information that is available
Europe
- United Kingdom: An officer that is registered in the business of the region. ” Companies House.”
- Companies House
- Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house
- Information Available: They have a wide variety of record with the address, number’s , document financial numbers and more, just to name a few of a few of those things that are important.
- Notes: You can click at any time to get some things free for document information. You will be amazed!
- Companies House
What can happen if people feel that documents in other places are less of a need? Keep close and do your shopping. Take all information there with all the steps from 1 business to another.
- Germany: They have some listed and recorded court records.
- Handelsregister (Commercial Register)
- Website: What Is Shown : https://www.handelsregister.de/rp_web/welcome.xhtml
- Handelsregister (Commercial Register)
What would someone read with what they encounter? Be sure you read more! Keep your head on a swivel with making sure all the rules are up to date.
Asia
What should I be reminded of when looking to the pacific area across the globe.
- Singapore: Governing Body.
- Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
- Website: https://www.acra.gov.sg/
- Information Available: Actions and Business Payment, shareholders
- Notes: Easy action .
- Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
What would be a red flag when investing? When they are not willing to work with me during onboarding and get it done.
- China: The main location
- National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (NECIPS)
- Website: http://www.gsxt.gov.cn/index.html
- Information Available: Location’s name and code, what date that was all obtained
- Notes: Translating and making sure you communicate with local groups. To be sure you are accurate when the time presents itself.
- National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (NECIPS)
What makes a red and green flag clear? Is when they tell you just take their word and not review with another counsel in the legal world that will assist as needed.
Australia
Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC)
- Website: https://asic.gov.au/
- Information Available: Keep a close record of all things. ABN, business that is listed in the area. Any office they handle
- Notes: They provide a data base you can search for . Some is free while some you will want to get a review with help. Do what feels right to be safe not sorry .
What does it mean to be accurate and work for due diligence. When you put the safety of other’s before your well being.
Disclaimer I am not responsible for anything that can be defrauded with you. I am not a legal expert . Please consult with someone in the legal field who is trusted.
Always keep in mind the business web page. In the following sections I will share how to review the information needed .
Understanding Company Registration Information
Okay, so finding the right website for a company registry is just the first step. The real skill is knowing how to read that info once you find it. Think of it like a financial statement – all the numbers are there, but you need to know what they mean. Let me break down the important stuff and some of the confusing jargon you might encounter:
Key Data Points to Look For
- Company Name: I know, seems obvious, right? But seriously, make sure the name is exactly the same everywhere. Even a tiny difference can be a massive red flag. Did they say “Acme Co.” in the emails, but the registration says “Acme Corporation?” Not good.
- Registration Number: This is like a social security number for a business – a unique ID. Always cross-reference this number on everything official. If they’re trying to hide it or it doesn’t match, that’s a problem.
- Registered Address: Where’s their official legal address? Is it a real office building, or just a PO Box? (Unless they’re a super small operation with a legitimate reason, avoid PO Boxes). Does the address even exist? Use Google Street View to check! I’ve seen companies use addresses that turned out to be vacant lots.
- Company Status: Are they currently active, inactive, dissolved, or what? You definitely don’t want to be doing business with a company that’s not in good standing (i.e., not active). It’s like dating someone who’s still married – messy.
- Date of Incorporation: When did they actually register the business? If they’re claiming to have 20 years of experience but were only incorporated last year, something’s fishy. Dig deeper!
- Director/Officer Information: Who are the real people in charge? Google their names! Do they have a history of shady dealings or bankruptcies? Are they connected to other questionable companies? Knowing who you’re dealing with is vital.
Deciphering Legal Jargon
Company registration documents are packed with confusing legal terms and abbreviations. Here’s a quick-and-dirty mini-glossary to help you translate:
- Ltd./Limited (UK): Means the company’s liability is limited to its assets. Basically, they can’t lose everything if things go wrong.
- Inc./Incorporated (US): Similar to Ltd., meaning limited liability.
- GmbH (Germany): “Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung” – Basically, a limited liability company.
- Corp.: Short for Corporation.
- ABN/ACN (Australia): “Australian Business Number” and “Australian Company Number.” They’re like tax IDs.
- Registered Agent: Someone who’s been designated to receive legal notices for the company.
Let me tell you, I once spent a whole afternoon trying to figure out the difference between a “Partnership” and a “Limited Liability Partnership” in some obscure country. Turns out, that country didn’t even have Limited Liability Partnerships! Learning that simple fact saved my client from taking on a huge amount of unexpected risk.
Understanding these terms and data points will give you the power to actually understand the registration info and make smart decisions. Alright, now we can move on to the scary part: red flags!
Red Flags and What to Do When You Find Them
You shouldn’t assume a business is up to no good, but be wise and proceed with diligence. Let me tell you more.
Common Warning Signs
- Check out any “Wrong” Info The proper paperwork and business is key to a red flag or being in the green . Check the paperwork. “If it does not fit, acquit”
- What is in a logo When I see a poor copy or generic attempt at mimic a name it’s time time for concern. Just make sure diligence if everything is in tact
- Just A Box” Some have been found to not be a real building at all. What is a lack of contact is a failure of trying.
- Can you click it. You should have every angle on the company, what is missing it? “
Steps to Take. Do not ignore it
These Are The Next Steps You want to stay smart stop all payment/conversation / review with what happens. It is crucial action !
- After what occurs get contact and make action. Show what exactly happen with emails paperwork ect…..
- Tell them what all has happen where that’s consumer safety business government the 3 listed
- Seek for action with legal side. You must seek legal assistance! and review.
Disclaimer, I am not responsible for any harm. See professional counsel for questions.
There, you have spotted the problems. What needs to be taken is to work extra. Let’s continue now
Beyond Registration: Further Due Diligence Steps
When you check the place of business it will be more than an ID you will want the “REAL deal”
- “License, License’!” What license do they have.
- Google!, Facebook!, Yelp (Search)
These are key to know. How they look at “Face Value!’
Conclusion
Verifying company registration isn’t just a box to check; it’s a fundamental element of sound risk management and ethical business practice. As I’ve demonstrated through my own experiences, a proactive approach to due diligence can save you from significant financial and reputational damage. Don’t rely on blind faith or trust alone. Always verify, and always go beyond the basics. My final piece of advice? Develop a standardized due diligence checklist tailored to your industry and the regions you operate in.
Start protecting your interests today! Download our free comprehensive Company Verification Checklist and ensure you’re equipped to navigate the global business landscape with confidence. Being informed and proactive is your best defense against business fraud and illegitimacy.