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Episode details

Radio 4,11 Aug 2022,53 mins

Is my house on the scammers list?

You and Yours

Available for over a year

You and Yours investigates why thousands of people right across the UK are having companies set up using their address by fraudsters who then use the details to take out loans and run up debts. Someone is able to register a business at Companies House in minutes for just £12 – without having to provide proof of identification. Our investigative reporter, Shari Vahl, has uncovered evidence of criminal gangs exploiting this loophole, setting up thousands of fake companies affecting entire streets in locations across the country. During this special programme, we'll hear from people in Oxford, Torquay and Oldham - where on one residential street, every household has been targeted by these scammers. Victims have told us how they face a struggle to have fraudulent details removed from the register. In some instances, Companies House will delete information, although it takes weeks. Some fraudulent information can only be removed with a court order. We'll hear from financial expert Graham Barrow, who says potentially more than one hundred thousand bogus companies have been registered. We'll also hear from Labour's Darren Jones MP. He chairs the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, who help to oversee the work of Companies House. PRESENTER: Winifred Robinson REPORTER: Shari Vahl PRODUCER: Linda Walker

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