Avoid scams
How to check a formation agent before paying
A polished website is a starting point for a conversation, not evidence that an agent is qualified. Before sending money or identity documents, establish who will contract with you, who will actually file the application and who will be accountable if something goes wrong. This small amount of preparation makes price comparisons much more meaningful.
Identify the legal business
Ask for the contracting entity’s full legal name, registration number, registered address and invoice details. Find the relevant registry independently through a government or registry-authority page. Compare the record with the proposal. A trading brand may legitimately differ from a legal name, but the provider should explain the relationship clearly in writing.
Check the permission that matters
Company registration and permission to provide a regulated service are separate checks. Ask which licence or professional registration applies to the work being sold. Where a regulator maintains a provider register, check both current status and disciplinary information. Do not assume a business number proves legal, tax or immigration expertise.
Test the service before the sale
Send one specific question about your activity, ownership and location. A useful answer explains what needs checking and who will check it. Treat unexplained guarantees and pressure to pay before seeing terms as reasons to pause. References can help, but independently sourced evidence should carry more weight than testimonials on the seller’s own website.
Put it into practice
- Match the contract, invoice and payment recipient.
- Verify claimed licences through the issuing authority.
- Request written scope, exclusions and refund terms.
- Confirm who files and who handles follow-up questions.
Your next step
Save the registry record, proposal and written answers in one folder before paying a deposit. If the contracting identity remains unclear, obtain clarification before proceeding.
Official sources & scope
Singapore example: ACRA publishes suspended-provider information and offers trustBar for checking the authenticity of certain ACRA documents. Other countries use different verification systems.
General planning information. Country-specific rules and individual circumstances need separate verification. Examples are illustrative; no savings or application outcome is guaranteed.