Today’s commercial landscape is fast-moving, trust and speed are everything, but both are exactly what scammers exploit.
At FESS Hire, we recently fell victim to a fraudulent credit account application that resulted in a loss of over £3,000. Despite our rigorous internal processes, a scam involving a fake company named “4 Counties Solutions” slipped through the net. Since then, we’ve seen signs that the same fraudsters are targeting other businesses, using slightly modified company names and email domains (e.g. switching from .co.uk to .com) to continue their deception.
We’re sharing our experience not just to raise awareness, but to help protect the wider industry. If it can happen to us, it can happen to anyone.
What Happened at FESS Hire?
A few weeks ago, we received what looked like a legitimate credit application from a company trading as “4 Counties Solutions”. All the documents were in order, from a company registration number to a dedicated email address and telephone number. Everything appeared normal.
Unfortunately, this turned out to be a fraudulent credit account application. The email domain had been subtly manipulated, and after the equipment was hired and delivered, the company disappeared. There was no further contact, no payment, and FESS Hire suffered a £3,000 loss.
We now believe the same individuals are submitting new fraudulent applications under different company names and slightly altered email addresses, continuing their scam under the radar.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but there are still common warning signs to look for:
- Slight changes in email domains (e.g. .com instead of .co.uk)
- Companies that don’t appear on Companies House
- Phone numbers that lead to voicemail or automated responses
- Applications that rush the process or offer minimal trading history
- Lack of verifiable trade references
6 Critical Steps to Protect Your Business from Credit Account Scams
Here’s what we recommend and what we’re doing now to prevent further incidents:
- Verify Company Registration
Always check that the company is officially registered on Companies House. Make sure details match exactly, especially email domains and company number. - Use Verified Contact Channels
Call the company using a publicly listed landline number, not the one listed on the application. Speak directly with someone senior before approving credit. - Cross-Check Email Domains
Fraudsters often change just one character in the email domain. Watch for substitutions like .com instead of .co.uk or slight spelling errors. - Request Trade References and Confirm Them
Ask for two or more references and personally verify them. Speak to someone who has worked with the applicant. Don’t rely on written references alone. - Implement Internal Flags for New Applications
Set up alerts in your system for unfamiliar or suspicious company names. You may also want to temporarily hold credit approval for brand-new clients until a full background check is complete. - Share Intel with Your Network
Communication is key. Talk to other suppliers and share names or email addresses of suspicious applicants. Criminals rely on our silence; don’t let them stay hidden.
FESS Hire’s Commitment to Industry Trust
With over 80 years of combined industry experience, FESS Hire has built a reputation based on reliability, transparency, and partnership. We’re here to supply top-quality equipment and protect the commercial community we work with every day.
We hope to help others avoid the same costly mistake by sharing this warning. If you’ve experienced something similar, we encourage you to report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre:
https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/
Let’s work together to close the door on scammers targeting our industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I suspect a fake credit application?
Immediately pause the application, verify the company via Companies House, and try to contact the business through an official channel. Report any confirmed fraud to Action Fraud.
How can I check if a company is real?
Use the government’s official site: https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company and double-check contact details from multiple sources.
Where can I report fraud in the UK?
Use Action Fraud’s secure portal at https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/
Does FESS Hire still offer credit accounts?
Yes, but we now conduct enhanced checks for all new applications. We prioritise the safety of our clients and our community.
Final Word
Credit account fraud is on the rise, and no company is immune. These criminals are clever, persistent, and evolving. But with the right processes, shared knowledge, and industry vigilance, we can protect ourselves and each other.
At FESS Hire, we’re committed to keeping the equipment hire sector efficient and safe.
If you found this article useful, please share it with your network. It could save someone thousands of pounds.