How to Check a Company – 4 simple tips

To check a company background is important before committing with any kind of business transaction. One option is performing a company background check as well as the people running the business. A reliable company check will provide an opportunity for you to screen and identify any:

• hidden information,
• issues,
• inconsistencies,
• or worst: illicit activities.

Here’ are some tips on how to check a company:

#1: Check a company Online

There are literally tons of open source data and websites online that provides basic data. With those you can check a company on their registry of companies in various jurisdictions. What you can do is scan online and look for company registry site. One of these site will covers the jurisdiction of the company you are checking. However, bear in mind that aside from the fact that you will often be getting basic data. This is in nature insufficient, you will also be met by the reality that not all countries around the world are covered by these type of sites. And often a minimum fee is required per company check or search by company registry providers.

#2: Check the Owners and Shareholders

A company background check should extend to the owners and shareholders of the company. By looking online for any open sources that can help you in your compliance and due diligence. Most global companies, especially those located in offshore jurisdictions would often have several nominee arrangements. Plenty of nominee directors that are hidden on several layers of companies in order to hide the ultimate beneficial ownership or controlling persons. This type of scenario can be a nightmare in terms of compliance and due diligence.

Again, please remember that most company registry online only provides basic data about the company such as:

• company name,
• addresses,
• company number,
• jurisdiction,
• incorporation dates.

There’s a big chance that you will not get any kind of beneficial ownership data online, but you can still try this approach.

#3: Check the Reputation of these Owners and Shareholders

If you get lucky and you are able to properly identify the real owners and shareholders of the company. Then the second step is to look for any issues, criminal records, or any kind of unlawful activities on these people. In doing so, you will be able to screen any possible red flags to help you make a sound decision by weighing all your options through risk management.

Start by performing a thorough company background check on the company, its owners and shareholders. You can do so by running their names online and looking for any problems and issues like:

• being involve in shady deals,
• committing any unlawful activities.

You may also try to check all their social media accounts online. This will help you get a better impression on their behaviour, personality and inclination. Aside from this, try to check for any professional networking accounts in various platforms such as:

• LinkedIn,
• Xing that belongs to these people.

#4: Get Professional Help

Getting a professional help on how to check a company to do the digging for you will:

• benefit you in a lot of ways,
• including saving you time / hassle,
• frustration on doing something that needs a touch of expertise.

As you may well know, we specialize on in-depth, systematic and methodical background check and investigation on companies and individuals. Since we have already given you some tips in checking a company if its legit, well it’s time for you to consult with us regarding your needs, just send us over an inquiry and we will get in touch with you asap.

---