BREAKING: CAC Exposes 3 Fake Firms Using Forged Incorporation Certificates (FULL LIST & RC Numbers)

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has raised a public alarm over the emergence of three companies allegedly operating with forged certificates of incorporation and unrecognized registration numbers, warning Nigerians against transacting with them.

TJ News Nigeriareports that the CAC, through an official statement released via its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, disclosed that these entities are parading two different RC numbers each, neither of which exists in the Commission’s corporate registry.

Companies Using Forged Incorporation Certificates

According to the CAC, the three affected firms are:

• SPEF Cooperative Society Limited
• UPIL Staff Cooperative Society Limited
• PREM Staff Cooperative Society Limited

The Commission clarified that these organizations falsified RC (Registration Certificate) numbers in a bid to operate illegally within Nigeria’s business environment.

“The general public is hereby informed that the certificates of incorporation being used by the companies listed below were not issued by the Commission,” the statement read.

Fake RC Numbers Listed by CAC

The CAC listed the exact registration details being fraudulently used by each firm as follows:

• SPEF Cooperative Society Ltd – RC Numbers: 1265884 and 512862
• UPIL Staff Cooperative Society Ltd – RC Numbers: 1265837 and 553220
• PREM Staff Cooperative Society Ltd – RC Numbers: 1265844 and 545901

The Commission warned that none of these numbers exist in its official records.

Risk of Business Transactions with These Firms

The CAC has cautioned Nigerians that engaging in any business dealings with the aforementioned firms will be at their own risk.

“Anyone who transacts any business with the above-mentioned companies does so at their own risk,” the CAC emphasized.

CAC Urges Public to Verify Company Status

The Commission urged individuals, institutions, and investors to verify the authenticity of any firm’s registration status via the official CAC portal or through other accredited verification channels.

“The CAC remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s corporate registry and will continue to expose fraudulent elements attempting to manipulate the system.”

This move is part of a broader strategy by the Commission to tighten compliance mechanisms, eliminate impersonators, and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s formal business sector.

Previous Efforts by CAC to Curb Corporate Fraud

This is not the first time the CAC has exposed firms using falsified incorporation documents. Over the past year, several alerts have been issued, with the Commission often collaborating with agencies like the EFCC and DSS to investigate and prosecute fraudulent operators.

For instance, in a related development earlier this year, the CAC nullified the registration of over 2,000 companies that failed to meet post-incorporation obligations, a move that was praised by governance reform advocates.

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What This Means for Businesses and the Public

The exposure of these fake entities highlights the importance of corporate due diligence in Nigeria. It also brings attention to potential risks faced by:

• Investors and stakeholders dealing with unregistered entities
• Employees of fraudulent organizations
• Financial institutions offering loans or services to unverified firms
• Government bodies relying on fake corporate data

Legal analysts have emphasized the need for stronger penalties for individuals and groups behind such illegal setups, stating that the use of forged incorporation documents amounts to criminal impersonation and economic sabotage.

How to Verify Company Status with CAC

The CAC has outlined the steps for verifying a company’s legal standing through its online platform:

1. Visit the CAC Public Search Portal
2. Enter the company name or RC number
3. Confirm that the firm is active and compliant
4. Avoid any firm that is not found or flagged

Pay Attention To How to Register a Business Name with CAC in Nigeria (Latest Guide)

 

Alternatively, users can contact accredited agents, corporate lawyers, or visit a CAC office nationwide for in-person verification.

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Final Thoughts

As Nigeria continues to push for greater transparency in its business environment, the CAC’s actions serve as a reminder that fraudulent registration practices will not be tolerated. Businesses and individuals are urged to carry out all necessary checks before entering any commercial agreements.

TJ News Nigeria learnt that further regulatory action may be taken against individuals linked to these fake entities as investigations deepen.

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