How To Avoid Fraudulent Registration Services In Pakistan?

 Starting a business in Pakistan involves several steps, including legal registration, tax documentation, and compliance with government regulations. While many people turn to consultants and service providers to assist with these tasks, there's a growing risk of encountering fraudulent registration services that can cause financial loss, legal complications, and delayed business operations. Fortunately, there are several ways to identify and avoid such scams. Here's how you can protect yourself and ensure a secure Company Registration In Pakistan.

1. Choose Registered and Verified Service Providers

One of the most effective ways to avoid fraud is to only deal with registered and licensed consultants. Professionals offering company registration services should ideally be:

  • Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)

  • Certified Chartered Accountants or Corporate Lawyers

  • Affiliated with professional bodies like ICAP, ICMAP, or the Pakistan Bar Council

Always ask for credentials or registration numbers and verify them independently through the relevant regulatory websites.

2. Avoid Advance Payments Without Verification

Fraudsters often lure victims by offering “quick registration” at low costs and asking for full payment in advance. To stay safe:

  • Avoid paying the full fee upfront

  • Ask for a formal invoice or agreement

  • Split payments based on milestones (e.g., name reservation, incorporation, tax registration)

Reputable service providers typically accept partial payment and provide receipts at each stage.

3. Use Official Government Portals

Many company registration steps in Pakistan can be handled directly online through official government portals:

  • SECP eServices Portal

  • FBR IRIS Portal

These portals provide clear instructions and allow individuals to handle registration themselves or track the progress of a consultant’s application. If a consultant refuses to share portal access or credentials, it’s a red flag.

Company Registration In Pakistan

4. Demand Proper Documentation

Fraudulent agents often avoid sharing official documents such as:

  • Certificate of Incorporation

  • NTN (National Tax Number)

  • SECP Acknowledgment Receipts

  • Bank Challans

Legitimate consultants should always provide you with copies of these documents. Make sure the company’s name and your details match the information provided by SECP and FBR.

5. Check Online Reviews and References

Before hiring a registration consultant or agency for Company Registration In Pakistan:

  • Look up Google Reviews, Facebook Pages, or LinkedIn profiles

  • Ask for references or contact previous clients

  • Search the consultant’s business name on social media platforms to identify complaints or scam alerts

A history of negative reviews, unclear contact information, or vague business names should raise suspicion.

6. Avoid Unrealistic Promises

Beware of consultants who claim to:

  • Register a company within hours or “guarantee” approvals

  • Offer discounted registration packages that seem too good to be true

  • Provide tax exemptions or name approvals without SECP's process

All legitimate company registrations take a few working days, involve verifications, and require proper documentation. Any consultant who avoids legal formalities is likely to be operating fraudulently.

7. Meet in a Traceable Location

Avoid dealing with individuals who operate solely online or refuse to meet in an office or traceable location. If a consultant insists on meeting in public spaces or communicates only through WhatsApp or social media, you should be cautious. Reputable service providers usually have:

  • A physical office address

  • Proper company letterhead

  • Business landline numbers or official email domains

8. Report Suspicious Activity

If you come across a fraudulent service provider, report the activity to:

  • SECP via complaints

  • FBR through their helpline or complaints portal

  • Cyber Crime Wing of FIA

Company Registration In Pakistan

Reporting can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.

Conclusion

Avoiding fraudulent registration services in Pakistan requires vigilance, research, and verification. By dealing with registered professionals, using official portals, and demanding transparency, Hamza & Hamza Law Associates can safeguard your investment and ensure your business starts on a solid legal foundation. Taking these steps early can save you from financial loss, legal issues, and wasted time.

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