Register your new business name.
**How to Check if a Business is Legitimate in Australia**
When doing business in Australia, it is crucial to ensure that the companies you deal with are legitimate and trustworthy. This involves verifying their registration, licenses, and other relevant documentation. Here are the steps to follow to check if a business is legitimate in Australia:
### Contact Information Verification
1. **Address and Contact**: Ensure the business has a real address and phone number. If possible, visit or call them to confirm.
2. **Google Maps**: Cross-check their location using Google Maps. This helps in verifying the physical presence of the business.
3. **Social Media**: Interact with the business on their social media platforms. Genuine businesses often engage actively with customers.
### Social Proof
1. **Activity**: Review their social media activity and history. This helps in understanding their level of engagement and customer interaction.
2. **Website**: Examine their website for professionalism and avoid those with poor design or vague content.
3. **Backstory and Reviews**: Genuine companies often share their history and have real customer reviews.
4. **Authority and Recognitions**: See if they are mentioned on authoritative sites, have awards, or are on verified review sites like Clutch.co and Trustpilot.
5. **Online Reputation**: Research negative mentions using keywords like “scam.”
6. **Employee Feedback**: Check platforms like Glassdoor for employee experiences.
7. **LinkedIn**: Review profiles of company leaders or stakeholders for genuine affiliations.
### Relevant Documentation
1. **Legal and Financial Documents**: Look for public records or shared documents to verify their legitimacy.
2. **Licensing**: Confirm necessary licenses or registrations.
3. **Incorporation Certificate**: Validates the company’s legal status.
4. **Employee Credentials**: Genuine companies have staff with real credentials.
5. **Legal History**: Research any past lawsuits to understand their dealings better.
### Business Directories
1. **Better Business Bureau (BBB)**: The Better Business Bureau is an industry organization that offers business reviews and accreditation.
2. **Companies House**: Companies House is a UK government agency that maintains details of over 4 million registered companies.
3. **Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)**: ASIC’s databases hold information on companies and licensed professionals.
4. **Local Chambers of Commerce**: These networks support businesses and often have member directories, aiding in local business verification.
5. **Secretary of State website**: Each US state’s Secretary of State office lists registered businesses, a key resource for state-specific company verification.
### Conclusion
Verifying a business’s legitimacy is crucial for any business transaction. By following these steps, you can ensure that you are dealing with a genuine and trustworthy business. Remember to always be cautious and thorough in your due diligence to avoid potential risks.
### Register Your New Business Name in Australia
To register your new business name in Australia, visit **register.biz.au**. This service allows you to register your business name for 1 or 3 years, ensuring your business operates legally and professionally. Registering your business name is a crucial step in establishing your business in Australia, and **register.biz.au** makes it easy and efficient. Click here to register your business name now: **https://register.biz.au**.
