How to Verify if a Company is Legitimate in 2025

Why Verifying Businesses Matters More Than Ever in 2025

As scams become more sophisticated in 2025, distinguishing between legitimate companies and fraudulent operations has never been more important. Fraudsters are leveraging advanced technologies to impersonate credible businesses, deceiving individuals and organisations into sharing personal information or making unauthorised payments. Statista reports that over 1 million unique phishing sites were identified globally in Q1 2025 alone.

Phishing is just one of many concerns. A 2024 investigation uncovered over 200 UK companies involved in fraudulent cryptocurrency and foreign exchange schemes, with many linked to pig-butchering scams. These alarming figures highlight the critical need for robust due diligence, benefiting both businesses and consumers alike.

Our Suggested Read On Cryptocurrency Scams – 10 Crypto Scams in 2025: What UK Users Need to Know

Common Business Scams to Watch Out For in 2025

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) continues to warn about impersonation scams, where fraudsters mimic trusted organisations to deceive victims. Losses from these scams reached $3 billion in 2024. Scammers use phishing techniques—such as emails, texts, or fake websites—to redirect victims and steal sensitive data like banking details and passwords.

Additionally, creating clone websites has become easier than ever. These fake platforms can look nearly identical to legitimate ones, making it increasingly challenging for consumers and businesses to distinguish between real companies and fraudulent entities.

Emerging Scam Trends in 2025

• AI-Driven Phishing: Scammers are using AI-generated content to create highly convincing phishing emails and websites.
• Deepfake Technology: Fraudsters deploy deepfake videos and voice calls impersonating company executives.
• B2B Payment Fraud: Fake invoices and fraudulent suppliers targeting businesses have surged, causing significant financial losses.

Top Entities Commonly Faked by Scammers in 2025

According to the latest Better Business Bureau (BBB) report, the top 10 most impersonated organisations in 2025 are:

• Local Postal Service’s
• Amazon
• Microsoft
• PayPal
• Norton
• Facebook
• Google
• Walmart
• McAfee
• Apple

Scammers often mimic these trusted brands to exploit user trust and steal personal information or payments.

Government Impersonation Scams

Scammers also target government agencies, leveraging fear and urgency to extract payments. The FTC revealed that $800 million was lost to these scams in 2024, marking a sharp rise from previous years.

Steps to Verify a Business in 2025

Melissa’s cutting-edge Know Your Business (KYB) and electronic ID verification tools make verifying businesses easier and more reliable than ever. Here’s how:

• Check Registration and Licensing: Use Melissa’s KYB solutions to cross-reference company details with official registries.
• Verify Contact Information: Melissa’s data solutions confirm phone numbers and addresses in real time.
• Assess Online Presence: Legitimate businesses typically maintain complete websites, which Melissa’s eIDV tools help verify.
• Analyse Customer Reviews: Trust independent platforms like Google Reviews and BBB to assess business reputability.
• Evaluate Social Media and Professional Networks: Active profiles often indicate genuine operations.
• Check Industry Association Memberships: Melissa’s KYB solutions can confirm industry endorsements and memberships.
• Spot Red Flags: Immediate payment demands, unrealistic offers, and poorly written content are warning signs.
• Conduct Thorough Background Checks: Melissa’s KYB solutions offer comprehensive background verification for significant transactions.

Melissa’s flexible solutions allow businesses to select the required verification levels, ensuring tailored compliance. Automated processes reduce manual effort, preventing errors and enhancing operational efficiency.

Conclusion

As scams evolve in 2025, verifying company legitimacy is more critical than ever. By leveraging Melissa’s comprehensive KYB and electronic identity verification solutions, businesses and consumers can safeguard against fraud, streamline compliance, and build secure partnerships in an increasingly complex digital economy.

Learn more about Melissa’s KYB Verification in our new guide Know Your Business: Extend KYC Strategies to Business Relationships.