Start at the government source
Find the authority from an official government domain or statute, then use its agent register or written confirmation. Search ads, social profiles and copied seals are not substitutes for the regulator.
Match the licence to the work
A CBI marketing authorisation, an immigration-law licence, a property-sales registration and tax advice are different permissions. Ask which entity performs each service and which regulator covers it.
Verify money instructions separately
Use a second communication channel to confirm the beneficiary, bank and reference. Reject personal accounts, surprise beneficiary changes and discounts that conflict with an official minimum. Keep the written engagement, invoice and payment trail.
Control documents and data
Do not send passports, police records or bank statements through a public interest form. Before disclosure, obtain the controller identity, privacy terms, secure upload method, retention period and list of parties who will receive the file.
Key points
- Government or regulator first
- Match each licence to the exact service
- Independently verify every payment instruction
- Use secure document transfer only after engagement