I thought it about time I updated this as it seems the ICFBA are still sending out their emails to anyone that posts a CV on a jobs board. At the current time I guess that's quite a few. But judging by the number of people that have contacted me as a result of reading this blog it seems that at least the message is getting out there.
The blog has had over 6000 page loads, so I hope that indicates how many people have not got involved with the ICFBA.
Location
First update is on their location. It seems the American company is registered in Delaware. this is a transcript of a conversation I had with their friendly support staff.Lora: Hello, Please hold as I review your question.
Lora: Do you have the name or file number for the entity?
Eric: Yes, one moment
Eric: 4548118 - ICFBA HOLDINGS LTD.
Lora: One moment please
Lora: The only name they have listed is Icfba (USA) Ltd
Eric: OK, does it say who owns that company then?
Lora: No, that is all they have listed.
Eric: Is ICFBA (USA) Ltd also listed with you?
Eric: yes it is, number 3967899. can you tell me who owns it then?
Lora: They do not report ownership, they have listed only one name as officer as well, Icfba Holdings Ltd.
Eric: So basically they have created a circular reference which makes it impossible to trace ownership through your records. Is that correct?
Lora: They are only required to report the officers and directors not ownership.
Eric: OK, so is it possible to get an address for an officer?
Eric: Sorry If I am asking dumb questions, I am based in the UK. In the UK companies have to register their shareholders as well as Directors.
Lora: Yes, I can give you the address, one moment please
Lora: The address is P.O. Box 55071 #6665 Boston MA 02205-5071
Eric: Is that the same address for ICFBA USA Ltd?
Lora: Yes that is the same
Eric: Thank you Lora. I know about that address. It's just a post office box, not a business premises. Is there any way to track down who actually owns an incorporation in the USA?
Lora: Unfortunately, not through our office, if you know where they are licensed you could check there.
Eric: That's the problem, they operate out of the UK and cover their tracks through this company, ICFBA Holdings Ltd. I don't think they will be licensed anywhere. But if you have a suggestion of where I should check I would be very grateful.
Lora: That, unfortunately, would be the only place I would be aware of.
Eric: OK, many thanks for your help.
Lora: You are welcome.
Lora: Thank you for contacting us online.
In Delaware it seems you do not have to list who owns the company, the equivalent of our shareholders list. how convenient. it was by discovering the actual owner of the Gibraltar company that I stirred things up for them before.
Each company lists the other as the only officer and the only address is the PO box in Boston. Clearly a company that wants to be tracked down and stand by what it does.
Remember this is the company behind them, not ICFBA Holdings Ltd registered in the UK!
Latest tactic
It seems that if you get sucked in far enough that you would like to talk to an existing member, they will now give you a name. In the past it was all far too confidential. And remember, if you just contact someone through the website, that email actually goes to the ICFBA, not the independent consultant! They will not pass on your email if they don't like what it says. They also monitor all the ICFBA emails that they give out using a master password - they actually told me that in an emal!However the person you speak to may not be as straight forward as you think. I have been told by one, who has asked to remain anonymous, that if you subsequently joined then they got paid £500. So it was in their interests to paint a nice glowing picture so at least they could get some of their money back.
