§ RISK · 4 MIN READ
How to spot a fake VAT number
Format clues and verification confirmation.
Published 2026-04-16 · Countersure
Format checks first
A UK VAT number is 9 digits (or 12 with branch). Letters in the wrong place, wrong length, or non-numeric characters are immediate signals.
Format alone is not enough — many fake numbers pass format checks. Always verify against HMRC.