§ USE CASE
Missing-trader fraud prevention
The single check that breaks the back of MTIC fraud at intake.
§ THE PROBLEM
Missing-trader fraud uses freshly-registered or deregistered VAT numbers to extract input VAT. The buyer carries the loss.
§ THE FIX
Countersure verifies live with HMRC at every transaction. A flagged number stops the invoice from posting.
§ HOW IT RUNS
- 01
Invoice received
AP keys VAT number.
- 02
Live HMRC check
Countersure returns status in under a second.
- 03
Decision
Verified continues; flagged blocks until reviewed.
- 04
Audit trail
Every check stamped — defence against HMRC enquiry.
§ WHO USES THIS
- High-value B2B
- EU-importing wholesalers
- Wholesale electronics
Importer caught a £180k MTIC attempt before the goods left the warehouse.