Knowledge Base · Fraud Detection
Fake CoS Checker: 8 Warning Signs of Fraud
A fake Certificate of Sponsorship usually shows one or more of these signs: a request for upfront payment, an employer not listed on the UKVI sponsor register, a salary below the going rate for the role's SOC code, inconsistent fonts or formatting, PDF metadata showing creation in consumer software, and pressure to act quickly. SponsorShield's free fake CoS checker scans for all of these automatically.
The 8 most common warning signs
- Upfront payment requested. Genuine sponsors never charge for a CoS.
- Employer not on the UKVI sponsor register — see our licence check guide.
- Salary below the going rate for the stated SOC code.
- SOC code mismatch — the job title does not match the listed occupation code.
- Inconsistent fonts or formatting within the document.
- PDF metadata showing edits in Word, Canva, or Photoshop rather than an exported system record.
- Urgency and pressure — "pay today or lose the offer".
- Communication only via WhatsApp or personal email, with no verifiable company domain.
Want this checked automatically?
Start a free checkWhy genuine employer names appear on fake documents
Fraudsters frequently borrow the name and sponsor licence number of a real, licensed UK company to lend credibility to a forged CoS. This means checking the UKVI register alone is not enough — you also need to verify that the specific document in your hands was genuinely issued by that employer, which is what document-level forensics (font analysis, metadata inspection, structural consistency) is for.
How a fake CoS checker works
SponsorShield's CoreFlux™ Risk Engine runs your PDF through 25+ checks in parallel: UKVI register lookup, Companies House cross-reference, SOC code and salary validation, and PDF forensic analysis. You receive an instant free risk verdict, with a detailed paid report available for a full per-signal breakdown.
SponsorShield is an independent verification support service. We are not OISC-regulated and do not provide immigration or legal advice. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to UKVI, GOV.UK, the Home Office, or any UK government body. This guide is general information only — always consult an OISC-registered immigration adviser before making immigration decisions. Never pay anyone for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-19. Data sources: UKVI Register of Licensed Sponsors (gov.uk), Companies House public register, published Home Office salary thresholds. This page is informational only and does not reflect real-time UKVI data — always cross-check current status on gov.uk before relying on it.
Published by SponsorShield. Reviewed for verification accuracy against current UKVI and Companies House data. Not immigration or legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single biggest warning sign of a fake CoS?+
Being asked to pay for it. A genuine Certificate of Sponsorship is issued by a licensed employer as part of a real job offer and is never sold. Any request for a "CoS fee", "visa deposit", or "processing payment" is the strongest indicator of fraud.
Can a real company name appear on a fake CoS?+
Yes. Scammers commonly copy the name and licence details of a genuine, UKVI-licensed employer to make a forged document look credible. Checking the sponsor register confirms the company is licensed — it does not confirm the specific document you received is genuine.
How does SponsorShield detect fake CoS documents?+
The CoreFlux™ Risk Engine cross-checks the UKVI sponsor register, validates the SOC code and salary against published thresholds, and runs PDF forensics to detect metadata inconsistencies, font mismatches, and signs of editing in consumer software — all within 60 seconds.
What should I do if I think my CoS is fake?+
Stop any payments immediately. Do not submit a visa application using the document. Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and consult an OISC-registered immigration adviser before taking further action.
Related Reading
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