LONDON, Dec. 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA)will no longer deal with an individual and 5 companiesofferingservices to business rates customers.

Murtada Abady andthecompaniesconnected to himcan no longer use our Check and Challenge service to manage business rates on behalf of customers.

Murtada Abadyisalso known as Jack Abady and Rico Banks.

Thecompanies the VOA will no longer deal withare:

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Metro World Limited(trading as 'Optimise Business Rates')

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OverrattedRatesLimited(trading as'Re-Rates UK')

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Rainbow Finance Limited (alsotrading as 'Optimise Business Rates')

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Rateable Value Experts

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RateMastersLimited (trading as'My Rates').

Mr Abadyhas previously usednewcompanynamesandaliases to disguise his activities. The VOA's decisionapplies to any aliases or companiesMr Abadyis linked to now or in the future.

We have written to affected customers.

Jonathan Russell, VOA Chief Executive, said:

We take breaches of our agent standards very seriously. Weactwherewe substantiate a breachand refercasestoother authorities ifappropriate.ButI urgecustomersto still bevigilantand protectthemselvesagainstunscrupulousagents.

Do your research, follow our guidance and remember that, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

How to choose a business rates agent

Follow our guidance onchoosing a business rates agent.

You do not need an agent to manage your business rates. You can useourfree online service to check and challenge yourproperty's valuation.

We also haveguidance on staying safe from scammers.

We cannotadvise on contractualissues. For help, contact theCitizens Advice Consumer Serviceon 0808 223 1133 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Report concerns

If you are concerned about poor behaviour by agents, send any evidence toagentstandards@voa.gov.uk.

OurVOA agent standardsset out clear expectations for business rates agents.

We are aware of another business called'ReratebyForm',based atSuite 1,Bonded Warehouse,18 Lower Byrom Street,Manchester,M3 4AP. There is no connection between this business and theindividual and companies listed above.'Rerateby Form'isnot affected by this action.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.