How to Verify if a Chartered Accountant (CA) in India is Genuine
Before hiring or consulting a Chartered Accountant (CA) in India, it's essential to verify their authenticity. You can check their registration and credibility using the following methods:
🔹 1. Verify on the ICAI Website
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is the governing body for CAs in India. You can check if a CA is registered and active through ICAI.
✅ Steps to Verify:
- Visit the ICAI Member Directory:
🔗 https://www.icai.org/post/members-directory
- Enter the CA's Membership Number or Name.
- Click Submit and check if the CA’s details match.
- If found, it means they are registered.
- If not found, the CA may be fake or unregistered.
🔹 2. Check ICAI Firm Registration (If It’s a CA Firm)
If the CA works for a firm, verify if the firm is ICAI-registered.
✅ Steps to Verify a CA Firm:
- Visit the ICAI Firm Directory:
🔗 https://www.icai.org/post/firms-directory
- Enter the Firm Registration Number (FRN).
- Check if the firm exists in the ICAI database.
🔹 3. Ask for ICAI Membership Certificate
Every registered CA in India has an ICAI Membership Certificate with:
- Name of CA
- Membership Number
- Date of Registration
- ICAI Logo and Seal
✅ What to Do:
- Ask for a copy of their ICAI Membership Certificate.
- Cross-check the Membership Number on the ICAI website.
🔹 4. Verify CA’s Professional Identification (COP)
A Certificate of Practice (COP) is mandatory for CAs offering professional services.
✅ Ask for their COP Certificate issued by ICAI.
- A genuine CA should have a valid COP number.
🔹 5. Check Reviews & Reputation
If the CA is working independently or with a firm, check:
- Google Reviews (Search CA’s name + "CA" or "Chartered Accountant").
- LinkedIn Profile (Check their ICAI Certification & Work Experience).
- Social Media Presence (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.).
🔹 6. Avoid Fake CAs & Red Flags
🚨 Signs of a Fake or Fraudulent CA:
- Refuses to share ICAI Membership Number.
- Not listed in ICAI Member Directory.
- Charges unusually low fees (Suspiciously low pricing).
- Does not issue a proper invoice or documentation.
- Has negative reviews or complaints online.
✅ Final Checklist
| Steps | ✅ Status |
|------|---------|
| Checked ICAI Member Directory | ✅ |
| Verified ICAI Firm Registration (If applicable) | ✅ |
| Asked for ICAI Membership Certificate | ✅ |
| Checked Certificate of Practice (COP) | ✅ |
| Checked Reviews & Social Media Presence | ✅ |
🎯 Conclusion
Before trusting a CA, always verify their details using the ICAI website, ask for their Membership Certificate & COP, and check reviews & reputation.
🚀 If you need help verifying a CA, share their Membership Number, and I can check for you! 😊