Anti-money laundering

Scrap metal is a cash-free, regulated trade, and ScrapWise is built to keep it that way. This page explains the checks we carry out and what we expect from everyone who uses ScrapWise.

Know your customer (KYC) and know your business (KYB)

Every seller's identity is checked by ScrapWise when they register and again every 12 months. For businesses we also check the business and the people behind it — its registered office, directors and people with significant control.

Documents we ask for

  • Everyone: three separate documents — a photo ID (passport, photocard driving licence or national ID card), and two documents showing your name and address, one of which must be a bank statement from the last 3 months.
  • Businesses: photo ID for the person, and two documents showing the business's name and address, one a business bank statement.
  • Business documents, where they apply: VAT registration certificate, certificate of incorporation, and waste carrier licence.

Changing checked details, such as your name or address, starts a new check. Each yard also checks your ID against you in person before its first purchase from you.

No cash, traceable payments

Paying cash for scrap metal in England and Wales has been illegal since December 2012, and the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 continues the ban. Every payment recorded in ScrapWise is by bank transfer or another traceable method, with its reference kept on the ticket.

Records

Every purchase records who sold it, what was bought, the weight, price, vehicle and payment, and the ID relied on. Yards keep these records for at least 3 years, and every load is reported to Defra's Digital Waste Tracking service. Changes to purchases and payments are logged with who made them and when.

Suspicious activity

We monitor for signs of fraud, stolen-metal sales and money laundering. We may pause or refuse transactions, suspend accounts and report concerns to the National Crime Agency or the police. The law may prevent us from telling you if we have made a report.

What we expect from you

  • Give true information and genuine documents, and keep them up to date.
  • Only sell metal you own or are authorised to sell.
  • Yards: check sellers' ID in person, record payments accurately and report anything suspicious.

Coming with ScrapWise payments

When ScrapWise accounts and payments launch, checks will also include electronic identity verification and sanctions and politically exposed person (PEP) screening through our banking partner.

Questions or concerns

To report a concern or ask about our checks, contact us.

  • Combrook Limited trading as ScrapWise , a company registered in England and Wales, number 12789408
  • Registered office: Park Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1RQ
  • Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office, number 00015746897
  • Email: admin@scrapwise.uk · Phone: 0161 244 5566

Last updated 6 October 2026.