Project RUTIC is the NCA response to the rising threat of fraudulent firearms documents being used in an attempt to unlawfully acquire legally held firearms in the UK.
Remember 'A, B, C' when you are transferring firearms and/or ammunition to another firearm or shotgun certificate holder.
- Always see the original certificate. Ensure it is printed on certificate paper, NOT plain paper. Inspect the security features as demonstrated in the video below.
- Beware of the buyer offering you more money than you have stated in the advert.
- Compare their certificate to your own and ensure the layout and format of the certificate number is the same.
Remember to look at the photograph of the holder and ensure it resembles the person in front of you.
Please watch the video below which demonstrates how to carry out some quick and easy checks to verify you have been presented with a genuine document.
Download your copy of the Know Your UK Firearms Documents reference document pdf here (5.04 MB) . Download the Welsh version pdf here (509 KB) .
If you have any concerns a certificate is not genuine, refuse the transfer and contact your firearms licensing team, 101, or in an emergency call 999.
You can also report it to Crimestoppers anonymously via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org or via telephone 0800 555 111.
For further advice, contact the NCA team at RUTIC@nca.gov.uk . Please do not report any crimes using this email address. It should be used for requesting further information and support only.
Air weapon certificates issued by Police Scotland
Please note, the Air weapon certificate issued by Police Scotland has slightly different security features:
- The watermark revealed with white light is the ‘chainmail’ pattern as featured in the above video.
- The background text which fluoresces yellow under UV light reads ‘AIR WEAPON’ not HOME OFFICE
- On the opposite side, the background text that fluoresces blue under UV light reads ‘AIR WEAPON’ not HOME OFFICE
Certificates issued by Police Service of Northern Ireland
Please note, certificates issued by the Police Service of Northern Ireland are printed on different security paper to those issued in England, Wales & Scotland. If presented with a PSNI issued certificate please note:
- The watermark in the paper looks like a football symbol
- The text pattern throughout the background of the certificate reads “Police Service of Northern Ireland” and “Firearm Certificate”, these are on 2 separate lines.
