Business paperwork may not be glamorous, but imagine falling victim to a scam that’s dressed up like the real thing—complete with official seals and codes. That’s what’s happening in Washington State, and small business owners need to be on high alert. Let’s break it down.
A new scam is targeting Washington business owners by sending fraudulent letters that mimic official government correspondence. These letters demand inflated fees for unnecessary filings and threaten fines, penalties, or even dissolution of the business.
How It Works:
Scammers are sending out letters that look convincingly official, using tactics such as:
- Including Washington State seals and Unified Business Identifier (UBI) numbers.
- Providing bogus filing deadlines and inflated fees for non-essential filings.
- Listing contact information that seems credible but points to scammers.
Some letters even feature a Sacramento, California address and redirect recipients to fake websites ending in “.org” instead of the official “.gov” domain. To create further urgency, these letters threaten severe consequences for noncompliance, such as fines or business closure.
Adding another layer, scammers are targeting Latino business owners by phone, leveraging fear and language barriers to demand immediate payments under threats of jail time.
Who’s Targeted:
Small businesses across Washington State are the primary targets, especially those unfamiliar with government processes. Latino-owned businesses appear to face additional targeting via telephone scams.
Real-Life Example:
One business owner reported receiving a letter with a “billing summary” demanding over $200 for filings that would cost much less through the legitimate Secretary of State’s Office. The letter’s QR code led to a suspicious website, exposing the fraudulent nature of the correspondence.
Why You Should Care:
Falling for such scams can lead to:
- Financial losses for unnecessary payments.
- Exposure of sensitive business data to criminals.
- Missed legitimate filing deadlines, putting businesses at further risk.
How to Protect Yourself
Actionable Steps:
- Verify All Communications: Check deadlines and requirements directly with the Washington Secretary of State’s website or office.
- Inspect Contact Details: Official Washington State websites end in “.gov.” Any “.org” or non-government email is a red flag.
- Beware of Pressure Tactics: Government agencies don’t threaten immediate penalties over the phone or demand urgent payments.
- Keep Fees in Check: Filing fees are consistent and transparent. For example:
- Annual report fees are $60 for most businesses in Washington.
- Report Suspected Scams: Notify the Washington Secretary of State and the Attorney General’s Office if you suspect fraudulent activity.
Quick Tips & Updates
- Quick Tip #1: “Did you know? Scammers often mimic official seals and codes to create a false sense of legitimacy. Always cross-check with verified government sources.”
- Quick Tip #2: Pro Tip: “Use official government portals like Washington’s Business Filings website to track and manage your paperwork directly.”
Protecting your business from scammers starts with vigilance. Stay informed, trust your instincts, and double-check everything that demands your money or data.
Stay safe, stay aware, and keep thriving!
Key Terms Defined
- Unified Business Identifier (UBI): A nine-digit number assigned to Washington businesses for identification.
- QR Code: A scannable barcode that redirects users to a webpage. Scammers use fake QR codes to direct victims to fraudulent sites.
- Secretary of State: The government office responsible for business filings, licensing, and compliance.
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