Scammers claiming to be from a state agency are targeting Washington businesses

Businesses and nonprofit organizations should watch out for fraudulent letters that claim to be asking for money on behalf of the Washington Office of the Secretary of State.

Since early November, the attorney general’s office has received at least 40 complaints about the letters, which ask businesses for payment and fines “well beyond” what the state requires for business filings. There have also been several reports of telephone scams targeting Latino businesses and threatening jail time if payment isn’t made.

The secretary of state’s office and the attorney general’s office are warning businesses to report any letters they think are fraudulent.

“Washington businesses are a foundational aspect of our state and critical to our economy’s health,” Secretary of State Hobbs said in a statement. “Business owners deserve to feel protected and equipped with information to deny malicious attempts on their franchise.”

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/scammers-claiming-to-be-from-a-state-agency-are-targeting-wa-businesses/