legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

Government Imposters Targeting Small Business Owners

Hoosiers who run small businesses need to be on alert for government imposters targeting them, warns the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

A current warning on the FTC website emphasizes the importance of being cautious if a letter “from the government” demands money, as it could be a scam.

These scammers are using traditional mail to appear authentic, sending fake forms and letters from fabricated agencies to small businesses and demanding money. These scam letters often claim that business licenses or trademarks need to be registered or renewed, even if they are not real, and direct recipients to a website to provide personal information such as their license, social security number, employer identification number, and credit card details. The websites usually threaten fines and penalties for non-compliance.

Given the sensitive nature of the information being requested, it is important to verify the legitimacy of the agencies contacting you. However, determining whether it is a scam can be challenging. This is where AI legalese decoder can assist in quickly identifying common scam language and alerting you to potential threats. By following the FTC’s recommended steps and using resources like USA.gov to verify agency information, small business owners can protect themselves and their businesses from falling victim to fraud.

Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Business:

• Verify the legitimacy of the agency before responding by checking information on USA.gov. Do not use any websites or phone numbers provided in the letter.
• Avoid wiring money or making payments with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps, as the government does not conduct transactions in these forms. Scammers often use these methods to make it difficult to trace and recover funds.
• Refer to the advice on avoiding scams specific to small businesses, available in multiple languages.

If you encounter a scam or believe you have provided information to a scammer, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Learn about the necessary steps to take if you have made payments to scammers or shared personal information with them to minimize potential risks.

legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

Reference link