Scammers posing as government employees target small business owners

Jacksonville, Florida – Scammers are targeting small business owners, so you want to be able to spot the lies so you don’t fall for them.

According to the FTC, scammers are posing as government officials and mailing documents and letters requesting payment for business license and trademark registrations or renewals, threatening fines if they don't act quickly. .

The fake letters have agency names that include words like “United States,” “Business Regulation,” and “Trademark” to make them appear more legitimate, and include license, social security, and EIN (employee) offers. You may be directed to a website that asks you to. identification number), and credit card number.

The FTC says if you do get one, you can verify its authenticity by checking the government's name and contact information on the website USA.gov before doing anything. Do not use the website or phone number listed in the letter itself.

• Contact a federal agency

• Check your state or local department or agency

Please note that the government will never request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, virtual currency, or payment apps. According to the FTC, scammers prefer this method because the funds are difficult to track and difficult to recover.

If you receive a letter or scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.FTC.gov. If you believe you paid a scammer or provided personal information to a scammer, the FTC has step-by-step instructions on what to do here.