New scam targeting Idaho businesses
Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and Secretary of State Lawerence Denney are warning business owners to protect themselves against a new scam targeting Idaho businesses.
In recent weeks, business owners have reported receiving postcards entitled "Important Compliance Notice" from a company identified as Division of Corporate Services, Business Compliance Division. The message mentions potential compliance violations, but is vague on what those compliance issues may be.
The cards also include a phony legal citation and a telephone number to call if recipients hope to avoid potential fees and penalties.
"I want business owners to know that this postcard is deceptive and should be ignored," Wasden said. "We encourage business owners who receive these bogus notifications, as well as those who have already called and interacted with the company, to file complaints with my office."
The postcard informs business owners they must purchase a certificate of "goodstanding" from the company. Such a certificate is not required by the Secretary of State's office or the Idaho Uniform Business Organizations Code, Denney said.
Wasden said his Consumer Protection Division has received multiple reports from business owners concerned about being in compliance. Any business owners interested in filing a complaint should visit the attorney general's website at http://bit.ly/1vBEl0h.