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Alert – Fake CTA Letters
Scammers are constantly refining their techniques, and their latest endeavor involves a sophisticated ploy targeting business owners, leveraging the new appearance of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) to deceive and extract sensitive information.
Fake Letters: What To Look For
Here’s how the scam operates: Entrepreneurs and business entities across the United States are receiving what appears to be an official letter in the mail. Adorned with seals and watermarks, the correspondence claims to originate from the United States Business Regulations Department, Corporate Transparency Act Division, Process and Filing Center. Addressed specifically to the recipient’s business, the letter includes a designated notice ID number to add a fake form of legitimacy.What makes this scam particularly convincing is the scammers’ use of personal information obtained from various data breaches and the official appearance of the documentation. The letter alleges that the recipient has ‘reporting obligations under the Corporate Transparency Act’ and insists on the necessity to disclose ownership details to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). To fulfill this phony obligation, the letter directs recipients to visit a website or scan a QR code, supposedly to report their business information.However, this correspondence is a sham. If you receive fake CTA letters, it is crucial to report it immediately to BBB Scam Tracker and, most importantly, disregard its contents entirely. To shield yourself against government impostor scams such as this, here are some key preventive measures:
Verify Government Correspondence
When in doubt about the authenticity of any communication supposedly from a government agency, take a cautious approach. Before taking any action requested in the letter or call, directly contact the stated government office using their official phone number to confirm the legitimacy of the correspondence.
Cease Communication with Scammers
The moment you recognize a potential scam, disengage promptly. Stop responding to calls, letters, or emails and block any contact numbers associated with the scam to prevent further attempts at communication.
Report Scams to the Authorities
Help combat fraudulent activities by reporting government impostor scams to the appropriate authorities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively investigating such incidents; you can contribute by reporting your encounter here.
Conclusion
Being vigilant and cautious in the face of such sophisticated scams is crucial to safeguarding your personal and business information. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, individuals can effectively protect themselves and others from falling victim to these deceptive schemes.
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