Been learning the power of tech-savvy bad guys. Nearing the end of reading Michael Connelly's "The Scarecrow," in which a techi gone sadistic-killer tracks down his victims by freely going in your email, credit card information and using various means of online technology (blog, facebook, etc) makes the impression that it's VERY EASY to find all there is to know about someone at the comfort of their laptop.
This week, my friend whom just started a business, got totally scammed by a very professional and legit looking company, dubbed "Business Filing Division" that asks for a fee of $239. Basically preys on new business owners. Here's the scam. According to my friend, they even talked twice on the phone with a lady, who advised them (in a very professional matter, no less) how to fill out the forms and pay. TOTAL SCAM!
One thing that tips me off is the generic sounding name "Business Filing Division." The second thing is that little sentence at the bottom that says, "This product or service has not been approved or endorsed by any government agency, and this offer is not being made by an agency of the government." But if you look into the top left corner of the form, it appears like a California or government-like emblem. Hmm. Not to mention, the forms are sent in alongside junk mail and the address is NOT that of the Secretary of State's as it claims to be. While the form states the Secretary of State's address is 980 Ninth Street, 16th Fl, Sacramento, CA 95814 - the real address is totally different. Apparently, this is being investigated by the REAL Secretary of State, but you can file a complaint by calling (800) 952-5225. It looked pretty darn official, even fooling my buddy who is always critical about trusting in things right away.
It seems that the bad guys have outgrown our stereotypes we've given them - unshaven, moronic individuals who carry out unprofessional and ill-prepared illegal ventures. Now, they're not only shaven and appearance professional, they're smart as hell, and are taking every step needed to pull the wool over our eyes. They probably realize newer business owners are more susceptible to being fooled by forms since it's likely the new business owners are already filling out a myriad of forms and paying left and right to start it up. This white-collar criminal activity is intolerable but is happening everyday unless we do our part and educate ourselves about the bad things that are now out there.
Be (legally) careful out there folks, especially you new business folks.
This week, my friend whom just started a business, got totally scammed by a very professional and legit looking company, dubbed "Business Filing Division" that asks for a fee of $239. Basically preys on new business owners. Here's the scam. According to my friend, they even talked twice on the phone with a lady, who advised them (in a very professional matter, no less) how to fill out the forms and pay. TOTAL SCAM!
One thing that tips me off is the generic sounding name "Business Filing Division." The second thing is that little sentence at the bottom that says, "This product or service has not been approved or endorsed by any government agency, and this offer is not being made by an agency of the government." But if you look into the top left corner of the form, it appears like a California or government-like emblem. Hmm. Not to mention, the forms are sent in alongside junk mail and the address is NOT that of the Secretary of State's as it claims to be. While the form states the Secretary of State's address is 980 Ninth Street, 16th Fl, Sacramento, CA 95814 - the real address is totally different. Apparently, this is being investigated by the REAL Secretary of State, but you can file a complaint by calling (800) 952-5225. It looked pretty darn official, even fooling my buddy who is always critical about trusting in things right away. It seems that the bad guys have outgrown our stereotypes we've given them - unshaven, moronic individuals who carry out unprofessional and ill-prepared illegal ventures. Now, they're not only shaven and appearance professional, they're smart as hell, and are taking every step needed to pull the wool over our eyes. They probably realize newer business owners are more susceptible to being fooled by forms since it's likely the new business owners are already filling out a myriad of forms and paying left and right to start it up. This white-collar criminal activity is intolerable but is happening everyday unless we do our part and educate ourselves about the bad things that are now out there.
Be (legally) careful out there folks, especially you new business folks.
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