Attorney General Lynn Fitch is warning Mississippi businesses to be on the lookout for government imposter scams, which trick businesses into paying for services that are free or low-cost through government agencies. These scams, which often appear as official government notices, can lead to financial losses and the potential exposure of sensitive business information.
According to Fitch, many small businesses don’t have time to scrutinize every email or letter they receive, making them vulnerable to deceptive mailings that claim to assist with government-related filings. Some of these notices charge hefty fees for services that are actually free through the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office, while others are outright scams designed to steal sensitive information.
Attorney General Lynn Fitch
Types of Impersonation Scams:
Officials warn that government imposter scams come in various forms, including:
- Business impersonation scams: Fraudsters pose as tech support from companies like Microsoft or Apple, claiming to help with security breaches or software upgrades.
- Person-to-person scams: Common examples include grandparent scams, where a caller pretends a family member is in distress and needs money, or romance scams, where fraudsters form fake relationships online to steal from victims.
- Government entity impersonation scams: Scammers send letters that mimic official government notices, demanding payment for regulatory compliance, licensing, or business filings.
Recent Business Filing Scam in Mississippi:
Last year, the Attorney General’s Office took action against a marketing company that sent misleading solicitations offering assistance with filing annual reports for Mississippi businesses. The company’s mailings closely resembled official government documents, charging businesses hundreds of dollars for services available for free or at a lower cost through the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office.
Following intervention from the Attorney General’s Office, the company made changes to their materials, including removing the Mississippi state flag from their seal and adding disclaimers clarifying they were not a government agency. These changes highlight key red flags that businesses should look for when receiving such notices.
How to Spot a Government Imposter Scam:
Mississippi businesses should be cautious of mail or emails that:
- Offer services that are free or available at a lower cost through official state agencies
- Use .com or .org websites instead of .gov
- Lack a disclaimer stating that the sender is not a government agency
- Reference business registration details from public records without proper context
Protecting Your Business:
Government agencies and financial institutions will never call or email asking for personal or financial information. If you receive a suspicious request, do not provide any information—instead, verify the request by contacting the agency directly using publicly available contact details.
If you suspect a government imposter scam, report it to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office at [email protected] or file a complaint on their official website.
