Local businesses have been getting fraudulent notices that appear to come from a state agency. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is warning state residents not to trust these scam communications.
The fake notices appear to target business owners — prompting them to register or verify their business, complete annual filings or collect money for delinquency. The funds solicitated have typically far exceeded the state’s fee schedule.
Phone solicitations are specifically targeting Latino business owners, threatening fines and jail if they do not file immediately, eliciting a $200 payment.
“Washington businesses are a foundational aspect of our state and critical to our economy’s health,” Hobbs said in a statement. “Business owners deserve to feel protected and equipped with information to deny malicious attempts on their franchise.”
