Small business owners, there’s a devious scam targeting your pockets, and it’s cloaked in the guise of an official-looking government notice. If you’ve got a UCC lien attached to your equipment thanks to a merchant cash advance, you need to be on high alert.
Don’t fall for fake government notices
Companies with quasi-governmental sounding names like CT UCC Statement Service are sending out solicitations, trying to trick businesses into coughing up $90 for a copy of a Uniform Commercial Code report. These letters might seem official, but it’s a total sham. They dress up their notices to look like they’re from the government, but these scam artists have absolutely no affiliation with any state or government body.
The real deal on accessing UCC reports
You need to know that obtaining a UCC report on your business doesn’t have to cost you a dime. That’s right, you can access these reports absolutely free through your state’s Secretary of State website. Don’t be fooled by fancy seals or threatening language on a piece of paper that’s nothing more than a scam.
Recognize the signs of a phony ‘notice’
These scammers are clever, using terms like “IMPORTANT” and “TIME SENSITIVE” to push you into making hasty decisions. They prey on your stress during busy times like filing deadlines. Don’t let them bully you into paying for something you can handle yourself for free. Always verify any such notices by contacting the appropriate government agency directly.
This scam is spreading like wildfire across New York and the rest of the country. Business owners nationwide need to keep their eyes peeled and guard their wallets.
Talk to your attorney
It’s natural to be worried about an old UCC lien that the MCA still has not been removed. But instead of trusting shady letters from unknown companies, talk to an attorney who helps businesses deal with these things.