CA SOS Backs Bill to Stop Deceptive Business Solicitations

Throughout the years, the California Secretary of State (CA SOS) has issued many customer alerts regarding deceptive solicitations aimed at those doing business in the Golden State. In fact, the attorney general has received upwards of 1,000 complaints regarding these fraudulent solicitations. Most of the scams have involved similar tactics, including the mailing of official-looking documents warning that if the forms are not returned with payment by a certain date, the companies will risk loss of their status with the state of California. The fees requested in the scams have sometimes been as high as $495.

There is currently a bill (AB 75) making its way through the legislature that would require third-party vendors to include more obvious disclaimers on their solicitations. The disclaimers would make it clear that the documents received are not government documents—hopefully preventing more businesses from falling prey to these types of scams.

Secretary of State Debra Bowen is requesting support to ensure AB 75 makes it to the Governor's desk and is signed into law. Bowen is urging Californians to submit support letters to their legislative representatives. To view several sample letters urging your chamber to support this legislation, go here.

Parasec has been working for at least the past couple of years to get the word out about these ongoing scams and will continue to try to warn our clients about the potential for being deceived by these clever scam artists. Please feel free to give us a call at 1.800.533.7272 if you have any questions about documents you have received.