UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) filing scams are on the rise, and business owners should be cautious of fraudulent messages requesting sensitive information. These scams involve fake UCC statements coming from a third party to steal money from business owners, threatening their business’s financial standing.
Common scam tactics:
- A letter seemingly from a government agency urging you to pay fees
- Emails regarding a problem with a UCC filing
- Scammers file fake UCC filings on behalf of your business
Ways to protect your business from UCC fraud include:
- Set up Google Alerts™ for yourself and your business
- Verify filings with the Secretary of State’s office and correct errors when detected
- Educate your team on how to recognize phishing scams and fraudulent requests
- Rely on legal and financial professionals to deal with filings and other related matters
- Keep all stamped acknowledgements from in-person and virtual filings
- Report anything suspicious or any scam you come across
As UCC scams become more common, it’s important to stay vigilant and watch out for suspicious activity. By taking these steps, you can protect your business from the aftermath of falling victim to these scams. As a reminder, never share sensitive information and always confirm the filings and organization are legitimate before taking any steps.