Stay Alert: Scams Impacting AFH Providers
We’ve recently become aware of a rising number of scams targeting business owners, including AFH providers. It’s crucial to remain cautious with any communication you receive, even if it appears to be from a trusted source. Always verify the sender before responding and never share personal or business information with anyone you don’t fully trust. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the latest scams to watch out for, along with tips on how to protect your AFH from malicious threats.
Business Formation Filing Fee Scam
This most recent scam requests that business owners pay a fee for filing their formation documents and even cites RCWs. This notice is NOT from the Washington Secretary of State (SOS) office and may contain inaccurate information.
Always login to your secure account at the SOS website for the most updated and correct information.
Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Scams
The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report is a recent federal requirement for certain businesses. Please note that any correspondence regarding your BOI that references a “Form 4022”,“Form 5102”, or other documents referencing a “US Business Regulations Dept” are fraudulent.
Additionally, filing a BOI is completely free. If you receive a payment request from FinCEN or any other agency, do not respond, click any links, or download any files from the request.
Learn more about BOI requirements and whether your business may need to file at our AFH news post.
Other Common Scams
Bad actors will also attempt to reach you via text message, email, phone calls, and mailings. Please note:
- Text Messages: The Corporations and Charities Division does not communicate through text messages. They also do not use Google Forms or send them via text.
- Emails: All official email communication is sent from an email that ends in sos.wa.gov
- Phone Calls: The Corporations and Charities Division will only communicate by phone if a request or form has been submitted to our office, or you have requested or initiated a callback
- Mailings: All notices or documents sent by mail include the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division Letterhead
Get information on other common scams at the official SOS website.
Prevent and Detect Business Identity Theft
- Protect your business records and sensitive information – Use a secure location and keep a records inventory.
- Know who you share your information with – Protect your SSN, your EIN, personal, and financial information when dealing with a vendor. Do your homework to verify who you are doing business or contracting with.
- Shred sensitive documents when they are no longer needed.
- Limit and monitor employee access to sensitive information.
- Review your accounts and business documents on a regular basis – Be aware of unusual charges, changes to accounts or unintended changes in your Secretary of State or Business Licensing information.
Get more information on business identity theft at the official SOS website.
Not a Member Yet?
Membership fees enable the Council to cover legal expenses and fund staff to advocate with the state and regulatory agencies. The participation of every adult family home is vital to ensuring fair regulations and rates that accurately reflect the costs of caring for our vulnerable adults. Consider becoming a member of the Council to help us continue improving conditions for all adult family homes in Washington State.