The Pennsylvania attorney general’s office recently filed a lawsuit in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas against Florida-based PA Corporate Certificates, LLC. and its owners alleging the company impersonated the Pennsylvania Department of State as part of a scam.
“This out-of-state company preyed on new business owners by allegedly impersonating a government agency,” Attorney General Michelle Henry said. “Entrepreneurs and new businesses revitalize local economies and enhance communities, so the Office of Attorney General takes very seriously any and all attempts to exploit business owners.”
According to the lawsuit, PA Corporate Certificates contacted Pennsylvania-based business owners via letter claiming to be the Department of State soliciting the purchase of a Subsistence Certificate. The letter misrepresented the purpose or benefit of the certificate, which is a legitimate document, and charged $102.50. The certificate’s real cost is $40. The company received payment from more than 1,000 business owners.
The attorney general’s office seeks an injunction to stop PA Corporate Certificates from operating in Pennsylvania. It also seeks civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation of the law and full refunds for every business owner who purchased a certificate.
Business owners who received a letter from PA Corporate Certificates are urged to file a complaint with the attorney general.