Warning to Small Business Owners: Beware of Fake “Labor Law Poster” Scam
As a small business owner, staying compliant with workplace posting requirements is essential—but beware of deceptive scams designed to exploit your lack of familiarity. Recently, there has been a surge in fraudulent schemes targeting businesses with fake “Labor Law Posters” that mimic official notices. One such scam involves a company operating under the name LPCC, attempting to charge fees for labor law posters that are typically available at no cost from government sources.
The Scam in a Nutshell
Recipients receive unsolicited notices, often in the form of letters, demanding payment for “State & Federal Labor Law Posters.” Scam communications may include:
- Inflated and varying fees (e.g., $135 or $295)
- A sense of urgency, warning that non-compliance could result in penalties
- Requests for payment via check or credit card
- Submission of personal or payment information to unofficial email addresses, such as Gmail
- Lack of official government branding or contact details
- Emphasis on “officiality,” despite no mention of being a government agency
Recognizing the Red Flags
It’s crucial for small businesses to be vigilant. Here are some warning signs that indicate you may be targeted by a scam:
- Demand for payment for free resources provided by government agencies
- Requests for sensitive financial information through unverified channels
- Unprofessional communication channels, such as personal email addresses
- Lack of official government identifiers or contact information
- Sense of urgency that pressures quick payment decisions
The Truth About Workplace Posters
Federal and state regulations mandate displaying specific workplace posters. However, these posters are available for free from official government sources, eliminating the need to pay third-party vendors:
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): https://www.dol.gov/general/topics/posters
- California Department of Industrial Relations: https://www.dir.ca.gov/wpnodb.html
How to Protect Your Business
If you’ve been approached by an entity like LPCC, know that paying them is unnecessary and could expose your business to fraud. Always verify the legitimacy of any communications regarding legal compliance, especially if they request personal or financial information.
Final Advice
- Do not send money to