Beware of the “Labor Law Poster” Scam: A Warning for Small Business Owners
Small business owners and new LLC founders should stay vigilant against scams that target their compliance needs. Recently, a concerning scheme has come to light involving fake “Labor Law Poster” notices sent by a company calling itself LPCC. This scam aims to deceive business owners into paying for posters that are legally available for free from official government sources.
What Is the LPCC Scam?
The scam involves deceptive notices mailed to business owners, requesting payments ranging from $135 to $295 for state and federal labor law posters. These posters are mandatory for workplaces but are publicly accessible at no cost through legitimate channels.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Understanding the warning signs can help you avoid falling victim to this scam. Key indicators include:
- Urgent Language and False Compliance Threats: The notices emphasize urgency, suggesting that failing to pay will result in non-compliance with labor laws.
- Payment Requests via Check or Credit Card: They ask you to send a check or provide credit card information, often through insecure means.
- Unprofessional Contact Methods: The correspondence requests communication through a Gmail address, which is unprofessional for official government or legal matters.
- Lack of Official Endorsement: The notices do not identify any government agency as their source.
- Availability of Free Alternatives: Legitimate posters can be freely downloaded from government websites, making paid versions unnecessary.
Protect Your Business
Small businesses and new LLC owners are particularly vulnerable to such scams, as they might not yet be familiar with the proper channels for obtaining necessary legal posters. Remember, you do not need to pay for these posters; they are available at no cost from authoritative sources.
Where to Obtain Official Labor Law Posters
To ensure compliance and avoid scams, always access labor law posters directly from official government websites. Here are reliable sources:
- U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/topics/posters
- California State Posters: https://www.dir.ca.gov/wpnodb.html
Final Thoughts
Stay cautious and verify the authenticity of any notices requesting payments for legal compliance materials. If you’ve received a scam letter like this, do not respond or send any money. Spreading awareness helps protect fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners from falling prey to
