I get this crap for domain name renewal notices. Warns about the deadline coming up and it's time to renew a few months before the actual date.
But they're very obscure that it's not your current registrar and you're changing companies.
I used to own a boat, a USCG documented vessel. Every year I'd get an official looking letter to renew my documentation. They used a logo that looked somewhat like the Coast Guard logo, and nowhere in the letter or website did they make it clear this was not official. For a $75 charge, they would renew your $25 documentation (above the fee, of course). When I notified the Coast Guard, they replied that there is nothing wrong with companies providing this sort of "service". I realized it for what it was, but I wonder how many people get taken by this borderline scam.
There is a company that does this with trademark renewals. Really sleazy.
There are many companies that do this with trademark renewals. The same orgs usually “help” with registering international trademarks too.
Also happens (or used to happen) with FAFSA for college students. Sites will charge $75 to submit your FAFSA. They never tell you that FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
this has been going on since forever. I remember my dad talking to me about it when I was young. He basically threw straight into the trash anything that wasn't first class mail. Just look at the postage. If it's a bulk rate letter, it's nothing you need to worry about.
You have laws against impersonating a police officer, and laws against infringing trade marks. Why not a law against impersonating official institutions?
Comcast is the absolute worst about this. The number of mailings I get from them that look like paystubs or official tax forms is absolutely ridiculous. It enrages me every time.
What's funny is that when a credit card company mails you your new card, they tend to send it in the most boring nondescript envelopes ever.
gross. i got a letter that looked like the bill for the record of a deed. but you can get the deed for free from the town. i wish consumer protection agency would do something about these scam companies.