New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the shutting down of two websites that impersonated the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) and significantly overcharged users for the department”™s services.
The misleading websites were created by Thomas Romano and his Albany-based company, Steamin”™ Weenie LLC. According to a press release from James”™ office, the websites used the NYSDOS official seal and logo, and one website referred to itself as the “Corporation Services Division,” a name similar to NYSDOS”™ Division of Corporations. The websites encouraged users to file several business-related documents with federal, state, and local entities for much higher prices than NYSDOS offered. One of the websites charged $135 for a certified copy of a certificate of incorporation, which cost only $10 from NYSDOS at the time.
In addition to shutting down the websites, James secured $44,387 in penalties from the company and its owner.
“Misleading consumers is not a smart business plan, it”™s unethical and illegal,” said James. “These websites deceived hardworking New Yorkers who were simply trying to open up their own business and file the necessary paperwork to do so. Scam artists may think they are savvy, but breaking state laws and conning New Yorkers will get you into hot water with my office. I encourage everyone to be vigilant and ensure the websites they are visiting to conduct government business are legitimate.”
Photo: One of the phony websites pretending to be a state resource
