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If you own a business or know someone who does, you understand the importance of protecting intellectual property. Scammers are aware of this too, so they are impersonating the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to steal money from business owners.
How the Scam Works
According to a recent FTC alert, scammers contact businesses via phone calls, texts, or emails that appear to come from the Patent and Trademark Office in the US. They might even use the names of legitimate USPTO employees, such as a trademark examining attorney, and display what appears to be the agency’s phone number or seal.
Scammers then claim you need to act immediately to:
- Complete your trademark application before someone else registers it.
- Pay a fee to renew an existing trademark.
- Finalize approval of a recently granted trademark.
Their primary goal is to pressure recipients into paying immediately, either via phone or by clicking a link. Required payment methods include wire transfers, payment apps or gift cards. It’s designed to trick you into disclosing sensitive information and handing over money.
How to Stay Safe
- Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can spoof phone numbers to look like they’re from the USPTO.
- Know how the USPTO operates. The office will never ask for payment by phone, text, or email, and they won’t demand unusual payment methods like gift cards or payment apps.
- Verify trademark status yourself. Use the USPTO’s Trademark Status and Document Retrieval tool to check the progress of applications and registrations. For help, contact the Trademark Assistance Center at 1-800-786-9199.
Strengthen Your Business’s Cyber Defenses
Scams like these can jeopardize both your finances and intellectual property. That’s why small business owners need more than just vigilance — they need comprehensive protection.
By combining awareness with the right cybersecurity tools, you can keep your business safe from fraudsters who target hardworking entrepreneurs.
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This is sponsored content provided by Bitdefender. SCORE does not endorse specific products or services; opinions expressed are the sponsor’s.
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