People are always coming up with new ways to rip you off. The latest I ran into is a letter via snail-mail from the "Colorado Compliance Recorder" regarding my business in the state of Colorado. It came in a very official looking envelope. And the letter itself looked like something straight out of a government office. You can see them both here...

Envelope from the Colorado Compliance Recorder

Letter from the Colorado Compliance Recorder

If you get one of these it's very official looking. It contains a listing of the many dire consequences that will result if you do not comply, by sending them $150, immediately. There's even an extra charge you can pay for rush processing, and a fee if you file your paperwork late (both are very nice touches).

Of course, despite the attempt to look official, the whole thing is a scam.

If you look at the envelope, it actually says this is not an official government mailing, this is indicated with the red arrow.

In the letter itself, there's a section, at the bottom of course (marked in the arrows), which lets you know they are not an official government agency. Of course, this comes after several thousands words in which they attempt to convince you of the opposite.

I actually called the toll-free number in the letter. The first thing they asked me was what state I was from. So I guess these letters are going out to business in all sorts of states. Bottom line: If you get a letter from the Compliance Recorder in your home state, ignore it, it's a scam!