You’ve just opened your own business and established a corporate entity or a limited liability company (LLC). Shortly thereafter, you receive a “notice” that you need to purchase and post a labor law poster. The notice typically comes from a company offering you to help stay in “compliance” and to avoid large fines. The price tag is large and the labor law poster notice looks something like this. Before you pay for the labor law poster, stop and look at the form carefully.

Companies like this get a list of new entities that have been approved by the Secretary of State’s Office and then send these official looking “notices” trying to get you to buy their labor law posters. In most, if not all, cases, the poster is unnecessary. Here are 4 steps to avoid labor law poster scams:

1. Take the time to understand the laws regarding work place posters. The U.S. Department of Labor does require some notices to be posted in work places, but the Department of Labor provides free electronic copies of the required labor law posters. You can download copies of the required posters here. While you may chose to pay for posters from a legitimate supplier, you should never have to pay for posters to be in compliance with Department of Labor regulations.

2. Understand government regulations for your business. Check with official government sources to inquire about the requirements and how to meet them before you pay a third party to handle your labor law poster compliance.

3. Fully and carefully inspect documents that appear to be invoices or payment notices.  Before you pay invoices similar to the one linked above, or send money for an unsolicited labor law poster, find out if the company who sent you the notice is legitimate. You should first look for an official business address and phone number, as well as a website. If you cannot find any real contact information on the company, you should do an internet search including the company name and the word “scam” to see if others have spotted a scam regarding the correspondence you received. You should never pay an invoice without double checking to make sure that it is for a service you authorized or that you actually need.

4. Don’t be afraid. Do not panic when you receive a threatening invoice. You should take time and do your research before you consider paying any such request.

We’re Here To Help

Our goal is to help clients be successful in their business endeavors. If you own a business, or plan to start a business, the business law attorneys at Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC can help. We can review documents to help you avoid paying unnecessary fees and expenses.  Contact us or call us at (573)686-2459. We’re here to help.