(WNY News Now) – HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry announced today that her office has filed a lawsuit against a Florida-based company and its owners for allegedly impersonating the Pennsylvania Department of State in a scam targeting new business owners.
The lawsuit, filed in Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas, names PA Corporate Certificates, LLC, and its owners—Brian Capobiano, Dean Marshlack, and David Marshlack. The company is accused of soliciting payments from over 1,000 newly-registered businesses in Pennsylvania, offering them a Subsistence Certificate. While this document is legitimate and costs $40, it is not required for all businesses. PA Corporate Certificates inflated the price to $102.50 and used deceptive tactics to mislead business owners into believing the certificate was necessary.
“This out-of-state company preyed on new business owners by allegedly impersonating a government agency,” Attorney General Henry said. “Entrepreneurs and new businesses revitalize local economies and enhance communities, so the Office of Attorney General takes very seriously any and all attempts to exploit business owners.”
The fraudulent letters sent by PA Corporate Certificates were designed to resemble official correspondence from the Pennsylvania Department of State, further misleading recipients into paying for the unnecessary certificate. Some businesses received certificates, while others did not, leaving many owners with nothing to show for their payment.
The lawsuit seeks several remedies, including an injunction to stop the fraudulent activities, full refunds for affected business owners, and civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.
Business owners who have received a letter from PA Corporate Certificates are urged to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office online or by calling 1-800-441-2555.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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