Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

NYS Attorney General taking action on fraudulent government websites

New York State Attorney General Letitia James stands on a podium in front of the US flag and the New York State flag.
New York State
/
ny.gov
New York State Attorney General Letitia James speaks at a press conference.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James shut down two websites that claimed to be the New York State Department of State.

According to a press release, the fraudulent websites were created by Thomas Romano and his company Steamin' Weenie LLC.

The fake websites mimicked the NYSDOS' Division of Corporations site by using the agency's official seal and logo. The press release stated that the websites also allowed users to file various business-related documents for much higher prices than the official website.

For example, on the fraudulent website, a certified copy of a certificate of incorporation was $135. Whereas, on the official government website, it was only $10.

The press release explained that there were no disclosures on the fake websites that they were run by a private third-party company.

“Misleading consumers is not a smart business plan; it’s unethical and illegal,” Attorney General James said. “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.”

Attorney General James not only shut the websites down but also secured $44,387 in penalties from the company and its owner, according to the press release.

For more information on how to identify an authentic government website, see the "How to Identify a Government Website" section of the press release.