HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry has initiated legal action against a Florida-based company, PA Corporate Certificates, LLC, accusing the firm and its owners of executing a fraudulent scheme that exploited over 1,000 Pennsylvania business owners.
The lawsuit, filed in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas, alleges that PA Corporate Certificates impersonated the Pennsylvania Department of State to solicit payments for a Subsistence Certificate—a legitimate document not required for all businesses. The company is accused of using deceptive letters resembling official government communications to mislead business owners into paying an inflated fee of $102.50, far exceeding the actual certificate cost of $40.
“This out-of-state company preyed on new business owners by allegedly impersonating a government agency,” Attorney General Michelle Henry emphasized, highlighting the harm caused to entrepreneurs and communities.
The lawsuit names the company and its owners—Brian Capobiano, Dean Marshlack, and David Marshlack—as defendants. It seeks an injunction to prevent further fraudulent activities in Pennsylvania, full reimbursement for affected business owners, and civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation of the law.
The Pennsylvania Department of State has also issued a public warning regarding the alleged scam, urging business owners who suspect they have received fraudulent solicitations to file complaints with the Office of Attorney General. Businesses were targeted via misleading letters, and while some received certificates, others did not.
This action by the Attorney General aims to protect small business owners from falling prey to deceptive and fraudulent practices. It is important for businesses to be vigilant and do thorough research before making any payments or signing contracts with unfamiliar companies.
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