Collect any evidence you can, such as copies of solicitations, emails, receipts, and screenshots of transactions. Official communications in Trademark Status & Document Retrieval (TSDR) could be included as evidence. Then, use the following checklist to take action against your scammer:
- Email TMScams@uspto.gov. We have a task force investigating suspicious activity.
- Contact your financial institutions, such as your bank or credit card company, to determine if you can dispute the charges.
- If you are concerned about the validity of your application or registration, or the conduct of any of the entities involved in your application or registration, consult with a private U.S.-licensed attorney knowledgeable about trademark law to evaluate your application or registration.
- File a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) immediately. The more information you provide, the more they can use to build cases against scammers.
- Contact your state consumer protection authorities and your state’s Attorney General. Most states have the authority to investigate companies involved in deceptive solicitations.
- File a consumer complaint with the Better Business Bureau and monitor your credit on a regular basis.
- Report the unauthorized practice of law to your state bar association.
Learn what steps to take if your application is suspended in a fraud investigation.